Wildlife In Turkey 2025 : Birds, Mammals, Reptiles & More!

What Types of Wildlife Can You Find in Turkey 2025

If you are visiting Turkey, Turkish wildlife is something that can’t be missed at any cost. Thera are almost 716 species of fish, 481 species of birds, 150 species of mammals, and 130 species of reptiles in Turkey. This is one of the things that makes Turkey a center of attraction throughout the world. The pivotal role is played by topography and climate in preserving astonishing biodiversity and wildlife in Turkey. Before getting into further details about wildlife animals, let us know the types of wildlife can be found in Turkey.

• Vertebrates:- Vertebrates include various types of birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and fishes can be found in Turkey. 

• Invertebrates:- Invertebrates like arachnids, molluscs, and insects can be discovered in Turkey. 

• Endangered and Vulnerable Species:- Some endangered species in Turkey are anatolian leopard, loggerhead sea turtle, wild goat, steppe eagle, etc., can be seen in Turkey. 

• Extinct Species:- Sadly, but African darter, Asiatic lion, Caspian tiger, hydruntine, alburnus akili, and Pseudophoxinus handlirschi have now become extinct. 

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Several measures are taken for wildlife conservation in Turkey, such as marine conservation, environmental protection, forest management, cultural heritage preservation, and wildlife monitoring. Even the Law on the Conservation of Cultural and Natural Property (2863) was imposed there. Now we will learn about the type of wildlife mainly found in Turkey in detail. 

Mammals in Turkey

There are many things to do in Turkey but exploring wildlife tourism in Turkey has a separate fan base. In this section, we will introduce you to various mammals that can be found during Turkey wildlife safari. 

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Brown bears

Brown bears, also called Ursus Arctos scientifically, are the massive carnivores present in Turkey. It is regarded as one and only migratory species that can be discovered in less populated areas of north and east Turkey. Approximately, 3000 brown bears are there in Turkey and this statistics has decreased with time due to human-bear conflicts. These bears in Turkey are majorly migratory but have now stopped migrating due to severe habitat loss. 

Wolves

Scientifically regarded as Canis lupus Linnaeus, Grey wolves are another majorly found species in Turkey. These are one of the three members of Canidae family, the other two are asiatic jackal and red fox. These wolves are considered the national animal of Turkey and the second important carnivore. Due to over hunting, these grey wolves are diminishing throughout the year. Turkish wildlife is widely known for its amazing, heart-capturing, and one-of-a-kind experiences. 

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Lynx

Lynx or Eurasian Lynx is a variety of wild cat that are Europe’s third-largest predator after brown bear and wolves. These are broadly populated in Anatolia, the Asian portion of Turkey, and are protected legally. Excessive habitat loss, prey depletion, poaching, and hunting can be a threatening remark for these Lynx. These species are generally solitary and territorial and hunt their prey by stalking and jumping on it.

Wild boars

One of the widely common species in Turkey are Wild Boars that are well-known for their extraordinary, large, and strong tusks. They are omnivorous animals and eat small animals, vegetation, and fruits. They can be seen roaming on streets and can even dig holes under trees. In Turkey, they are popularly hunted in large numbers but some people in Turkey believe that hunting a Wild boar is against their religion. 

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Birds in Turkey

There are a variety of birds you can encounter when you visit Turkey. Varieties of Eagles and Vultures are normally famous in Turkey but Storks and Pelicans are the variety of birds that can be a major tourist attraction in Turkey. Here’s a guide to the native birds of Turkey.

Eagles

This is a guide to the Eagles that can be commonly discovered in Turkey. 

• Imperial Eagle:- Imperial Eagle also known as Aquila Heliaca are a dark brown to black colored variety of eagles with mild yawny head and neck and glowing white marks on the back. They commonly consider small-and medium sized animals, such as some birds and reptiles.

• White-tailed Eagle:- White-tailed Eagle, also known as Eurasian Sea Eagle, has a brown body, pale to white neck and head, and white tail feathers. They can pull out fishes from the sea and can even eat rabbits and ducks. These eagles are regarded as endangered and even extinct from some regions. 

• Lesser Spotted Eagle:- Lesser Spotted Eagles, also known as Clanga Pomarina, are dual colored. It means their body is light and pale brown but their wings are dark brown colored. Being diurnal, these eagles rest at night and hunt their prey in daytime. They hunt small mammals, birds, reptimes, amphibians, and insects. 

Vultures 

Here are some majorly founded varieties of vultures in Turkey. 

• Griffon Vulture:- Turkey is the widespread habitation of Griffon vultures, also called Eurasian Griffon but now their numbers are declining due to persecution, poisoning, and loss of food. Their body is white, has brownish-black feathers, reddish-brown marks on the neck and upper wings. They have great eyesight and find their prey from a distance. 

• Egyptian Vulture:- Egyptian Vultures or Pharaoh's chicken are the smallest vultures throughout Turkey and Europe. Now comes under endangered species, these vultures have white plumage, black feathers, and pale yellow face. Interestingly, they use tools, such as small stones to break eggs by continuously dropping stones on it. 

• Cinereous Vulture:- Cinereous Vulture or Eurasian Black Vulture are a large bird of prey that can be discovered in Turkey. These vultures are considered extremely dangerous all over the world and are scavengers that rely on dead animals. These are dark brown birds with wedge shaped tail, and bluish-grey neck and skin around eyes. 

Storks 

Let us go through the white and black variety of Storks.

• White Stork:- White Stork or European Stork are the type of birds that can only be seen during summers in Turkey. These are large birds with large wings, long neck and legs, and pointed beak. They prey on small mammals, insects, and reptiles. Surprisingly, the parents White Stork bring food and water for their young ones turn-by-turn. 

• Black Stork:- Black Stork or the Jabiru are one of the world’s largest storks. They are the spring and autumn visitors of Turkey. They are endangered ones due to habitat loss, illegal hunting, and collisions with power lines. They have white belly, long red legs, and black plumage exhibiting greenish-purple brilliance, 

Pelicans 

Let us familiarize you with some types of Pelicans. 

• Dalmatian Pelicans:- A large migratory water-bird, Dalmatian Pelicans, also called Pelecanus Crispus, popular for its big and expandable yellow-orange throat pouch. It has wider wings and white plumage, usually found near lakes and wetland areas. With their large throat pouch, they scoop out fishes from water. 

• White Pelicans:- A massive white water bird with a tinge of pink hue, White Pelicans, also known as Great White Pelicans, are a significant part of the European species population. They feed on fishes primarily but also eat other invertebrates. They are larger than Dalmatian Pelicans. 

Reptiles and Amphibians in Turkey

As we have discussed about the mammals and birds we can find in Turkey, now we are going to learn about the reptiles and amphibians we can discover in Turkey. 

Snakes

Here is the guide to the kinds of snakes you may encounter in Turkey.

• Venomous Snakes:- The venomous snakes you can find only in Turkey are Baran’s adder, also known as Turkish viper. Other venomous snakes you can find in Turkey also are Ottoman Viper, Vipera ammodytes, Macrovipera labetina, Vipera Berus, and Vipera ursinii. 

• Non-venomous Snakes:- Some non-venomous snakes that look dangerous but are usually harmless you can find in Turkey are Garter snakes, Green tree pythons, Milk snakes, Rough green snakes, and Western ribbon snakes. 

Lizards 

Several types of Lizards mainly discovered in Turkey that we will discuss as follows:

• European Glass Lizard:- In Turkey, European Glass Lizards are also known as sheltopusik and are legless. They can be found in dry rocky slopes, maquis vegetation, cultivated areas, and regions near human settlements. It is the only species of its genus and can reach lengths of up to 120cm. 

• Balkan Green Lizard:- Balkan Green Lizards are also known as Balkan Emerald Lizards are a type of lizard species that are found in Turkey. These can be found in  shrubby vegetation, sandy shores, arable land, pastureland, plantations, and rural gardens. It can reach up to 16-50 centimeters. 

Turtles

Let us learn the varieties of Turtles found in Turkey.

• European Pond Turtle:- An omnivorous turtle, European Pond turtle or Swamp turtle, is a type of turtle commonly found in Turkey. It is a moderate-sized freshwater turtle with a gloomy brown to black shell with yellow spots. It can be found in Ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams with vegetation.

• Caspian Turtle:- Caspian Turtle or striped-neck terrapin is a kind of turtle that can be discovered in freshwater lakes and rivers. It is a medium-sized black to brown colored turtle with a yellow or pale-colored shell. When young, they are carnivores but with time, they become omnivores. 

Frogs and Toads

Turkey is also a dwelling place of numerous varieties of Frogs and Toads. You can generally find Anatolian Marsh Frog, Anatolian Water Frog, and Common Toads in Turkey. Turkey has become the largest exporter of frogs to meet demands internationally. They can be found in lakes, ponds, and slow moving rivers. 

Endangered Species in Turkey

As Turkey is well-known for its amazing wildlife, on the other hand some species in this country are on the periphery of extinction as they are already endangered. Let us know about some of these species.

Anatolian leopard

Once a  distinct leopard subspecies during the 19th and 20th centuries, Anatolian Leopards have now come under the tag of being ‘Endangered.’ Turkish officials have started several programs to protect Anatolian leopards and even banned their hunting. Doga Dernegi (DD) is a nature conservation group in Turkey who’s prime motive is to do surveys for these leopards. Turkish officials have raised fines on hunting of Anatolian Leopards. 

Imperial Eagle

Imperial Eagles come under the rarest birds throughout the world but now only 35 pairs are left all around. This bird is acknowledged as purest and sacred as in ancient times, people believe that it protects agriculture by terminating storms. The reasons behind them being endangered are many, such as degradation of natural habitat, power lines, poisoning, nest robbing, shooting, trapping, socio-economic transformations, pollution, fire, predation, natural calamity, etc. 

Mediterranean monk seal

The Mediterranean monk seal is one of the rarest species in the world that can be found in the Turkish coastline. It has a really vulnerable population left now and considered a priority to be conserved. It appears with black, brown, or dark grey fur with a pale belly area, short but wider face, and easily seen upward facing nostrils. Their population is diminishing due to several reasons, including coastal development, entanglement in fishing gear, and disturbance from human activities. 

Conclusion

If you are on your Turkey tours, don’t forget to consider this blog as your travel partner. We tried to deliver you a clear sight about the most interesting part of Turkey, its wildlife. If you miss this, you will surely regret it later because being introduced to Turkish wildlife is an incomparable experience. You might have gone through several Turkey tour packages but we suggest you select one that provides you a tour to wildlife in Turkey.  

FAQs

1. What types of wildlife can be found in Turkey?

In Turkey you can find numerous varieties of wildlife including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, birds, and water animals. 

2. What types of bears can be found in Turkey?

Only brown bears are majorly discovered in Turkey. The types of brown bear, such as Eurasian brown bear and the Syrian brown bear can also be seen in Turkey.

3. Are there venomous snakes in Turkey?

Yes, you can find several vipers and other species of snakes that are venomous in Turkey. 

4. Are there any national parks in Turkey that protect wildlife?

There are 654 protected areas in Turkey in which 48 are national parks. The area of these national parks covers 911,204 hectares. 

5. What is the best time to see wildlife in Turkey?

From March to May (Spring season) and September to November (Autumn season) could be the best time to enjoy Turkish wildlife.