The sandy banks of Iztuzu on the Mediterranean shore are the nesting grounds of the caretta caretta sea turtles that were on the verge of extinction before they were taken under protection here, (below).

Turkey has a great variety of wild animals, with over 114 species of mammals. The forest belt in the north is home to grey bears and in the south to wild goats. Sea turtles and seals play in the waters of the Mediterranean and the Aegean. Just as in other parts of the world, some species have become extinct or on the verge of extinction such as the wild Asian donkeys, lions and tigers. Some 400 species of indigenous or migratory birds live in Turkey, some of which are extinct in Europe such as the black vulture.

The most important species for environmentalists is the bald ibis, a peculiar bird with a bald pink head and drooping feathers. A number of these birds are now under protection in a colony on the shore of the Fyrat River in Eastern Turkey.

Turkey is an important stopover for birds migrating between Africa, Asia and Europe, with the Istanbul Straits and Artvin Being the preferred sites. Each spring and autumn, hundreds of thousands of birds, including storks and some predatory birds stop in these places before continuing on their journey. According to the International Office of Aquatic Birds and Areas, there are some 800 aquatic species in Turkey spanning sixty different areas. The shores of Lake Manyas near Balikesir are home to over 200 species of indigenous or migratory aquatic birds. This like is considered to be one of Europe’s richest aquatic bird centres. Over 250 indigenous or migratory birds live in the Sultan marshes near Kayseri; 20 of these are considered endangered species, although they come here to made and breed. The Sultan marshes are thought to be the only place where flamingos, cranes, herons and pelicans breed together. The protected salt marshes near Izmir are like a natural museum, with some 190 species of birds living in its marshes, lakes and hills. The hills also shelter rabbits, foxes and even boars. The Iztuzu sand beaches near Dalyan are the main breeding area for sea turtles.

Some 400 species of indigenous or migratory birds live in Turkey, some of which are extinct in Europe.