FLORA AND FAUNA Archives | Volkan's Adventures

Turkey’s fauna and flora is hugely rich with a phenomenal wealth of plant and animal life. Turkey has a plethora of flora species. A comparison with the continent of Europe is sufficient to illustrate such wealth: while there are 12,500 gymnospermous and angiospermous plant species in the entire continent of Europe, it is known that aproximately 11,000 such species are present in Anatolia alone, with some one third of them endemic to Turkey. Turkey’s geographical location, the fact that it is surrounded by four seas and its relatively late development in both industry and agriculture has played a big role in the extraordinarily rich and diverse flora and fauna of Turkey.

TIP – You can experience Dalyan’s wild life by joining one of the small group tours that offers the opportunity to get closer to wild life

A large number of ornamental flowers were cultivated from Turkish wild forms, including most famously the tulip. Some species of the marine fauna, such as the Mediterranean seal and the Caretta turtle, have sought refuge in the crystalline waters of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. Situated at the heart of these riches, thanks to being declared a Special Protection Zone, Dalyan’s fauna and flora are worthy of placing within the Garden of Eden and give Dalyan a unique, irresistible appearance to wild life lovers and all visitors.

One of the most important nestling areas for loggerhead sea turtles: Iztuzu Beach; home to over 150 kinds of migrating and native birds: Koycegiz Lake; surrounded by mountains and plateaus with hundreds of endemic plants, rich and diverse fauna of the Mediterranean and Aegean seas consisting of a mixture of European, Asian and African species, along with some endemic species needless to say makes Dalyan a unique ecosystem.

Introduction to Dalyan Dalyan, a charming riverside town on Turkey's southwestern coast, offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Nestled between lush greenery and the tranquil Dalyan River, this picturesque destination has become a favorite for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers. In this guide, we explore every aspect of Dalyan to ensure your trip is unforgettable. 1. Introduction to Dalyan 1.1 Overview of Dalyan – Location, Significance, and Highlights Dalyan, located on Turkey's stunning southwestern coast, is a tranquil town surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and rich history. Situated between the Mediterranean Sea and Lake Köyceğiz, Dalyan boasts a picturesque river delta that flows through lush reed beds and connects to the sea. Its proximity to Dalaman International Airport, just 29 kilometers away, makes it easily accessible for travelers. Renowned for its ecological significance, Dalyan is home to the endangered loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) that nest at Iztuzu Beach, a protected area recognized for its conservation efforts. The Dalyan River offers spectacular boat trips that pass through ancient Lycian rock tombs carved into cliffs, leading to the ruins of Kaunos, a UNESCO World Heritage candidate. Beyond its natural wonders, Dalyan provides numerous cultural and outdoor activities, from mud baths and thermal springs to hiking and birdwatching. Its charming town center features bustling markets, quaint shops, and restaurants serving authentic Turkish cuisine. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions like Köyceğiz Lake and Saklıkent Gorge. Learn more about Dalyan’s location and significance by visiting the Dalyan Guide on Volkan’s Adventures. 1.2 Dalyan Quick Facts Population: Approximately 5,000 permanent residents, which increases significantly during the tourist season. Coordinates: Latitude 36.8341° N, Longitude 28.6420° E. Languages Spoken: The official language is Turkish. However, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, along with some German and

Introduction to Dalyan Dalyan, a charming riverside town on Turkey’s southwestern coast, offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Nestled between lush greenery and the tranquil Dalyan River, this picturesque destination has become a favorite for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers. In this guide, we explore every aspect

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The Role of Caretta Caretta Turtles in Ecosystems: Guardians of the Marine World

The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), a majestic marine creature often associated with Dalyan's Iztuzu Beach, is more than just a symbol of natural beauty. These turtles play an essential role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. Here's a deep dive into their ecological importance and why protecting them is crucial. Nutrient Cycling Loggerhead turtles contribute significantly to nutrient cycling in marine and coastal ecosystems. Here's how: Seagrass Beds Maintenance: Loggerheads feed on invertebrates like crabs and mollusks that live in seagrass meadows. By grazing in these areas, they prevent overgrowth and help maintain the health of seagrass beds. Healthy seagrass beds act as nurseries for many marine species, including fish and crustaceans. Nesting and Nutrient Enrichment: Female turtles lay their eggs on sandy beaches. While not all eggs hatch, those that remain in the sand decompose, enriching the beach's soil with vital nutrients. This fertilization supports dune vegetation, which helps prevent erosion. Predator-Prey Dynamics Loggerheads are integral to the marine food chain: Balancing Prey Populations: Loggerheads primarily feed on jellyfish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. By preying on jellyfish, they help control jellyfish populations, which can otherwise overconsume plankton—a crucial food source for many marine species. Providing Food for Others: Hatchlings face many predators, including birds, crabs, and fish. While only a small percentage of hatchlings reach adulthood, they serve as a vital food source for these predators, maintaining ecological balance. Carbon Sequestration Loggerheads indirectly support carbon sequestration by maintaining seagrass meadows. Healthy seagrass beds act as carbon sinks, capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and helping combat climate change. Cultural and Ecotourism Importance In regions like Dalyan, loggerhead turtles also play a significant socio-economic role. Their presence attracts eco-tourists, fostering environmental awareness and generating income that can be reinvested into conservation efforts. Threats to Loggerhead Turtles Despite their

The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), a majestic marine creature often associated with Dalyan’s Iztuzu Beach, is more than just a symbol of natural beauty. These turtles play an essential role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. Here’s a deep dive into their ecological importance and why protecting them is crucial. Nutrient Cycling Loggerhead

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Blue Crabs of Dalyan: Life Cycle and Hunting Regulations

The blue crabs that were brought to Turkey for their economic value and released in lagoons in the Northern Aegean and the Saros Bay reproduced and multiplied. However, probably because they were not able to find the natural conditions they required in this region, they migrated to the Southern Aegean and inhabited the Güllük and Dalyan lagoons, extending right over to the Karadeniz fish trap in Taşucu. Today a large number of blue crabs are hunted in the Dalyan delta and are served by restaurants with various sauces and cooking methods.

The Life Cycle of the Caretta Carettas

The Life Cycle of Caretta Caretta Sea Turtles

Sea turtles have been living on earth for 110 million years, the human being, however, for only 2-3 million years. Of the eight species living in the world’s seas, five are present in the Mediterranean. It is estimated that only a limited number of individuals of the Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), the Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) species enter the Mediterranean for nutrition or by mistake.

FLORA AND FAUNA STORIES

Holy Trees of the Gods and Goddesses
Most of the flora and fauna specimens you will come across when hiking in the Köycegiz-Dalyan Special Natural Reserve hold some very old secrets that they will whisper into the ears of those who wish to know and understand. Some plants were used medicinal in ancient times and even today by those who are practitioners of alternative medicine. Some of this plant life provides delicious food and spices enjoyed by the locals, while some others warn you that they are poisonous through their shiny colours.

THE KÖYCEĞIZ-DALYAN NATURAL RESERVE

The well-preserved architectural texture of the Dalyan and Köycegiz District centre, allows for a building plan in harmony with the natural and historical environment and is a successful application for the Special Environmental Preservation Corporation. Thanks to the wastewater purification plants of the two settlements, the aquatic ecosystem is protected from domestic waste pollution to a significant degree.

Ancient Trees – around the world

I have a confession to make……. I love trees. Any trees will do but what I really love are ancient trees. Old monuments that have stood the test of time. I struggle to get my head around the amount of history these living beings have witnessed. Ancient Trees Where I come from in Sussex we have

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Turkish Fauna

There are thought to be over 80,000 species of fauna within Turkey whilst the number of species in Europe numbers approximately 60,000. As in the case of flora Turkey is the original homeland of many well-known species. The pheasant, fallow deer and domestic sheep to name a few. Today many of the national parks and

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A Brief Guide to Turkish Flora

Turkey has some of the oldest varieties of cultivated plants in the world. The wild species of which are still found growing in Turkey. The original wild forms of plants retain many qualities that cultivated plants do not, frost hardiness, resistance to pests and diseases and ability to cope with fluctuating water levels are a

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Loggerhead Turtles of Dalyan

Visit Dalyan and you will find yourself surrounded by Loggerhead Turtles. From the giants floating in the sea, hundreds of t-shirts, trınkets and cuddly toys to the large gold statue as you enter the small town. It is safe to say that Dalyan is obsessed with its turtles. Now a protected area the future of

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Turkey’s Natural Protection Areas

In addition to its national parks, Turkey has 35 areas that have been specifically preserved in order to protect endangered species of flora and fauna, and some are used for scientific research and educational studies. All the nature reserves in Turkey have been designated according to various biological characteristics. Yumurtalik (Yumurtalık) Nature Reserve – Adana Yumurtalik Nature

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Liquidambar Forest

Liquid Ambar (Sweetgum) Forrests is Marmaris Area

The Special Environmental Protected Area (SEPA) of Köyceğiz and Dalyan is well known for the Liquidambar forests where a 286 hectares zone is set aside as a nature reserve and arboretum for the preservation of the species. A large area also surrounds the town of Marmaris. Another large area covering nearly 100 hectares is also found in an inland

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Saving Turkey’s wildflowers

Where in the world can you still witness mile-wide crocus carpets, mountains smothered with snowdrops, and entire woodlands underlain by cyclamen? Right here in Turkey. Not surprisingly, this country’s richness of species, including 13 snowdrop species (two endemic) and ten cyclamen species (six endemic), has led to commercial harvesting of bulbs from the wild and an international trade in bulbs. Fortunately, Turkey has one of the best systems for balancing bulb collection from the wild with the conservation of the species in their natural habitats. In this sustainable-use programme, international trade in snowdrops and cyclamen is regulated by CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) because, without these controls international trade could threaten their survival. The aim is to replace the unsustainable trade in wild collected flower bulbs with one based on artificial production and production at the village level, whilst eliminating unsustainable collection of threatened wild flower bulbs; This will develop a long-term economic alternative for villagers formerly involved in the collection, based on village-scale production and supply high quality flower bulbs to the international bulb market. For over one hundred years, Turkey has been a source of flower bulbs to the international market. During the 1970s and 1980s the scale of trade - based on wild collection by villagers from hill and mountain districts - escalated. By 1986 over 70 million bulbs were traded annually, and many millions were simply thrown away as damaged or undersized. Conservationists deemed this level of collection to be unsustainable for certain species, a view supported by anecdotal evidence from some of the collecting villages. Holland represents the world centre of the trade in flower bulbs, with major markets in Western Europe, N. America and Japan. The Turkish government introduced a programme to establish village-based propagation in 1992. In spite of such initiatives, several snowdrops and cyclamen species are

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Category: FLORA AND FAUNA