Birds Gediz Delta shelter's an extensive number of living creatures because of the presence of both fresh and salt water. The region is host to a large number of plant and animal species. The delta is of particular value because of its birds. Of the 426 types of birds found in Turkey over 200 have been observed at the delta. These birds include sea birds, waterfowl, coastal birds, predatory birds, savannah birds and even forest birds. 
Photo of Spur-Winged Plover: Ahmet Akgün
Due to its suitable climate conditions and feeding areas the delta is an important winter roosting site for water birds commonly found in Eastern Europe. The area's location is also along a migration route where it is used as a stop-over and feeding site for a large number of coastal and other water birds. Salt-marshes, reed-beds, meadow lands, hills and garden plots are examples of other sites enriching the delta. A field of 8000 hectares of salt-marshes and lagoons on Gediz Delta was announced as a Wild Life Protection Area in 1980. The same area was placed under Preservation Area Status in 1981. Another part of the area which includes the area under preservation and a section of the Southern Gediz Delta were announced as RAMSAR sites. (RAMSAR is an agreement which covers the protection of the living sites of water birds in particular). Gediz Delta is at the same time an Important Bird Site. The 35 pairs of breeding dalmation pelicans, 1450 pairs of flamingos, 25 pairs of Egyptian vultures, 55 pairs of avocets ensure that the area is a high priority for preservation.
Types of Birds which can be Observed Throughout the Year
Winter Migratory Birds
Summer Migratory Birds
Types of Birds which can be Observed during Migration Season
Complete List (PDF) Vegetation The geography of vegetation at Gediz Delta is part of the Mediterranean vegetation community. It contains areas of sand dunes, salt- marshes, phrygana and reed-beds. In Studies conducted on flora in the region, concerning seeded plants it has been determined that there are 60 families, 206 genus and 308 types. A common seeded plant in the coastal area is the Glasswort (Salicornia europaea) which is an old herbaceous plant which can grow up to 40 cm high. This plant can be eaten as a salad after it has been boiled. The common reed (Phragmites autralis) and cattail (Tyhpa sp.) are two types of old, herbaceous vegetation which can grow up to 3m high and can be found among the reed-beds and canals. 
Photo: Kazım Çapacı
The predominant plant in the sand dunes are various types of salt cedars (Tamarix). Salt cedars are little trees which look like shrubs. It has flowers of pink or white. The plants predominantly in the center of the delta include the rare succulent halophyte, Halocnemum strobilaceum and Halimone portulacoides. Dominant plants in the hilly region include an old nodular herbaceous plant which can grow up to 100 cm and bears white flowers called Aspholdelus microcarpos. Another species in the hilly areas is a little tree which can grow up to 6m and sheds its leaves in winter known as the Turpentine tree (Pistacia terebinthus. There are also oak trees such as the Querus species. Others tree species found at Gediz Delta includ a type of milk bearing fig tree (Ficus carica) and a type of scented thyme which bears purple flowers known as white thyme (Coridothymus). 
Photo: Ahmet Akgün
Other plants of interest include: Puccinellia koeieana, a type of wheat plant, an old strong scented bushy plant called mountain tea (Stachys cretica), Carex divisa, Sueda postrata subsp, postrata, and Salsola kali can also be found in the Gediz Delta. List of Plants and Vegetation Types of Frogs and Reptiles In studies carried out to date in the Gediz Delta 3 types of amphibians, 5 types of snakes, 5 types of lizards, 1 type of tortoise 2 types of water turtles and one type of sea turtle have been identified. Amphibians (Amphibia)
Reptiles (Reptilia) 
Photo: Kazım Çapacı
|
