Regions of Georgia

Colchic · foothills

Abkhazia combines the Black Sea coast, Colchic forests, and Caucasus foothills. The humid climate and large elevation range create varied habitats for both lowland and mountain reptiles. Recorded species in the region include Caucasian and Dinnik’s vipers.

Colchis · Svaneti

Samegrelo — Zemo Svaneti extends from the Colchis lowlands to the high mountains of Svaneti. Humid forests, river valleys, and alpine zones meet within one region, so reptile composition changes markedly with elevation and habitat.

Colchic · subtropical

Guria is defined by a humid subtropical climate, Colchic forests, and river valleys. This environment is especially suitable for reptiles tied to moist habitats, while species typical of eastern Georgia’s dry zones are less common here.

Colchic · coastal

Adjara is one of western Georgia’s most humid regions. Humid subtropical forests, mountain valleys, and the Black Sea coast create varied environments for reptiles. The region has Caucasus viper, grass snake and dice snake, smooth snake, and other species.

Karst · Rioni basin

Imereti is defined by karst mountains, wooded valleys, and the Rioni basin. The region has humid habitats characteristic of western Georgia, while more continental environmental signals appear toward the east.

High mountain · subalpine

Racha — Lechkhumi — Kvemo Svaneti is defined by high forests, subalpine meadows, and rocky gorges. Montane taxa such as Dinnik’s viper are more characteristic than lowland fauna.

Volcanic plateau

Samtskhe — Javakheti features volcanic plateaus, highland lakes, and dry foothills. Open, often cool habitats differ from Colchic west Georgia — the nose-horned viper and Darevsky’s viper occur here; Caucasus viper is recorded in the Borjomi gorge.

Plain · Mtkvari valley

Shida Kartli bridges dry and semi-humid zones via plains, foothills, and the Mtkvari valley. Western and eastern faunal elements meet — from nose-horned viper to fast racers.

Greater Caucasus

Mtskheta — Mtianeti covers Greater Caucasus peaks, the upper forest belt, and subalpine meadows. It is classic range for montane reptiles, including Dinnik’s viper.

Dry plain · Mtkvari

Kvemo Kartli’s dry plains, rocky foothills, and Mtkvari basin favor warmth-loving species. Here appears the Levantine viper — one of eastern Georgia’s most significant venomous snakes.

Alazani · semi-arid

Kakheti’s Alazani valley, dry foothills, and semi-arid belts shape eastern Georgia’s distinctive fauna. Warmth-loving, dry-habitat taxa dominate — Levantine viper, fast racers, and cat snake.

Urban · Mtkvari

In Tbilisi, reptiles mainly occur in valleys around the city, parks, green areas, and riverside habitats, not in central urban districts. Atlas records from Tbilisi and its surroundings include Levantine viper, nose-horned viper, several ratsnakes and racers, grass and dice snakes, glass lizard, and other species. Encounters inside the city are rare but possible. If a snake bites someone, call 112 immediately.