Pskhu-Gumista Strict Nature Reserve

Pskhu-Gumista Strict Nature Reserve is a protected area in Sukhumi District, Georgia, covering diverse mountain and valley habitats. The reserve encompasses ecosystems ranging from coastal slopes to high alpine environments with varied plant and animal life.

The reserve was established in the 1940s to protect natural habitats and wildlife populations. A later expansion significantly enlarged the protected area to include additional territories of ecological value.

The reserve serves as a research center where scientists study and monitor the local wildlife and plant species. This work helps expand understanding of the mountain ecosystems found in the Caucasus region.

Access requires special permits and visitors must follow strict guidelines to protect the natural environment. Understanding these restrictions ahead of time helps you prepare properly for a visit that respects the reserve's conservation goals.

The reserve shelters rare animal species such as Caucasian Red Deer and West Caucasian tur, along with many plant species found nowhere else. These endemic plants are remnants of ancient forests that once covered much of the region.