The Gediz Delta which is adjacent to İzmir is one the most important wetlands not only for Turkey but also for the entire Mediterranean region. The delta extends to 40.000 ha and includes a variety of different habitats including alluvium islands, seasonally flooded meadows, Mediterranean shrublands, agricultural areas and saline pools.

Photo: Ahmet Akgün

Photo: Atlas Archive

In the winter time, Gediz Delta hosts 80,000 wetland birds. Among those, there are 28 globally and Eurpoean listed endangered species. Therefore the delta meets the criteria for an "Important Bird Area". Year-round , the Delta provides shelter for 250 bird species. The species of concern found at the delta includes: Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus), flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus), lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni), spur-winged plover (Vanellus spinosus), sandwich tern (Sterna sandvicensis), black winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus), avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta).

Photo of Common Tern : Kazım Çapacı

A globally endangered species, the Dalmation Pelican, is one of the most important species which breed in the Delta. More than 5% of the world,s population of this specie can be observed here with a total of 300- 700 individuals during winter. Also, the delta is one of the two most important breeding areas for Flamingos. Flamingos are listed as endangered in Turkey. Almost 2,500-3,000 pairs of Flamingos breed here annually. The number of Flamingos increases in winter up to 23,000 indivuals.

Photo of Great Flamingo: Kazım Çapacı

There are also some important mammals species that you can see here including: jackal (Canis aureus, fox (Vulpes vulpes), badger (Meles meles), wild cat (Felis sylvestris), jungle cat (Felis chaus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa). At Gediz Delta 3 amphibians and 14 reptile species have been observed. Also there are approximately 700 plant species of which 11 are endemic. Additionally 62 different planktons species have been identified.

Photo of Lizart: Kazım Çapacı

The Delta is not only unique for its biodiversity and ecological value but also for its economic and aesthetic importance. The Gediz Delta provides more than 1/3 of Turkey's salt production. It is evident that the area is very important for many reasons. Such as its wildlife and agricultural lands, for fishing, along with fish worm and mussel production.