The geological history of the Caucasus originated about 70 million years ago. Then the whole territory of the Caucasus was at the bottom of the ocean of Tethys, and the high peaks were only small coral islands.

Later, about 10 million years ago, the Caucasus mountain took shape. Due to the collision of plates, water Tethys formed the Black and Caspian seas, which are separated by the Greater Caucasus Mountains.

layer of fossils - Karst - once on the surface, was subjected to the destructive forces of nature. Water has eroded cavity, mazes, corridors in it. Thus were formed the mountains and the caves were formed. Lagonakskoe Highlands - Lago-Naki- has about a thousand the caves.

Today Lagonaki about 78 species of mammals. Avifauna includes 226 species of birds (including 152 nesting). On the rocky cliffs of the mountains - Oshten, Fisht, Tybga, Pshekha-Su, Big birds nest Thach scavengers: bearded vulture, griffon vulture, etc.

Today the North-West Caucasus (Lagonaki) are included in the list of protected monuments of nature, under the auspices of UNESCO. The territory of the Caucasus Nature Reserve - is the fifth facility in Russia, which was approved by UNESCO along with: Lake Baikal, Kamchatka volcanoes, virgin forests of Komi and Altai Mountains.

Here's what he - North-West Caucasus ...

unique, amazingly beautiful, unique and friendly ...

It is a miracle. After today, the world's technological progress, so little remained untouched wilderness.

We must preserve what is left of our natural wealth!