Ramsar Sites of Turkey - Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

Criteria 3
Criteria 4
Great white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus).
The site has a special The site has a special feature with rich plant
feature to ensure species and habitats. There are 6 endemic
ecologic and genetic plant species and 38 taxonomic plants which
diversity <strong>of</strong> the region are classified in red data book <strong>of</strong>
with its flora and International Union for Conservation <strong>of</strong>
fauna.
Nature (IUCN).
332 bird species are counted in this wetland
ecosystem. 70 <strong>of</strong> these species certainly and
Delta.
The site is one <strong>of</strong> the rare areas in the
special importance Mediterranean with its protected natural
because it supports structure. Suitable climate conditions
critical periods <strong>of</strong> provide feeding, breeding and wintering
biological cycle <strong>of</strong> grounds for high number <strong>of</strong> waterbirds.
waterbirds and Additionally, important nesting areas <strong>of</strong> the
reptiles.
Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta) are located in
supports threatened s<strong>of</strong>t shelled Nile Turtles
(Trionxy tringuis).
MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE
Conservation works in site is carried out by the Ministry <strong>of</strong> Environment and Forestry,
Environmental Protection Agency for Special Areas. Works covering its surrounding areas
are organized by Silifke Directorate <strong>of</strong> Special Environment Protection. Officials in the site
control visitors coming to the site for birdwatching and/or research and hunting activities
are also controlled.
HYDROLOGICAL ASPECTS
The site receives heavy precipitation due to being open to the rain clouds coming through
Mediterranean (700 mm/year). The source, directly affecting the hydrological structure <strong>of</strong>
the site, is the largest river <strong>of</strong> eastern Mediterranean basin, the 250-kilometer-long
nimum 26 m3/s,
has slightly salty and briny water characteristic. The depth <strong>of</strong> the lake that contains 1.0
gram <strong>of</strong> lime per liter is 0.5-1.0 meter and is linked to Paradeniz with a canal the fishers
opened. Freshwater through drainage canals feeds the lake.
With a maximum depth <strong>of</strong> 1.5 meters, Paradeniz Lagoon (492 ha) is slightly salty and
f
hydrological sources. The groundwater contains high volumes <strong>of</strong> lime, while the sources
bear karstic characteristics.
GEOLOGICAL ASPECTS
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