Kovada Lake National Park

Kovada Lake National Park is located south of the Eğirdir district in Isparta province, Türkiye. Kovada Lake, which functions as a natural extension of Eğirdir Lake, lies approximately 25–29 kilometers from Eğirdir. The lake and its surrounding area were declared a national park on 3 November 1970 and were later registered as a Class I Natural Site in 1992. The total area of the national park is 6,534 hectares.

Kovada Lake National Park (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Türkiye)

Geomorphological and Hydrographic Characteristics

Kovada Lake is situated on a north-south trending fault line within an area of karstic subsidence. The lake has an elevation of 900 meters. Its surface area varies between 11 and 40 km² according to different sources, with a length of 6 to 15 kilometers and a width of 2–3 kilometers. Its maximum depth is approximately 6–7 meters. The water is freshwater. Surface waters originating from Eğirdir Lake flow along the Boğazova region and seep underground at certain points through sinkholes, later re-emerging at the surface. The main river draining the lake is Kurudere. The lake’s water level fluctuates due to surface runoff and subsurface infiltration.

Kovada Lake National Park (Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye)

Climate and Ecological Structure

The region is under the influence of the Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, dry summers. This climatic structure supports the diversity of vegetation in the area.

Flora

Kovada Lake National Park possesses a rich vegetation cover. The park area features both coniferous and broadleaf tree species as well as maquis formations. Major tree species include Turkish pine (Pinus brutia), black pine (Pinus nigra), pedunculate and sessile oak (Quercus robur, Q. petraea), kermes oak (Quercus coccifera), juniper (Juniperus spp.), and terebinth. Maquis and shrubland formations include species such as heather, sandalwood, cornel, myrtle, buckthorn, wild olive, myrtle, mastic tree, dyer’s sumac, service tree, wild service tree, hawthorn, blackberry, wild rose, laurel, Christ’s thorn, black alder, and blackthorn.

Fauna

The national park supports diverse species in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The lake is home to species such as common carp (Cyprinus carpio), tench (Tinca tinca), European perch (Perca fluviatilis), and freshwater crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus). Terrestrial mammals include wild boar, badger, pine marten, fox, hare, and red squirrel. Observations in the area have recorded 153 species of water birds. Seasonally, the lake and its surroundings host species such as mallard, goose, coot, partridge, and quail.

Protection and Status

Kovada Lake and its surroundings were declared a national park on 3 November 1970 under Law No. 2873 on National Parks. Additionally, in 1992, the Council for the Protection of Cultural and Natural Heritage designated the area as a Class I Natural Site. These designations aim to preserve the area’s natural landscape integrity, biological diversity, and recreational potential.

Recreational Use and Activities

Various nature-based activities are available for visitors within the national park. Major activities include hiking, camping, birdwatching, scenic viewing, rock climbing, and nature photography. Walking trails and observation points around the lake support recreational use. The total shoreline of the lake is 20.6 kilometers long.

Kovada Lake National Park (Eğirdir Subprovince)

Economic Contribution and Infrastructure

The Kovada 1 and Kovada 2 Hydroelectric Power Plants located around Kovada Lake contribute to the electricity needs of Isparta and Burdur provinces. Additionally, controlled fishing activities provide limited economic benefits to the local economy. Unregulated and illegal hunting activities pose a threat to the natural environment.