Georgian Biodiversity Map – National Geographic

For the first time, Georgia has a Biodiversity Map. In collaboration with National Geographic Magazine-Georgia and the Georgian National Museum, a Map of Biodiversity in the South Caucasus and its website were recently created.

On the printed map there are 98 species represented, with their Latin, Georgian and English names and their conservation status according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The large scale (3 x 1.5 metres) printed version of the map is displayed at the Caucasus Biodiversity Exhibition of the Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia.

The first stage has incorporated 120 illustrations and basic biodiversity information on species found in the South Caucasus (mostly in Georgia) an the electronic version of the map. The description, prepared by a field specialist, provides key information about each species.

It aids people interested in flora and fauna of the region in the identification of species – molluscs, insects, fish, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. For example, it includes the Burnet Tamar Moth, Caucasian Carabus Ground Beetle, Black Sea Salmon, Northern Banded Newt, Caucasian Agama, Dalmatian Pelican, White-Winged Redstart, Long-Clawed Mole Vole, Jungle Cat, and many other regional species.

In the future, both electronic and printed maps will be developed with additional species and habitats in neighbouring countries.

Scientists from the Georgian National Museum worked with species specialists from Ilia State University, with oversight by the National Geographic team of specialists who supervised the illustrators to create high quality images for each species represented on the maps.

The creation of the first ever illustrated Map of Biodiversity in the South Caucasus was entirely supported by the GIZ “Integrated Biodiversity Management, South Caucasus” Project.

Caucasian Tur

Caucasian Parsley Frog

Dalmatian Pelican

Eurasian lynx

Red Deer

Blunt-Nosed Viper

MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of: Similar But Different in the Animal Kingdom (2017), The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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