Sheskharis Juniper Woodland, Natural monument in Krasnodar Krai, Russia.

Sheskharis Juniper Woodland covers 997 hectares on the southern slopes of the Markotkh Range, 2 km southeast of Novorossiysk, reaching 736 m above sea level. Open juniper stands with crown closure of 0.2–0.3 grow on Cretaceous limestone and marl. Prickly juniper forms a second tier beneath tall juniper 4.5–6 m high and 60–170 years old, with downy oak and oriental hornbeam; the grey-brown, rough-barked trunks rise from low scrub.

The woodland lies on the southern slopes of the Markotkh Range, within the Sheskharis forest district (quarters 81–89) of the Novorossiysk forestry enterprise, 861 ha, and the Kabardinka district of the Gelendzhik enterprise, 139 ha, totalling 997 ha. The juniper stands are ancient relict ecosystems that survive in Russia only on the northern Black Sea coast; two of the three juniper species, Juniperus excelsa and Juniperus foetidissima, are listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation. Felling, fires, grazing and resort construction have heavily disturbed the site, and juniper regeneration is poor.

The name Sheskharis comes from the area's forest district, and the woodland is known for a juniper forest type on limestone that botanists call Juniperetum jasmino-brachypodiosum, after the jasmine shrub and the short-awned grass in its undergrowth. In May the steppe-like glades fill with feather grass and Crimean and yellow asphodel.

Visitors should stick to marked trails and respect conservation rules, as this is a protected natural area managed by authorities. It is best to check with local officials before visiting to confirm access is permitted and to learn about seasonal conditions.

Two of the three junipers here, Juniperus excelsa and Juniperus foetidissima, are listed in the Russian Red Book. These stands are relic ecosystems that survive in Russia only on the northern Black Sea coast, and the trees reach 100 to 170 years old.