Page 280 - 7. State Of Environment Report Of Türkiye

Salt Lake basin is an important wetland according to international criteria, which is of great im-
portance for the protection of biological diversity in Türkiye. Endemic plant species that are not
seen in other parts of the world have been identified in Salt Lake Special Environmental Protec-
tion Area. Unlike other regions, endemic plants of the Salt Lake contain salt and drought resistant
races.

These areas are an invaluable genetic resource in our rapidly arid and barren world. Many new
plant species have been identified in the area. These are VU (Vulnerable) species according to
IUCN categories and are also protected by the Bern Convention.
In order to ensure the continuity of flamingo presence in Türkiye, the protection of breeding
colonies in Salt Lake is of great importance. In this context, it is ensured that the populations of
Flamingo (Phoenicopterus Roseus), Gustard (Otis Tarda), Steppe Eagle (Aquila Nipalensis), which
are the species adapted to the steppe climate and most affected by environmental factors wit-
hin the borders of Salt Lake SEPA, are surveyed every year, the specified species are monitored,
important threats to the species are determined, the water level, aquatic nutrients and water
quality in the area are examined, information and awareness-raising activities are carried out.
y In the studies carried out within the scope of the Biological Diversity Research Project of Salt
Lake Special Environmental Protection Area, it was determined that Salt Lake has very spe-
cial and important habitats in terms of biological diversity.
y With this project, 71 endemic plant species that are not seen in other parts of the world
were identified in the area. Unlike other regions, endemic plants of Salt Lake contain salt and
drought resistant races. These species are an invaluable genetic resource in our rapidly arid
and barren world.
y Eight of the 226 plant species identified in the area are new records. Two of these eight spe-
cies are VU (Vulnerable) species according to IUCN categories and one species is protected
by the Bern Convention.
y A total of 48 fauna species, including 41 invertebrates, three aquatic benthic macroinverteb-
rates, one fish, one reptile and two mammals, were recorded for the first time in the same
area.

F.3.1.13. . Uzungöl Special Environmental Protection Area

In terms of wildlife in Uzungöl Special Environmental Protection Area, various animal species
such as bear, wolf, wild goat, fox, Caucasian black grouses are sheltered in the mountains. There
are 658 plant taxa belonging to 311 genera including 125 subspecies and 68 varieties, 90 mam-
mal species, 8 amphibian species, 7 reptile species and 250 bird species in the region. Primrose
(Primula x Uzungolensis) was identified for the first time in the region.

In terms of wildlife, various animal species such as bears, wolves, wild goats, foxes, Caucasian
black grouse are found in the mountains around Uzungöl.

Although the water surface of the lake varies slightly depending on the amount of water coming
in during the season, it is generally 1,000 metres long, 500 metres wide and 15 metres deep.
Trout live in the lake.
The Haldizen stream valley extending towards the south has great natural riches. About 10 to 20
kilometres from Uzungol, about 10 small lakes located at the heights of the mountains increase
the richness of the activities in the region.

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