The Kızılırmak Delta is a wetland area located within the boundaries of Samsun in the Black Sea Region and attracts attention with its ecological richness. This region, which is important in terms of biological diversity, plays a vital role for both local ecosystems and migratory birds. The Kizilirmak Delta, in addition to its ecosystem functions, is a habitat for many endangered species.

Kızılırmak Delta Bird Paradise (Governorship of Samsun, Kızılırmak Delta Samsun Bird Paradise)

Geological Formation

The Kizilirmak Delta is located on the coast of Türkiye, within the provincial boundaries of Samsun. The delta covers an area of 56,000 hectares and is located between the districts of Bafra and Alaçam. This area is at an average altitude of 5 meters above sea level. Geologically, the Kizilirmak Delta is a young formation formed by the accumulation of alluvium carried by the Kızılırmak River at the point where it flows into the Black Sea. These alluvial deposits create the different habitats of the delta ecosystem and provide a suitable environment for the region's biodiversity.

^{Bird Species Inhabiting the Ecosystem of the Kızılırmak Delta Bird Paradise (19 Mayıs Municipality)}

The Kızılırmak Delta spans an area of 236.86 km² and contains numerous lakes of varying sizes to the east and west of the Kızılırmak River. Among these lakes are Balık Lake, Uzun Lake, Tatlı Lake, Gıcı Lake, Cernek Lake, and Liman Lake to the east, and Karaboğaz Lake to the west. The delta holds vital importance for bird species that directly cross the Black Sea.

^{Wildlife of the Kızılırmak Delta Bird Paradise (19 Mayıs Municipality)}

Ecological Characteristics and Habitat Diversity

The Kizilirmak Delta harbors diverse ecosystems. These ecosystems include beaches, sand dunes, reed beds, marshes, and gallery forests (forests located along watercourses). This habitat diversity allows for high biodiversity in terms of both flora and fauna. Gallery forests in particular, wooded areas located by the water and occasionally flooded, are fundamental components of the delta ecosystem. These habitats provide ecosystem services such as water filtration, maintaining groundwater levels, and erosion control. Furthermore, the vegetation cover of the delta region influences the microclimate, helping to maintain environmental balance.

^{Wildlife of the Kızılırmak Delta Bird Paradise (19 Mayıs Municipality)}

Biodiversity

The Kizilirmak Delta is an exceptionally rich area in terms of biodiversity. The region is home to 577 plant species, including rare and endangered species. For example, the sharp-leaved Rhaponticum (Rhaponticum serratuloides) and the sea daffodil (Pancratium maritimum), are endemic plant species that play an important role in the conservation of the region's ecosystems.

^{A Bird Species Inhabiting the Ecosystem of the Kızılırmak Delta Bird Paradise (19 Mayıs Municipality)}

The Bird Paradise is home to 66 fish and 362 bird species. Among these bird species, 15 out of 24 endangered bird species are resident in the delta. The Kızılırmak Delta is an important stopover point for migratory birds, and the region hosts flamingos, pelicans, white-tailed eagles, Dalmatian pelicans, black storks, and other waterfowl, as well as various passerine birds.

The delta has a rich ecosystem comprising 2,177 species, including 32 mammal species, 23 herptile species, 549 invertebrate species, and 510 phytoplankton species. Moreover, Kızılırmak Delta, which was designated as a strictly protected area by presidential decree on April 21, 2020, is Türkiye's first and only candidate site for UNESCO’s World Natural Heritage List.

^{Kızılırmak Delta Bird Paradise (19 Mayıs Municipality)}

Conservation Status and Management Structure

The Kizilirmak Delta has various conservation statuses in line with its environmental values. The delta has been registered as a natural protected area and is under 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree protection. The area has also been designated as a Wildlife Development Area and a Ramsar site. In 2016, the delta was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.

^{An image showing the nature of the Kızılırmak Delta Bird Paradise (19 Mayıs Municipality)}

The management of the Kızılırmak Delta is carried out by the Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs, the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, the Samsun Provincial Directorate of Environment and Urbanization, and others. With a protocol established in 2015, the management of the Kızılırmak Delta was taken over by the Samsun Kızılırmak Delta Protection and Development Association (SAMKUS). SAMKUS carries out various studies to ensure the protection of the delta ecosystem, monitor biodiversity in the region, and raise public awareness.

^{Storks Inhabiting the Bird Paradise (Samsun Metropolitan Municipality)}

Visitor Services

The Kızılırmak Delta offers many activities for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can participate in birdwatching, photography, fishing, trekking, camping, cycling, and canoeing. In the early morning, visitors can conduct observations during peak bird activity. The delta provides ecological awareness with visitor centers, birdwatching towers, and image monitoring centers.

^{Kızılırmak Delta Bird Paradise (19 Mayıs Municipality)}

The Kızılırmak Delta, with its biodiversity, ecosystem functions, and conservation status, is one of Türkiye's most valuable wetlands. The delta provides a transition zone among various habitats, providing critical habitats for endemic species and migratory birds. Protecting and sustainably managing the ecosystems in this area not only preserves biodiversity but also creates significant benefits for environmental services and the local population.