Ramsar Sites of Turkey - Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

RAMSAR CRITERION DESCRIPTION YUMURTALIK LAGOONS
Criterion 1
Includes three different ecosystems in
the eastern shores <strong>of</strong> Mediterranean.
There are freshwater (streams and
small inland lakes), coastal and
freshwater ecosystems (salty shores,
active and permanent sand mounds,
salt marshes, salt flats, flooded
forests), and farm lands.
Criterion 2
There are rare habitats. Endangered
reptile species included in the IUCN
red list live in the site.
It is a rare habitat where Aleppo Pine
(Pinus halepensis) exist. The
threatened sea turtles Caretta caretta
and green sea turtles Chelonia mydas
are supported.
Criterion 3 Supports many rare habitats in
eastern Mediterranean.
One <strong>of</strong> the rare habitats that supports
Aleppo Pine (Pinus halepensis). The
site comprises lagoons, salt and
freshwater marshes, flooded forests,
sand mounds, Seyhan and Ceyhan
Rivers and delta formed by these rivers
as well as important habitats <strong>of</strong>
Mediterranean.
Criterion 4
An important habitat for the critical
stages <strong>of</strong> lives <strong>of</strong> bird and reptile
species.
Since the site is on the
Palaearctic-
Africa migration route, thousands <strong>of</strong>
birds are observed during migration in
the site. Birds are regularly using the
site as a stopover for resting during
migration. Black Francolin (Francolinus
francolinus), Kentish Plover
(Charadrius alexandrinus), Little Tern
(Sterna albifrons), Eurasian Wigeon
(Anas penelope), Pied Avocet
(Recurvirostra avosetta), Little Stint
(Calidris minuta) are breeding in the
site in winters. The site is one <strong>of</strong> the
key points for sea turtle (Caretta
caretta) and green sea turtle (Chelonia
mydas) to assure their long term
existence.
Criterion 5
Water bird are found in hig numbers
regularly.
In the census carried out in 2004 more
than 20.000 water birds are recorded.
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