The Black Sea coast of the Caucasus is a region stretching along the Black Sea from the border with Turkey to the Taman Peninsula. It includes coastal areas of the Krasnodar Territory, Abkhazia and Georgia. The Black Sea coast of the Caucasus is famous for its rich nature, warm climate and an abundance of tourist centers. The most famous resort cities of the region are Sochi, Adler, Anapa, Gagra, Tuapse, Gelendzhik and others. In addition to the long swimming season and the abundance of beaches, tourists are attracted by the picturesque nature of the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus.
The climate of the region
The Black Sea coast of the Caucasus is located in the subtropical zone.
The warm climate is provided by the peculiarity of the relief. The narrow strip between the sea and the mountains maintains a positive temperature in winter and moderately high in summer. This can be explained by the fact that the mountains do not allow cold air from the north, and the sea heated during the summer gives off heat to the air in winter. But in the region there is an uneven rainfall. In the northern part, the climate is drier and there is little rain. To the south of Tuapse, the height of the mountains increases, and this provides a large amount of rainfall during the year. But still, the region has more than 120 warm sunny days. This climate provides the uniqueness of the nature of the Black Sea coast.
Features of the relief of the region
The Black Sea coast stretches along the sea for more than 600 kilometers.
The long coastline is rather slightly indented and has mostly smooth outlines. Near the sea, the mountain ranges are low, but in some places they approach the water itself and form bizarre cliffs and cliffs. North of Anapa, the beach is sandy and low, with many braids and estuary lakes. The nature of the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus is striking in its diversity: from subtropical landscapes with palm trees to deep gorges, waterfalls and glaciers. The farther east of the sea, the higher the mountains.
Flora of the Black Sea coast
A mild subtropical climate creates favorable conditions for the growth of many plants. There are more than six thousand species in the region. There are many relict plants: laurel cherry, rhododendron, holly colchis, juniper high and others. The mountains are covered with rich woody vegetation with a predominance of oak, hornbeam and conifers. Evergreen shrubs and vines, palm trees and magnolias grow in the south of the region. In the coldest season, the temperature here does not fall below 4-5 degrees, and the conditions for these plants are favorable. Thanks to the excellent climate, crop production in the region is developed, tea, grapes, citrus fruits and other crops are successfully grown.
Fauna of the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus
Unlike other territories of the Caucasus region, this region is very peculiar. The animals that are found there are more characteristic of the Mediterranean. Fauna of the coast is relatively poor, despite favorable weather conditions. Who can be found in this region?
1. Beautiful and unusual insects in these places. From far away you can hear the chirping of cicadas, you can meet large beautiful butterflies, for example a very rare oleander hawthorn. Large beetles are common - ground beetles, many fireflies, mollusks and millipedes. Some insects do harm, such as a malaria mosquito or large scolopendras that bite painfully. There are many insect pests: wine weevil weevil, fruit moth and even worms that destroy wooden buildings.
2. Mammals are represented in this region by only 60 species, but they are very peculiar. The carnivorous animals of the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus are interesting: the Caucasian bear, jackals, lynx and leopard are very beautiful and dangerous. Deer, roe deer and wild boars are widespread. A lot of bats. Rare species include otters, chamois, and tours.
3. The birds of the Black Sea coast are also quite peculiar. In addition to the well-known ones that fill the Caucasian forests in spring and autumn during the flight, there are also special species: the Caucasian black grouse, dipper, big buzzard, yellow, horned lark, eagle-lamb, witch and many others.
4. There are quite few reptiles and amphibians in this region. There are turtles, many lizards, newts and snakes. Rare species include boas and red vipers, as well as large toads, found only in the Caucasus.
Water world of the region
Tourists visiting the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus are rarely in the depths of the region. Most often, they relax on the shore and therefore get acquainted mainly with the inhabitants of the sea and coastal zone. The water world of the region is also very peculiar. There are many types of commercial fish: herring, mullet, flounder, needle-fish and others. From freshwater in the river, trout is common. Sea inhabitants are very interesting: dolphins, seahorses, jellyfish and shrimp. They are all exterminated for food, fat, or just for fun.
