There are many Animals that Turkey is famous for; since it is one of the thirty-four points of biological diversity in the world; due to the great diversity of plants and animals found throughout the country.
The number of animal species in Europe is about 60.000; while in Turkey the number of species is more than 80,000, among them 114 species of mammals.
There were also other types of animals; such as leopards, lions, and tigers that once lived in the country. But they are now extinct locally.
To keep rare animals from extinction; 40 small closed areas have been established. And the goal is to preserve the animals until they are able to reproduce.
Mammals
The most common mammal species in Turkey belong to the rodent family. However, the country still includes larger species such as; the striped hyena, brown bear, grey wolf, caracal (a medium-sized cat known for its black ears), and the Eurasian lynx.
Amphibians and Reptiles
There are 150 species of amphibians and reptiles; including the big-headed turtle that finds refuge along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, and many successful conservation efforts to protect this vulnerable creature.
There are different types of snakes, lizards, and salamanders.
Birds
About 400 species of indigenous or migratory birds live in Turkey, some of which are extinct in Europe such as the black eagle, due to its unique location connecting Europe and Asia, Turkey is on an interesting migration plan.
In the spring, migratory birds fly north from Africa to Asia, and Europe, and in the fall, they leave their breeding grounds to travel south to Africa again.
One of the most amazing flight migrations in the world occurs in Turkey; the flight of storks to the Bosphorus (Istanbul Strait). And more than a quarter of a million storks fly over the city over a period of a few weeks.
It is also home to many species of birds, including five types of follicle, three types of mowing water, one type of bird, one type of tropical bird, two types of swans, one type of bird of paradise, three types of cormorants, five types of Heron
As well as three types of egret, three types of stork, two types of ibis, one type of spoonbill, two types of flamingo, three types of swan, ten types of goose, twenty-five types of ducks, the osprey
Twenty-eight species of hawks and eagles; eleven species of caracaras and hawks, two types of baits, three types of crane, nine species of owl, and much more
Marine Animals
Some species of marine animals; such as the Mediterranean seal and the Caretta turtle, have taken refuge in the crystal waters of the Mediterranean and Aegean seas.
Turkey is surrounded by four seas (the Black Sea, Marmara, Aegean Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea), and it is home to a large collection of wonderful fish.
There are several species of bream, sea wolf (lover), red mullet, and other types of Mediterranean fish that thrive in its waters, in addition to chickpeas (a type of anchovy) found in the Black Sea, which is one of the most valuable dishes of the people.
Large-scale sea and freshwater fish farming companies produce bass and trout.
Wild Animals
Amongst the animals that Turkey is known for are the wild animals. Wildlife in Turkey is filled with animals similar to the Balkans; Bears, lynx, wild boars, deer, chamois, otters, foxes, camels, buffaloes, and a handful of increasingly rare cheetahs, whale, hyena, spiders, scorpions, and centipedes.
Some Unique Animals
Unique animals in Turkey include; Asia Minor Spiny Mouse, Taurus Ground Squirrel, Jackass Shrew, Anatolian Vole, Do’ramaci’s Vole, Baran’s Adder, Central Turkish Mountain Viper, Kukri Snake Lycian Salamander, Fazil Lycian Salamander, Tavas Frog, Taurus Frog, and many more killer species, as well as many species of butterflies, and insects.