Animals of the Republic of Adygea

The Republic of Adygea is one of the most picturesque corners of the Russian Federation. The forests of Adygea are one of its most important treasures. They occupy almost 40% of the territory. The forest serves as a wonderful habitat for many species of mammals.

SQUIRREL

Appearance. In Adygea, the common squirrel settled from the Teberdinsky reserve, where it was acclimatized in 1937. Squirrel body length is 200-240 mm. The head is round, the eyes are large, black, the ears are relatively long, with a tassel at the end. In the summer color of the fur, two variants are expressed - the back is dark gray and white belly or red, bright red back and white belly.

Spreading. In Adygea, it occurs in the forest-steppe and in deciduous and dark-coniferous forests.

Lifestyle. The common squirrel is found in deciduous, coniferous and mixed forests. It feeds on seeds of coniferous trees, mushrooms, beech nuts, oak acorns, berries. The squirrel is diurnal. Hollows of trees or nests, which are called "gaino", serve as a refuge, their squirrels are located at a height of about 10 m. The number of litters is from 2 to 3 per year, each contains from 2 to 12 individuals. They become sexually mature in the 9th month of life, but they begin to reproduce in the second year of life.

Economic value ... A valuable object of commercial hunting.

WOLF

Appearance ... The body length is 105-160 cm. Outwardly, the wolf looks like a long-legged large domestic dog. The wolf's neck is short, inactive, the muzzle is wide, elongated, the ears are pointed. The color of the fur is variable - from whitish-gray to sandy-yellow, usually it is gray, with a reddish or blackish tint, the belly and paws are somewhat lighter. The hair is thick and fluffy.

Spreading. In Adygea, the wolf is found in the steppe zone, forest-steppe, deciduous and dark-coniferous forests, subalpine and alpine belts.

Lifestyle. The wolf lives in the steppes, subalpine and alpine meadows. Active at dusk and at night. It feeds on rodents, hares, ungulates, as well as plant foods. He makes lairs in deep forests. Wolves lead a family lifestyle - pairs persist for a long time or for life. The litter contains 6-7, sometimes up to 13 cubs, which are born in February. Males become sexually mature in the third year of life, and females - in the second year.

Economic value. The wolf is a dangerous predator, its number must be strictly controlled and regulated.

ZUBR

Status - 5th category. A rare species that recovers its numbers with the active help of humans. The Caucasian subspecies has disappeared, and work is underway in the mountainous regions of the country to restore free herds of a hybrid form - the Caucasian-Belovezhskiy bison. It is included in the Red Data Books of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Adygea.

Appearance ... Large mammal, body length up to 350 cm. Females are smaller than males. They are characterized by a massive physique with a powerful body, large head, short limbs and a tail. The eyes are small. The front part of the body, except for the end of the muzzle, is covered with long, mostly curly hair. The hair is long at the end of the tail.

Body coloration in winter it is dark brown, in summer it is lighter and redder.

Spreading. In Adygea, it occurs in deciduous forests, subalpine and alpine belts.

Lifestyle ... In the North Caucasus, bison is a restored species. In Adygea, it is mainly found in the Caucasian reserve. In 1999, there were 300 individuals of bison in the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve, and 120 individuals in the Adyghe branch of the Caucasian Reserve. In winter, bison keep more within the forest belt, in summer they climb the mountains. They feed on plants, branches, leaves, bark of trees and shrubs. In summer, bison grazes in the morning and evening, in winter it feeds during the day. Leads a herd or group lifestyle. Females give birth to one calf, rarely two.

Economic value. Protected animal.

ROE

Appearance ... The body length is 100 - 155 cm. The roe deer has a graceful constitution, high legs, a long neck, a small head, and a short tail. In males, horns have 3-5 tines. The color is monochromatic - in winter it is gray or brownish, in summer it is red or rusty-red. The belly is white. The hair is rough and brittle.

Spreading ... In the Republic of Adygea, it occurs in the steppe zone, in the forest-steppe, deciduous and dark-coniferous forests. Lifestyle. Roe deer enter the steppe zone along river valleys, their favorite places are light, with dense forest undergrowth. They feed on shoots, leaves, buds, herbaceous plants, lichens, acorns, berries. They make autumn and spring migrations. The female brings one or two kids.

Economic value ... Commercial type. Roe deer sometimes damage young forest plantations.

FOX

Appearance. The animal is of medium size with an elongated slender body, body length 60-90 cm. The muzzle is narrow, pointed, the ears are high, pointed, wide at the base. Coloring from reddish-orange to yellowish-gray, Chest white, belly white or black, dorsum of ears black, tip of tail white. There are black-brown and silver-black foxes. The hair is thick, soft and fluffy.

Spreading.

Lifestyle. Fox - found in forests, steppes, along river valleys, in the mountains. It feeds on mouse-like rodents, hares, birds, insects, berries. Digs shallow, simple burrows. Active around the clock. In April, foxes give birth to puppies, in a litter there are up to 12 individuals. Foxes become sexually mature at 9-10 months.

Economic value. The fox is useful, as it destroys a huge number of harmful rodents. It is the most important object of the fur trade, but in some places it harms poultry farms.

HAMSTER PRE-CAUCASIAN

Appearance. Body length 150-185 mm. The coloration of the back is grayish-brown, with a large development of rusty-yellowish shades in old individuals, in young ones it is gray. The chin, throat and chest of a Caucasian hamster are black in color, extending to the middle of the belly. On the general reddish-brown background, black and white spots are clearly visible.

Spreading ... In Adygea, it occurs in the steppe zone and the forest-steppe belt.

Lifestyle. The Ciscaucasian hamster settles in cultivated fields, virgin lands, in forest belts, in perennial grasses. In addition to a dwelling burrow, the hamster also has pantries, where, without mixing one with the other, it contains food reserves. It feeds on plant food, sprouted seeds, stores grain for the winter. The female brings one or two litters per year, where there are up to 15 cubs.

Economic value ... The hamster is harmful to agriculture, it is the carrier of the causative agent of tularemia.

DRILL CAUCASIAN

Appearance ... Body length 51-82 mm. The color of the fur above is gray-reddish-brown, the sides are distinguished by a fawn tone, the underside of the body is silvery-white, with a slight yellow bloom.

Spreading. In Adygea, it occurs in the steppe zone, forest-steppe, in deciduous and dark-coniferous forests, subalpine and alpine belts.

Lifestyle ... Active all year round and around the clock. Most of the shrew's life is spent in search of food. Nests from dry plant residues are located on the ground or in abandoned rodent burrows. The shrew feeds on insects, worms, and small vertebrates; eats food 2-3 times more than its weight every day.

Economic value ... Destroys harmful insects and serves as food for predatory mammals and birds.

HARE RUSAK

Appearance ... Body length 50-70 cm, weight about 4 kg. The ears are long, bent forward, protruding far beyond the end of the muzzle. The hind legs are long. In summer, the color of the hare is reddish-gray, with black ripples, the sides are lighter, without ripples. Ears with black borders. The tail is black on top. In winter, the color is lighter.

Spreading. In Adygea, it occurs in the steppe zone, forest-steppe, in deciduous and dark-coniferous forests, subalpine and alpine belts.

Lifestyle. The brown hare lives everywhere, in forest belts and in the fields, in the forest on the edges overgrown with bushes. In summer it feeds on herbaceous plants, in winter - on dry grass, bark and shoots of various trees and shrubs. Active during twilight hours. The brown hare does not make holes in the ground; during the day it also lies in secluded places. During the year, the female brings 3-4 litters, in each of 3, less often - 7 individuals. The number of hares is decreasing due to the use of chemicals and fertilizers in agriculture.

Economic value. The hare is an object of fishing, its meat and skin are used, however, the hare harms gardens and forest plantations.

BOAR

Appearance. Large animals, body length 165 cm, weight up to 170 kg. The body of the wild boar is short, massive, short neck, large head, short tail. The ears are long and wide, the muzzle is elongated, ending in a patch. In females, the upper and lower canines protrude upward from the mouth. Body coloration from black and reddish-brown to sandy and silvery-gray. The hair is rough and bristly. Piglets are light brown, with bright longitudinal stripes on the back and sides.

Spreading. In Adygea, it occurs in the steppe zone, forest-steppe, in deciduous and dark-coniferous forests, in the subalpine belt.

Lifestyle. The wild boar inhabits deciduous, dark coniferous and riparian forests. It feeds on plant and animal feed: In summer it is active from sunset to dawn, and in winter it feeds during daylight hours. Leads a group or herd lifestyle; old males keep alone. There are 4 to 14 piglets in a brood.

Economic value ... A game animal, sometimes damages crops.

MOLE CAUCASIAN

Appearance. Body length 111 - 139 mm. The color is black. The underside of the body is slightly lighter than the back.

Spreading. In Adygea, it occurs in the steppe zone, forest-steppe, in deciduous and dark-coniferous forests, in the subalpine and alpine belts.

Lifestyle ... The Caucasian mole is found in various forests, bushes and mountain meadows. The abundance is higher in deciduous forests. Moles live in underground structures. Nests are located at a depth of 50 cm. Moles are active throughout the year and around the clock. They feed on earthworms, insects and their larvae.

Economic value moles are diverse. The skins can be used on furs. By eating harmful insects, moles are also beneficial. In meadows where there are a lot of molehills, machine harvesting of hay becomes more difficult.

BEAR BROWN

Appearance. Body length 200 cm. Large animal of heavy constitution, with massive thick limbs. The head is wide, with a short muzzle, the ears are small, rounded. The color of the fur is from brownish fawn to dark brown. There is sometimes a small white or whitish spot on the chest. The hair is thick, rough and shaggy.

Spreading. In Adygea, it occurs in deciduous and dark coniferous forests, subalpine and alpine belts.

Lifestyle. The brown bear lives in forests and mountains. It feeds on berries, seeds, fruits, nuts, insects, chicks, fish, mammals. Cubs appear in the den in January. The female brings 1-2 cubs.

Economic value. Bears are hunted for their hide and meat. Sometimes the bear harms crops, apiaries, livestock.

The practice area is characterized by a moderately warm, humid climate. Summers are hot, winters are mild. The average amount of precipitation per year is 820 mm in the area of ​​the village of Kamennomostsky, 740 mm in the area of ​​the village of Dakhovskaya. June is considered the rainiest month (tested during practice). Very frequent thunderstorms, sometimes with hail. The wind direction is mainly southeast and north. The average monthly speed throughout the year ranges from 1.2 to 3.5 m / s; the maximum can reach 28 m / s.

River network. The territory of the Republic of Adygea has a developed river network. The rivers flowing here are divided into two classes: plain - r. Kuban and mountain - p.p. Laba, Belaya, Pshish, Psekups. By the nature of their feeding, the rivers are divided into 2 main groups:

Rivers with glacier, snow, rain and spring food. These include the rivers Kuban, Laba, Belaya.

Rivers fed by snow, rain and spring. These include the "Trans-Kuban" rivers - Pshish, Psekups, Afips. These rivers are fed by 10% spring, 20% by snow and 70% by rain.

The soil.

The flat territory of Adygea is rich in land resources. Here are the most fertile typical chernozems, the best relief conditions for the use of agricultural machinery, good moisture, high heat supply. Towards the Caucasus mountains, the soil cover of the Republic of Adygea changes in accordance with natural conditions. Therefore, along with chernozems (meadow, leached, merged), the following types of soils are distinguished in the republic: gray and brown forest, sod-calcareous, mountain-forest and mountain-meadow soils. In the valleys of Belaya and Laba, meadow (floodplain) chernozems lie in narrow strips from 2-3 km to 15 km. The geological activity of these rivers during the glacial epoch caused the formation of powerful deposits in the form of terraces. It was on these terraces that meadow and meadow-chernozem soils were formed.

Vegetable world.

The mountainous regions of Adygea are characterized by subalpine and alpine meadows, low-mountain and mid-mountain forests. The main forest resources of Adygea are concentrated in the Maikop region - 98% of all forests. In a relatively small area, there are over 6,000 plant species, including 20% ​​of them are unique and are not found anywhere else. In the composition of forests there are many ancient plants, they are found in the tree layer, which include all the main forest-forming species (beech, fir, spruce, pine, linden, etc.), evergreen shrubs and deciduous.

Animal world.

The amazing fauna of Adygea is very diverse and rich.

In total, there are 87 species of mammals, 91 species of fish, 275 species of birds, 11 species of amphibians, 19 species of reptiles and several species of invertebrates.

The yellow-throated and field mice, white-toothed shrew, Caucasian mole, European hare and fox are widespread and common.

The forest regions of the mountain belt are characterized by such subspecies of animals as: bear, lynx, badger.

In Adygea (in the Maikop district), the most popular animals are such birds as: Caucasian black grouse, griffon vulture, stenolaz, etc. The main attraction of the republic's fauna is the mountain bison (Fig. 1)

Fig 1. Mountain bison.

By the nature of the relief, Adygea can be divided into three parts: plain - from the latitudinal course of the Kuban River to the latitude of Khanskaya - Kuzhorskaya - Natyrbovo; foothill - up to the latitude of Kamennomostsky (up to the Rocky Range) and mountain - up to the southern borders of the republic.

The southern part of the Kuban Plain, Zakubanskaya, is located in a zone of a foothill trough and is a lowland that gradually turns into an elevated foothill plain. A strip of foothills stretches from the city of Maikop, which lies at an altitude of 230 m above sea level. m., and reaches approximately the village of Kamennomostsky. Here there are low (up to 300 - 500 m), gentle, oak-covered ridges, dissected by wide river valleys. Some peaks reach 700 - 900 meters.

Along the line Abadzekhskaya - Maikop - Yaroslavskaya there is a wide strip of asymmetric ridges stretching parallel to the Main Caucasian ridge - cuest. Their southern slope is steep, and the northern slope is gentle. The formation of cuestas is associated with uneven erosion of rocks of different strength and with their inclination to one side, in this case to the northeast. The width of the cuesta strip increases from west to east, reaching 45 km in the Kurdzhips river basin.

The northernmost cuesta, which is sometimes called wooded, is strongly dissected by river valleys and gullies, therefore it is not equally well expressed in relief everywhere. The second cuesta is represented by individual asymmetric heights composed of chalk limestones and marls. The presence of convenient pastures on the gentle slopes of this cuesta was, obviously, the reason why it is often called the Pasture Range in geographical literature. In addition, both northern cuestas are covered with dense beech forests, which gives them a dark look against the background of the snow-white peaks of the Main Caucasus Range.

The southern cuesta, or the Rocky Range, is a high (1200 - 2300 m) limestone scarp facing south. It stretches for a considerable distance from northwest to southeast, starting with the peaks Fisht and Oshten and ending in Dagestan. The ridge part of the Rocky Range is composed of Upper Jurassic limestones, replaced below by clay shales of the Middle and Lower Jurassic. Undergoing intense weathering, the limestones of the southern slope of the Rocky Range acquired bizarre shapes of peaks, towers, grottoes. Karst is developed in many places, represented by saucers, funnels, sinkholes and caves. By deep mountain valleys, the Rocky Range is divided into separate asymmetric blocks. River valleys crossing cuesta ridges form picturesque gorges (Jurassic, Granitnoe, Perm on the Belaya River). On the northern slope of the ridge, longitudinal valleys are also often found, stretching between cuesta ridges. They are distinguished by soft relief features, significant width and asymmetric structure. In a mountainous landscape, these are the most convenient places for settlements. The Dakh River flows here, on the banks of which the village of Dakhovskaya is located.

The high-mountainous part of the North-West Caucasus is represented by the system of the Advanced and Dividing Ridges. Here the relief has a high-mountain glacial-tectonic and erosion-tectonic character, due to the presence of folded-block structures of the pre-Mesozoic age. Glacial landforms are widespread: karry, circuses, trough valleys. The Main Caucasian ridge begins with the Fisht-Oshten mountain range. On some mountain ranges that reach the snow boundary, in particular on Mount Fisht, there are small valley glaciers. On the slopes of Fisht, Oshten, as well as on the vast Lagonaki highlands, karst landforms are developed, due to the wide distribution of Upper Jurassic limestones here.

Most of the mountains of Adygea are occupied by the Lagonak Highlands. It stretches from north to south and from west to east for more than 40 - 45 km. Its average height is 1200 - 1800 m. The major orographic elements of the highland are: ridges - Guam, Lagonak, Azish-Tau, Kamennoe More, Nagoy-Chuk; plateau - Montenegro, Murzikao, Iron. The high-mountainous zone includes the southern part of the Lagonaki Upland, the mountains of the Main Caucasian ridge.

The center of the high-mountainous part of the Lagonaki Upland is the Fishta mountain group. The height of Fisht is 2867 m. Its southern, eastern and western slopes are steep and dissected by glacial cirques, troughs, karst hollows, tectonic cracks. In the northwest, Fisht connects with the Pshekha-Su massif, 2743 m high. To the north-east of Pshekha-Su lies the Oshten massif (2804 m). The mountains Chugush (3238 m), Dzhemaruk (3099 m), Tybga (3064 m), Urushten (3020 m) are the highest mountains in the republic. They are located within the Caucasian State Biosphere Reserve, are little visited and are not used for recreational activities.

Climate

The climate of the Republic of Adygea is moderately warm and mild. The nature of the atmospheric circulation has a great influence on the formation of the climate in the region. The duration of the sunshine is also an important climatic and recreational characteristic of the area. In general, in the republic there are from 200 to 250 clear days a year; total solar radiation is 115 - 120 kcal / cm2.

To a large extent, the nature of the climate of Adygea is determined by the peculiarities of the geographic location of the republic, first of all, by the proximity of the ice-free Black Sea, the latitude of the area, the height and distribution of the mountain ranges of the North-Western Caucasus. The Black Sea is a good "accumulator" of heat, accumulating it in the summer and gradually giving it back to the surrounding areas in the winter. At the same time, it is the focus of the formation of the so-called Black Sea cyclones, carrying moisture to the coastal areas. In turn, the Caucasus Mountains delay the moist winds of the western components and contribute to sufficient moisture in the republic's territory in the spring-summer period. Therefore, precipitation in Adygea falls twice as much as, for example, in the northern steppe zone of the Krasnodar Territory. The number of days with precipitation in general for the year is 115 - 150. Warm days a year 200 - 210.

The fallout of precipitation across the territory of the republic is very uneven, especially in the foothill-mountainous zone. In general, their number increases with height. However, the distribution of precipitation is greatly influenced by the orography of the area. Thus, the northern scarp of the Lagonaki Upland is a kind of "orographic screen" in front of which the amount of precipitation increases sharply. The highest average annual precipitation (2744 mm) was recorded at the Belorechensky Pass.

The wind regime of the territory is also subject to the orography of the area. So, if in art. Dakhovskoy is dominated by winds of the northern and southeastern directions, then located in the valley of the river. White settlement Guzeripl - north, north-east, south and south-west directions. Wind speeds in the area are relatively low. The largest storm winds are observed mainly in the winter period and are associated exclusively with the passage of atmospheric fronts. A characteristic feature of the wind regime of the mountain and foothill zone is the presence of mountain-valley winds.

Despite the small length of the territory of Adygea from north to south (about 200 km), the climate of the republic is very diverse. In its northern lowland part, the climate is temperate continental, in the foothills it is warm, humid, and in the southern part there is a cold climate of the highlands.

In general, the climatic resources of Adygea are favorable for agriculture, industrial development, transport and recreation. Climatic features are best traced through the seasons of the year.

Winter in the republic has little snow, moderately cold, mild. In rare years, it begins immediately. There is usually a more or less long pre-winter period. During this period of time, there is an incessant change of cold snaps and thaws with complete snow melting. On average, winter in Adygea begins at the end of November, when the air temperature drops to -5 ° C. The coldest winter month is January. Its average long-term temperature ranges from -2.0 ° C in the plains to -4.4 ° C in the foothills. In winter, significant cold snaps are not uncommon, when the minimum air temperature drops to -20, - 25 ° С. At the same time, the absolute minimum can reach -30, - 35 ° C. In the middle of winter, sharp thaws are possible with temperatures reaching +5, + 10 ° С and causing snow melting, breaking of the ice cover and flooding on rivers. Often these thaws are associated with a warm, dry wind - a hair dryer.

The height of the snow cover on the flat part is small - 6 - 10 cm, in the foothills and in the mountains it ranges from 50 cm to 2 - 5 m. The maximum snow depth (6.1 m) was recorded in the Fisht mountain group. Freezing of soil on the flat part of the territory of Adygea does not exceed 15 - 30 cm.

Spring is usually associated with a weakening of the Asian baric maximum and a retreat to the east of its western spur. As a result, Mediterranean cyclones are able to move to the east and northeast. The associated carry-over of warm air masses from the south and southwest contributes to a rapid rise in air temperature, thawing and warming of the soil. A distinctive feature of the spring circulation in Adygea is the great variability of atmospheric processes and the rapid change of air masses.

Spring comes early on the plain (according to long-term average data, at the end of February - the first ten days of March), and in the mountains at an altitude of 2000 m - at the end of March and later. By the beginning of March, the snow completely disappears from the fields, and complete thawing of the soil is observed already in February. The increase in heat in spring is usually fast. Already 15 days after the beginning of spring - during March, the air temperature goes over + 5 ° С, and on April 10 - 20 - through + 10 ° С. By this time, frost stops.

In summer, the circulation of air masses is significantly weakened. The weather is mainly formed due to the transformation of air masses in slowly moving anticyclones in the Azores and Arctic, which is largely facilitated by a large influx of solar radiation. Summer in Adygea lasts about 140 days on average. On the flat part of the republic, it occurs in the first half of May, in the foothills - 10 - 15 days later, and in the mountains up to an altitude of 1700 - 1800 m above sea level - in the first half of June. The average monthly air temperature in the warmest month of the year - July is + 23.2 ° С in the plains, and +20, + 22 ° С in the foothills. Summers on the plains are hot and dry; in the foothills it is much cooler. In the higher mountains, no stable transition of air temperature above + 10 ° С is observed.

Summer precipitation is predominantly stormy. In total, during the warm period, on the flat territory of Adygea, it falls from 300 to 400 mm. In the foothills, the amount of precipitation during this period increases to 500 - 550 mm, and in the mountains up to 800 - 1000 mm.

Autumn on the flat territory of Adygea comes in late September - early October, in the foothills 10 - 15 days earlier. The beginning of autumn is characterized by consistently warm, dry and sunny weather ("Indian summer"). In the second half of October, the air temperature goes over 10 ° C towards a further decrease, the active vegetation of agricultural crops ends, the first frosts are noted. The rains become heavy for a long time. In mid-November, there is a steady transition of air temperature through -5 ° C, the growing season of agricultural crops stops completely.

Inland waters

One of the large rivers of Adygea, its natural border in the east is the Laba River. It is the largest tributary of the river. Kuban. Its beginning is considered to be the confluence of the Bolshaya and Malaya Laba rivers. The length of the river itself. Laba 214 km, together with Big Laba it is 341 km; the total area of ​​its drainage basin is 12,500 sq. km. The origins of the r. Big Laba - glaciers of the summit of Mount Abytskha. Small Laba originates at the snowy peaks of Aishkho and the Pseashkho glacier. In total, the Laba includes 4,776 large and small tributaries with a total length of 10,500 km. The largest left tributaries of the river. Labas are, counting from top to bottom: Khodz, Chehrak, Fars and Giaga. In turn, the largest right-bank tributary - r. Chamlyk. Water regime of the river. Laba is unique, its water content varies considerably according to the seasons of the year. Severe floods and floods are possible in almost all seasons except winter. The causes of floods are spring snowmelt, summer glacier melting and autumn showers. Groundwater also plays a significant role in the nutrition of the Laba; in places, powerful springs pinch out in the river valley.

Belaya is the second longest and the most powerful in terms of water content left-bank tributary of the river. Kuban. It originates on the slopes of the Fisht-Oshten mountain range and, after passing 265 km, flows into the Krasnodar reservoir, below st. Vasyurinskaya. The total drop of the river is 2283 m; drainage basin area - 5990 sq. km. In total, in the r. 3459 large and small tributaries flow into Belaya, of which the largest are on the left side Pshekh and Kurdzhips, Kisha and Dakh (right-bank). Food r. White occurs due to atmospheric precipitation in the form of rain and snow, groundwater, as well as melting of alpine snows and glaciers. There are 29 glaciers in the river basin with a total area of ​​7.6 km2. High water on the river. White occurs, as a rule, in the spring and summer, but it often spills at any time of the year, with the exception of winter.

Fars, translated from the Adyghe language "rolling, overflowing", is one of the left-bank tributaries of the river. Laba, originates from the slope of the Greater Caucasus, 13 km north-east of st. Dakhovskoy from a spring flowing from a cave near the "Romantic" tourist center. It flows into the river. Labu near the station. Vozdvyzhenskaya. The largest tributaries of the Fars are the r. Psefir (right) and Kuzhora (left). Its length is 197 km, the catchment area is 1450 sq. Km. In the upper reaches the Fars is a mountain river, in the lower it has a flat character.

Pshekha is the largest left-bank tributary of the river. White. Its origins originate on the slopes of the Fisht and Oshten mountains; flows into the river. White below the city of Belorechensk. Its length is 139 km; drainage basin area 2090 sq. km. In the upper and middle reaches, it is a typical mountain river with a fast current, characterized by the passage of short-term but heavy rainfall floods. Mineralization of river waters - from low to medium.

Kurdzhips is a left tributary of the river. White, the second largest after Pshekha. It begins in the Lagonaki Upland, from the eastern slope of Mount Abadzesh (2376 m above sea level) and flows into the river. White southwest of Maykop. The river is 108 km long, the catchment area is 780 sq. Km. It has 84 tributaries, of which the most significant are: Mezmayka, Morozka, Khakodz, Pripukha, Luchka, Sukha Balka, etc. Kurdzhips is a typical mountain river, with a fast flow, water levels and flow rates fluctuate significantly throughout the year. There are picturesque waterfalls in the upper course.

Pshish. Left tributary of the river. Kuban originates on the western slope of Mount Chessi. The length of the river is 258 km, the area of ​​the drainage basin is 1850 sq. Km, it flows into the river. Kuban (Krasnodar reservoir) below st. Starokorsunskaya. The most significant tributaries are Gunayka, Tsitsa, Tusheps, Khadazhka and others. Pshish is a flood one, its levels and costs fluctuate greatly according to the seasons of the year. The largest rises in the water level are observed in spring after snowmelt and in autumn - from rains, and the greatest drops in levels occur in the period July-September. In this case, the amplitude of level fluctuations in some places can exceed 7 m.

Psekups originates on the northwestern slope of Mount Agoy. Its drainage area is 1430 sq. Km, passing a path of 146 km, flows into the river. Kuban (Krasnodar reservoir). Its most significant tributaries are r. Chepsi and Kaverze, the last of which is very interesting for tourists with its waterfalls. Psekups feeds mainly on precipitation and groundwater; its regime is flood. In the river basin there are many mineral springs of various chemical composition: hydrogen sulfide, salt-alkaline, iodine-bromine, etc.

Afips. The sources of this river begin on the northern slope of the wooded Mount Afips (738 m above sea level), composed of limestones, clay shales, marls of the chalk system; the river pours its waters through the Shapsug reservoir into the river. Kuban at A. Afipsip. Power sources r. Afips are precipitation and groundwater. The water regime of the river is flood. In the river basin Afips has mineral springs.

Khodz is a left tributary of the river. Laba, originates on the slopes of Mount Thach. It flows first to the northeast, then to the north and flows into the river. Labu at st. Vladimirskaya. The length of the river is 88 km; the catchment area is 1250 sq. km. It has a number of tributaries, among which the largest river. Gubs (left). With the exception of the lower reaches, it has the character of a mountain river. Mineralization in low-water period is increased.

Giaga is also a left-bank tributary of the river. Laba, originates in the northern foothills of the Greater Caucasus, 8 km northeast of the city of Maikop. It flows into the river. Labu at st. Novolabinskaya. The river is 87 km long, the catchment area is 401 sq. Km. It dries up in the upper reaches during low water periods.

Ulka is a left tributary of the river. Afips, originates on the southern slopes of Mount Ubin-Su. After passing a total of 100 km, it flows into the river. Afips near its mouth, the catchment area is 402 sq. Km. In its upper course, it is a typical mountain river.

There are many lakes in the mountainous part of Adygea, they are small in area and most of them are located in remote areas. Most of the lakes in the mountainous part (55-60%) are located within the Main and Side ridges. With distance from them to the north, the number of lakes within the Rocky, Pasture, and Lesisty ridges decreases. Lakes of karst and glacial genesis are concentrated mostly in the area of ​​the Caucasian State Reserve. They are small in size (0.1-0.3 square kilometers), the water in them is fresh and transparent. Karst and glacial-karst lakes are widespread in the Lagonaki Upland.

A large glacial-karst lake is Lake Psenodakh, located in the upper reaches of the Tsice River, at the bottom of a large glacial circus separating the Oshten and Pshekha-Su massifs, at an altitude of 1940 m above sea level. m. The lake has the shape of a crescent, with a convex shore facing north. Its length is 165 m, the maximum width is 72.5 m, the length of the coastline is 492.5 m, the depth ranges from 0.2 to 0.8 m, the maximum is 3.5 m.

Lake Khuko is located in the extreme southwestern corner of mountainous Adygea on the border with the Krasnodar Territory, 8 km west of the Circassian Pass. Its height above sea level is 200 m lower in comparison with Lake Psenodakh. Lake Huko is of karst-tectonic origin, resembles an oval in shape, elongated from southeast to northwest for about 260 m. The lake is framed by low and relatively gentle slopes of limestone mountains with a wide beach in the northeastern part of the oval. The northwestern slope is overgrown with bushes, and the rest of the territory adjacent to the lake is framed by subalpine vegetation. On the Fisht-Oshtenovsky massif, in the high-mountainous region Chugush - Dzhemaruk - Tybga, on the Nagoya-Chuk and Lagonakskoye ridges, there are several dozen smaller, often tiny lakes, or small accumulations of water that have filled tarn depressions.

There are two small and little-known lakes in the foothills. One of them, Lake Saz, is located 8 km northeast of st. Abadzekhskaya, another, Lake Belintsevo, - 5 km southeast of the station. Dagestan. These lakes, used as a watering hole for livestock, are at the stage of extinction, gradually becoming shallow and overgrown with vegetation.

In the foothill areas there are underground thermal and mineral waters of various compositions: iodine-bromine, hydrogen sulfide, ferruginous and others. Sanatoriums and balneotherapy facilities have been built, where a wide range of diseases are treated with mineral waters.

There are two hydrogeological zones in the Republic of Adygea: plain and mountainous. Both are rich in mineral springs of various chemical composition: carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, salt-alkaline, ferruginous, iodine-bromine and radioactive sources, used to treat a variety of diseases. The mineral waters found in Adygea contain a wide range of trace elements that are extremely necessary for the human body: iodine, bromine, boron, arsenic, zinc, cobalt, barium, etc. The presence of mineral waters creates an opportunity for the formation of a medical profile in the region.

Vegetation

The proximity of the warm Black Sea and the highly dissected mountainous relief of the southern part (most of the mountain peaks and ridges above 2000 m) contributed to the formation of a large species diversity of vegetation. The heterogeneity of the relief determines the formation of high-altitude vegetation belts, distinguished by the height of distribution above sea level, by the diversity of communities and their species.

The species composition of vegetation numbers about 2000 species. Its distinctive feature is the latitudinal and waist placement. The Maikop mountain region is characterized by a mountain-forest belt, subalpine and alpine meadows, subnival rock vegetation. The forest belt is divided into low-mountain (300 - 500 m above sea level) and medium-mountain (1000 - 2000 m above sea level) forests.

The main forest resources are located in the Maykop region, which contains 98% of all forests. The forest fund is divided into 2 groups. The first group includes forests performing water protection, sanitary and hygienic, anti-erosion and other functions. Group I forests account for 37% of the total area. The low-mountain forests are dominated by the pedunculate oak and the Gartvis oak. Maple, ash, Caucasian pear, apple, dogwood, hawthorn are also found here. At an altitude of 450 - 500 m, oak forests give way to a belt of beech forests. Rock oak and Caucasian hornbeam also grow. Of the Tertiary relics, you can find berry yew here.

In the middle mountains, beech-fir and fir forests are widespread. The relict fir forests are rich in rare plant species (cherry laurel, Colchis holly, Pontic rhododendron). Eastern spruce penetrates into alpine dark coniferous forests - this is the western edge of its range. The height of 1700 - 2000 m above sea level on the border of mountain forests and subalpine meadows is framed by a narrow strip of birch and beech crooked forests. Subalpine meadows (1800 - 2500 m above sea level) are very diverse in composition. Here are common hazel grouse, gentian, primrose, bells. Cereals are widely represented. In the subalpine, on the border with the forest, tall grasses develop - a community of giant grasses reaching 2-3 meters in height. Communities are composed of elecampane, valerian, as well as relict species: giant head, Pontic hogweed. The alpine belt stretches from 2000 - 2400 to 2600 - 2800 m above sea level. m. The carpet of low-grass alpine vegetation is formed mainly of sedges and grasses. The decoration of the alpine meadows is Helena's buttercup - an ancient tertiary endemic. The subnival and nival belts begin above 2900 - 3000 m. There are only patches of lichens, mosses, specific plants of rocks and talus. In the cracks of rocks and stones, you can find three-triple basil, rock valerian, silk cuff.

Animal world

The rich and varied vegetation of the plain, forest-steppe and mountain-forest zone, alpine meadows, the proximity of the Black Sea in combination with the favorable climate of the region predetermine the amazing diversity of the fauna of Adygea. In a relatively small area located at the junction of two zoogeographic subregions, the Tibetan, Kazakh, South Asian, Holarctic, European fauna are represented, while a significant number of endemic species and subspecies indicates the deep antiquity of the animal population, primarily in the basin of the river. White.

In total, the republic has 87 species of mammals, 91 fish, 275 birds, 11 amphibians, 19 reptiles and several thousand species of invertebrates. The distribution of the animal population, as well as the vegetation cover, has a clearly expressed belt character. For each altitudinal belt, a certain complex of animals is characteristic. Of all the altitudinal belts, the forest-steppe belt is the most diverse in relation to the animal population. As with the ascent to the mountains, and with the transition to the Ciscaucasian plain, the number of animal species decreases markedly.

The fauna of the forest-steppe zone in the Teuchezhsky and Shovgenovsky districts of the republic has no endemic species. Common and widespread here are field and yellow-necked mice, Caucasian mole, common shrew, European hare and fox. In the spring-summer period, you can meet here many birds of prey that feed on rodents and insectivores. The native inhabitants of the steppe - the bustard and the little bustard - are practically exterminated as a result of economic activity. Elk occasionally come here, and in 1997 the Shovgenovsky Reserve was often visited by wild boars. In river valleys, waterbirds are found in large numbers.

For the forest regions of the lower and middle mountain belt, Caucasian subspecies of animals living in deciduous forests of Europe are characteristic: bear, lynx, badger, otter, deer, forest cat. On rocky talus and near water bodies, you can find rocky and Caucasian lizards, common and water snakes, crested and Asia Minor newts, tree frogs, Caucasian krestovka, etc. Birds are widely represented here: finches, warblers, warblers, blackbirds, jays.

The fauna of the uppermost landscape zones is represented by a significant number of endemic species and subspecies. Caucasian mouse, Prometheus vole, Kuban tur, Caucasian chamois, stone marten are common only in the Maikop region. Of the 30 high-mountain species of birds nesting here, the most typical are: Caucasian black grouse, snowcock, griffon vulture, vulture, bearded vulture, wall climber. The main attraction of the republic's fauna is the mountain bison. The forests of mountainous Adygea are inhabited by the Caucasian red deer, Caucasian tur, chamois, Caucasian brown bear, Caucasian species of otter, badger, lynx, wild cat, fox, forest and stone marten, etc.

A reliable assessment of the species richness and state of the fauna of Adygea is currently almost impossible. This circumstance is due to its extremely poor knowledge (with the exception of the territory of the Caucasian Reserve), the lack of complete information about the fauna of Adygea ("State report ..., 2003"). Taking into account the existing lists of species and reports on the fauna of the Caucasus, the diversity of vertebrates can be tentatively estimated at 370 species. The species composition of fish is represented by 90 species. The endemics of the region are the Afipsky chub, the Kuban swiftwort, and the Kuban barbel. Of the class of amphibians in the fauna of Adygea, 11 species are noted. The avifauna of the republic is represented by 275 bird species. Mammals - about 87 species.

113 species of invertebrates, 6 species of fish, 6 species of amphibians, 8 species of reptiles, 41 species of birds and 17 species of mammals are included in the Red Data Books of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Adygea.

The richness of the fauna is determined by the variety of natural landscapes on the territory of the republic. In the placement of animals, the belt character is clearly expressed.

The area of ​​hunting grounds in the Republic of Adygea is 432.8 thousand hectares, a significant part of which is located on the territory of the Maikop district.

In recent years, a decrease in the number of the main species of game animals, primarily wild ungulates and bears, has been observed on the territory of the republic. This process to the maximum extent affected the populations of elk, bison and deer, to a somewhat lesser extent - tur, chamois and bear. Information on the number of wild boar and roe deer in Adygea until 1992, apparently, has not been preserved, but during 1992-2003 their number fluctuated within 1500 individuals of each species. The results of the last (2003) census of the number of bison indicate that no more than 150 individuals of the species live on the territory of the reserve as a whole. The results of the census of the number of red deer in the Caucasian Reserve in 2003 indicate that the processes of restoration of the optimal structure of the populations of these species have begun. Over the past 3 years, the number of deer in the reserve has averaged about 645 individuals. The counts, which make it possible to reliably judge the number of alpine ungulates, in the Caucasian Reserve in the period 1998 - 2001. was not carried out. In 2003, visually recorded: tours - 1200 individuals, chamois - 1000.

The number of bears in the Adygei area of ​​the Caucasian Reserve remains generally stable with a constant deterioration in the state of their population. There is a decrease in the share of a rare, aboriginal morph (variety) of bears in it and an increase in the share of low-value individuals.

It should be noted that the worst situation was found for animals whose habitats are confined to the territories least affected by anthropogenic impacts - the lands of the Caucasian Reserve and adjacent areas. On the contrary, wild boar and roe deer keep their populations in a relatively stable state, although their preferred low-mountains and middle-mountain forests are incomparably more influenced by economic activity. It is also noteworthy that the growth in the number of bison and deer, as well as their active settlement in the territories adjacent to the reserve, took place during the most intensive forest use and distant pasture breeding ("State report ..., 2003").

According to experts from the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Russian Federation and the State Hunting Committee of the Russian Federation, the reduction in the number of most species of game animals in Russia is caused by a general deterioration in the socio-economic situation in the country, which stimulates the growth of poaching (including poaching under the cover of licenses), as well as natural factors. In particular, an increase in aridity in spring and early summer negatively affects the forage resources of herbivores; the increase in snowy winters worsens the wintering conditions for animals. The state of the animal world depends on a complex complex of climatic, biotic, anthropogenic and other factors acting in combination. The leading negative factors are considered to be:

Direct pursuit and destruction of animals;

Anthropogenic destruction of the habitat of animals, reduction of lands suitable for their vital activity (including winter habitats), reduction of food reserves, disruption of migration routes, displacement of the remaining animals to lands with pessimal conditions;

Weather and climatic conditions;

The action of other biotic and technogenic factors.

It is highly probable that the current situation was caused by the massive anthropogenic impact of the 70s and 80s, the consequences of which are manifesting at the present time. The leveling off of the situation after the depression of 1991-1997 is associated with the strengthening of control over the management of the hunting sector, the intensification of the fight against poaching, the implementation of strict restrictions on the quotas for the production of animals, the creation of hunting reserves.

Information on the number of animals in the lands of the RA is presented in table. 4.12.1.

KGBPZ specialists believe that, in contrast to the national indicators, in the Republic of Adygea, only populations of wild boar and roe deer, the most fertile of ungulates with a wide ecological niche, have stabilized. The number and habitable areas of unproductive and living in extreme conditions of species - Caucasian red deer, bison, chamois, tur - continue to decline. The population of the Caucasian brown bear on the territory of the reserve and the Republic of Adygea also shows signs of increasing degradation - destruction of the sex and age structure, and a decrease in polymorphism.

Table 4.12.1.

Data on the number of wild animals in the hunting grounds of the Republic of Adygea

and on the territory of KGBPZ ("State report ..., 2003").

	Post-harvest number (thousand heads)			Number in 2003 (thousand heads) according to accounting data
Deer noble
Deer spotted
Hare
Raccoon dog
European mink
Forest cat
Raccoon gargle

Russia is rich in its unique protected areas: the largest and deepest freshwater lake on the planet Baikal, geysers and thermal springs of the Kuriles, magnificent Komi forests, the delights of mountain Altai - together with them, Adygea is included in the list of World Natural Heritage. Some of the tourists who have visited it, including those from abroad, call it the Mountain Republic, others - a priceless pearl in the natural necklace of Russia.
By the way, both are right.

A land with a fertile climate

According to local statistics, in the Republic of Adygea there are and fruitfully operate a quarter of a hundred recreation centers, five sanatoriums and boarding houses, the same number of children's health camps, but just tourists can be hosted by almost eight dozen fashionable hotels and hotels, to which you can add many guest houses and private mini-hotels. In the summer they are usually fully loaded. But I must also say - at other times of the year they do not complain about the absence of those who like to travel or those who are suffering to gain health.

For the simple reason that the climate in Adygea is surprisingly suitable for tourists. The sun shines from 200 to 250 days a year. More, perhaps, in Anapa, Sochi or in other Black Sea resort areas. And this is a natural vitamin "D", which strengthens the immune system well, and therefore contributes to the overall strengthening of health. In winter in Adygea a little over minus two, in the same July - over plus twenty five. Summer lasts from May to September. Winter lasts two months at most. The average annual temperature ranges from 3.8 to 10.9 degrees. Heat, of course. The Black Sea has a great influence on the climate. In summer, it accumulates heat, and in winter, on the contrary, it gives it away. It should be borne in mind that Adygea borders on Khostinsky and other districts of Greater Sochi. Therefore, the breath of the never-freezing southern Black Sea can also be heard before her.
According to climatic features, Adygea can be divided into three parts - on the plains it has moderately continental differences, in the foothills it is moderately warm and humid, in the mountains it is characterized by one word - cool. And all taken together - favorable for tourists in all seasons.

Mountain republic

So it is precisely according to natural conditions that Adygea can be called. Indeed, most of its territory (an area of ​​7790 square kilometers, with a border line of 900, from north to south the region stretches for 208 kilometers and from west to east - for 165 kilometers) is occupied by foothills and mountains, ranging from two hundred and a little to more than three thousand meters above sea level. The plain of Adygea, starting from the Kuban River and ending at the latitudes of Khanskaya, Kuzhorskaya, Natyrbovo, smoothly passes into the foothills. Practically the latter stretched from the outskirts of the capitals of Maikop to the village of Kamennomostsky, and their height above sea level ranges from 230 to 300 and 500 meters, gradually rising in the valleys along which fast mountain rivers flow up to 900 meters. But there are mountains in Adygea much higher - Chugush (3238), "Dzhemaruk" (3099), Tygba (3064), Urushten (3020). On the territory of the republic, there is also Mount Fisht (2867.7), which became widely known around the world after the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, after which the stadium was named, where the Olympics were fiercely opened and closed. Together with other neighboring peaks Oshten (2804) and Pshekho-Su (2744) form a large mountain range. I must say that most of its recreation centers are located in the foothill and mountainous parts of Adygea, creating unique opportunities for active tourism - horseback riding, rafting on mountain rivers (rafting), and rock climbing and descent on ropes, and jeeping , and canyoning - passing through the canyon gorges. And in winter alpine skiing, luge sports are popular, you can rush on snowboards with a breeze. If you wish, you can even fly over the peaks of the foothills on hang gliders. Recreation centers attract with their romantic names - "Barskaya Estate", "White River", "Mountain Lavender", "Grace" and so on and so on in order. And "Base of the Earth" went even further - its cottages also bear amazing names - "Castle of the Mountains", "Aquarium", "House with Fireplace", "House with Sauna", etc. The cottages differ from each other by their respective design.

Lakes, rivers, reservoirs

Let's start with the rivers. There are more than four thousand of them only twenty-five kilometers long. Well, the most - the most - Kuban, Laba, Belaya. The total catchment area exceeds 12,500 square kilometers. A real expanse for those who like to sit by the reservoir with a fishing rod. And not only by the river. Adygea has its own reservoirs - Krasnordarskoe, Shabsugskoe, Takhtamukayskoe, Shendzhiyskoe, Maikop. Pike, carp, silver carp, gudgeon, pike perch, roach - which is not found in them - about a hundred species of fish. It all depends on luck. Lucky - you will have a fragrant ear, and fish cutlets and you will take them home to your native land in order to drink beer with it in a bite, remember the miracle of vacation days. Known in the Krasnodar Territory (and Adygea is part of it, and is included, like the Kuban, in the Southern Federal District) and Lake Huko,
Dukhovskoe, Psenodakh - the largest, by the way, in the Fisht - Oshtenovsky mountain range. They also have some kind of fish.

You can't take your eyes off the alpine meadows and forests of the Mountain Republic

Forests in Adygea occupy more than forty percent of its area. There are broadleaf, there are also conifers and other species. In general, there are more than two thousand of the most diverse plants in the region. Only in the second edition of the Red Book of Adygea, which was published in 2012, 196 of them were entered. You simply cannot admire the flora. Oaks, hornbeams, pines and spruces and even palms - they are for the soul. But there are also many fruit trees - apples, pears, cherries and cherries, plums, grape plantations go beyond the horizon - these are vitamins for you to remember about Adygea. In the forests and mountains, on the plain, there are eleven species of amphibians, nineteen species of reptiles, and there are more than nine hundred of them noble: Caucasian deer, fallow deer, wild boars, jackals, gray wolves - you can’t read them all. More than 275 species of birds fly in the skies of Adygea. Yes, the nature of the Mountain Republic is rich, and it is worth seeing it when you set off on a journey through this amazing fabulous land!