Sarıkum Nature Reserve

Sarıkum Nature Reserve, which is at sea level, consists of lakes, forests, pseudo-maquis communities, coastal dunes, coastal cliffs, wetlands, afforestation areas, agricultural areas and settlements. The area was separated as Nature Conservation Area in 1987 due to the presence of many ecosystems containing richness and diversity, and it was declared as First Degree Natural Protected Area in 1991. The Sarıkum Lake, which gives the name to the area, is located on the pit areas formed as a result of tectonic movements. The lake is an old gulf and a lagoon lake formed as a result of the coastal sand dunes, which are animated by the dark winds, are closed in front of the streams flowing into this gulf. It is still connected to the sea with a 25-30 meter strait. The lake covers an average of 102 hectares. The area is important for many rare plant species. In the researches conducted in the field, 97 families, 328 genera, 522 species and 6 taxa were identified. 14 of them are endemic. 26 species, which include endemics, are among the species under priority threat in conservation according to the criteria of the World Union for the Protection of Nature (IUCN). Sarıkum Lake is an area designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) due to the fact that it contains many winter water birds. 233 bird species have been identified in the area. Apart from these, it is a very rich place in terms of other animal species. It is possible to see many reptile, insect and butterfly species and wild animals such as wild boar, jackal, fox, marten, squirrel and roe deer in the area.