Kizilirmak Delta Wetland and Bird Sanctuary

Kizilirmak Delta Wetland and Bird Sanctuary

The Kızılırmak River, originating from Turkey and flowing into it as well, is the country's longest river. With a drainage basin that encompasses a significant portion of Turkey, the river flows for 1,355 km through several provinces in Middle Anatolia, including Sivas, Kayseri, Nevşehir, Kirikkkale, Çankiri, and Çorum, before finally meeting the Black Sea. The Kızılırmak River's alluvial delta system is an essential component of the South Black Sea Basin's delta and wetland ecosystem.

Kizilirmak Delta Wetland and Bird Sanctuary

The Kızılırmak Delta is home to a diverse range of aquatic organisms and an assortment of flora and fauna, making it a unique ecological entity. The habitats in the delta, including the sea, river, lake, marsh, swamp, meadow, pasture, and forest, offer a spectacular visual experience rarely seen in other wetlands. This beautiful environment attracts nature and bird enthusiasts who capture stunning images of the rare bird species and the diverse landscapes that make up this unique ecosystem. During migration season, the visitor center and bird watching house offer unforgettable moments for bird lovers who can observe the protected natural environment's various components.

The Kızılırmak Delta is one of the few living wetlands with such rich biodiversity and diverse habitats worldwide, and it is designated as one of the 422 Important Bird Areas under threat globally. The delta hosts 213 species of freshwater algae, 48 species of zooplankton, 35 species of benthic organisms, 561 species of plants, 29 species of fishes, 9 species of amphibians, 12 species of reptiles, 34 species of mammals, and 352 species of birds.

In 2016, the Kızılırmak Delta Wetland and Bird Sanctuary was added to the Tentative List of UNESCO, further underscoring its significance as a valuable natural asset.