Its habitats are exceptionally varied for such a small area, ranging from lowlands to glaciers.

The site includes the whole Caucasus Nature Reserve with the exception of the Khosta Yew-Box Grove and includin the whole Lago-Naki plateau.

[1] The Western Caucasus also contains the Caucasus Nature Reserve (IUCN management category Ia [2]) set up by the Soviet government in Krasnodar Krai, Adygea and Karachay–Cherkessia in 1924 to preserve some 85 m-high specimens of the Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana), thought to be the tallest trees in Europe, and a unique forest formed by English yew (Taxus baccata) and European box (Buxus sempervirens) within the city of Sochi.

The area also includes the Sochi National Park (IUCN management category II) with a Persian leopard reintroduction centre.

The Western Caucasus is also the place of origin and of reintroduction of the Caucasian wisent.