Turkey Nature & Wildlife

Nature

More than 10,000 species of plants exist in Turkey, with 20% of them being endemic. This plant life makes up various habitats including forests, mountains, wetlands, as well as coastal and marine ecosystems. In order to protect such unique diversity, 39 national parks have been established since 1958. The Köprülü Canyon National Park is an example of the unique nature found in Turkey. This national park hosts Cupressus sempervirens forests, natural forests with this type of tree occur nowhere else in the world.

There are a further 32 designated national reserves. Reserves are generally smaller than national parks allowing them to be enclosed easier, thus leading to more effective protection. Since 1990, the government has created 19 Special Areas of Environmental Protection. These areas have been designated in order to prevent tourism and construction from damaging natural landscapes.

Smaller enclosed zones have been created in order to protect rare animal species that face extinction. The goal is that animals will be preserved and then will be able to breed. If breeding is successful, then there is hope that they can be released into the wild. There are 40 such regions throughout Turkey.

Wildlife

Turkey is one of thirty-four of the world’s biodiversity hotspots due to the incredibly diverse flora and fauna found throughout the country. The number of animal species in Europe numbers around 60,000, while in Turkey, they number over 80,000. Of these 80,000 there are approximately 114 mammal species. The most common mammals in Turkey belong to the rodent family, however, the country still houses larger species like the striped hyena, the brown bear, the grey wolf, the caracal (a medium-sized cat known for its black ears) and the Eurasian lynx. Species like cheetahs, lions and tigers once lived in the country but are now locally extinct.

In addition to mammals, there are 150 species of amphibians and reptiles including the loggerhead turtle which finds refuge along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. Many successful conservation efforts have been put in place to protect this endangered creature.

Some 400 species of indigenous or migratory birds live in Turkey, some of which are extinct in Europe like the Black Vulture. Due to its unique location connecting Europe and Asia, Turkey is situated on an interesting migratory plan. In spring, migratory birds fly northwards from Africa to Asia and Europe, and in autumn, they leave their breeding grounds to fly south to Africa again.

One of the most incredible flight migrations in the world happens in Turkey, the flight of storks down the Bosphorus (Istanbul Strait). More than a quarter million storks fly above the city over a period of a few weeks.

Turkey Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to Turkey.

Learn about the history and culture of Turkey, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Turkey's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Turkey for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Turkey tours today!

Book your Turkey tour with Goway! 

AfricaExperts is the exclusive division of Goway that specializes in planning and organizing Turkey tours and experiences. Choose from a simple city stopover, a locally escorted tour, see the country highlights on one of our classic itineraries, a small group tour and more. We want to be your first choice when next you go globetrotting to Turkey.