Some of the most unique and endangered species of the Caucasian flora, fauna and geology will be in touching distance for museum-goers in Tbilisi.

The exhibition presents exhibits such as animal fossils, herbariums and minerals. A central role in the Caucasus Biodiversity Exhibition is given to dioramas, detailed mock-ups created decades ago and reconstructed by Georgian National Museum experts.

These include scenes involving a Turanian tiger and a wild boar in an Mtkvari river floodplains forest, as well as a diorama illustrating some of the fauna of wetlands and lakes found across Georgia.

A GNM release said "rare, endangered and already extinct species” are part of the collections going on display, hosted at the Museum of Georgia. Among these are award-winning pieces distinguished with medals at the Paris International Exhibition between 1867-1869.

Many of the exhibits represent pioneering efforts in Georgian museology in the 19th century, and were part of the first zoological display in the Caucasus from 1928. The GNM preview said the selected exhibits serve to "perfectly reflect the evolutionary development of flora and fauna of Georgia and the Caucasus region in general.”

Hosted as part of the European Year of Cultural Heritage, Caucasus Biodiversity is also organized to mark 100 years since the proclamation of independence of the First Democratic Republic of Georgia.

Until August 10, 2018.

By Shawn Wayne