Natural Areas
Prepared by: Simge Akkaş, Yağmur Saygılı and Elif Yazıcı Gümüşbıçak
Photos: General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks Photo Archive
With its continental climate and steppes, the wildlife in Ankara is considered to be a little lackluster, but that is not the case. Ankara and its surrounding areas house many unique and sensitive nature habitats declared as Key Biodiversity Areas that we think would be of interest during your stay in Ankara.
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Lake Eymir and Lake Mogan
Lake Eymir and Lake Mogan are located in the south of Ankara, in an area once a river valley. Over time, Lake Mogan and Lake Eymir, fed by the alluvium carried by the streams, were formed. -
Salt Lake
Located at the intersection of Ankara, Konya and Aksaray, 130 km from Ankara city center, Lake Tuz is the last remnant of an inland sea that broke off from the Tethys Sea that covered Anatolia millions of years ago. It is the largest saltwater lake in Europe and the second largest lake in Türkiye. -
Nallıhan Bird Sanctuary
Nallıhan Bird Sanctuary is a seasonal lake, located within the Sarıyar Dam Key Biodiversity Area. It is one of the most important places around Ankara for bird watching and an important breeding, migration and wintering area. -
Kirmir and İnözü Valleys
Located 3 km from Beypazarı, one of the neighboring districts of Ankara, the Kirmir and Inözü Valleys are important homes for many species with their warmer and more humid conditions compared to their surroundings. -
Polatlı-TİGEM
Located on the highway from Polatlı to Konya, this region is covered with large agricultural fields and pastures. It is an important breeding area for the globally endangered great bustards and lesser kestrel. -
Kazan Hills
The hilly region between the Kazan and Çubuk districts of Ankara is now under threat of extinction due to extensive urbanization, logging and grazing. -
Lake Çöl
Lake Çöl (Desert), a brackish water lake located 80 km from Ankara city center, between Haymana and Balâ districts, is of great importance especially for birds in spring and summer. This lake is a breeding ground for many bird species and a wintering place for some birds such as flamingos and white-footed geese. -
Ayaş Mountains
Ayaş Mountains, one of the protected mountain steppes around Ankara, is especially important for birds and rare plants. The mountains are covered with steppe and downy oak communities. -
Kızılcahamam Forests
Kızılcahamam Forests Key Biodiversity Area includes Soğuksu National Park and hot spring facilities. Kızılcahamam Forests are an important region for birds and butterflies.