The fauna of Turkey is abundant and varied. The wildlife of Turkey includes a great diversity of plants and animals, each suited to its own particular habitat, as it is a large country with many geographic and climatic regions. About 1,500 species of vertebrates have been recorded in the country and around 19,000 species of invertebrates. The country is a biological crossroads with links to Europe, Asia, and the Near East. Many birds use the country as a staging post during migration.
Turkey has a large range of habitat types and a great faunal diversity. Nearly 1,500 vertebrate species were recorded, of which over 100 species, mostly fish, are endemic. The country is on two major bird migration routes. This increases the number of birds in the country in spring and autumn. The invertebrate fauna is also very diverse, with about 19,000 species being recorded including 4,000 which are endemic. [1]
There are over 380 species of ants in Turkey, [2] 38 of which are endemic. [3]
Twenty-three species are endemic to Turkey. [4]
Eight species are endemic to Turkey. [4] Many species have declined in numbers, for example chamois, gazelle and mouflon, with shortage of staff to protect them claimed to be a factor. [5] DNA of 15 endangered large mammals will be stored. [6]
One hundred sixty-one species of freshwater fish are endemic to Turkey. [4]
Conservation action plans for 100 species are due to be completed by the end of 2019. [7] [ needs update ]
The following species and populations have become extinct in Turkey in historical times.
The Küre and Kaçkar Mountains national parks have been suggested for rewilding. [13]