This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
Lake Efteni is located at the foot of the Elmacık Dağı mountain range in Türkiye, at the confluence of the Düzce Plain’s river network (Aksu, Asar, Uğur, Küçük Melen waters and their tributaries). It serves as a key node in the ecological system that drains into the Black Sea via the Büyük Melen canal. The lake lies within the boundaries of Gölyaka district of Düzce, 5 kilometres from the district centre and 25 kilometres from the city centre of Düzce.
Lake Efteni (Culture Portal)
Lake Efteni and its surroundings constitute one of the important and rare centres along migratory bird routes, owing to its rich vegetation and water resources. Due to this characteristic, it was declared in 1992 by the General Directorate of National Parks, Hunting and Wildlife Conservation under the then Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry as a Waterfowl Conservation and Breeding Area, with hunting prohibited. This status aims to protect game and wildlife species, secure migratory routes for migratory species, improve and enhance habitats, implement remedial measures, and ensure adequate shelter, feeding and living conditions.
The protected area, initially covering 580 hectares, was expanded to 750 hectares in 1995 and further to 764 hectares in 2005 by a decision of the Council of Ministers, adopting the name Efteni Lake Wildlife Development Area. On 30 May 2018, with approval from the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, it was officially registered as Türkiye’s 46th National Importance Wetland, covering an area of 8314 hectares. This area includes the localities of Gölormanı, Paşakonağı, Kuşaçması and Ballıca villages under the central district, and Hamamüstü and Hacıyakup villages under Gölyaka district.
Lake Efteni (Culture Portal)
The protected area hosts a rich animal life, particularly waterfowl, through diverse ecological habitats such as reed beds, open water surfaces, marshes and muddy flats.
Studies have identified 351 taxa belonging to 252 genera and 96 families in and around Lake Efteni. Of these taxa, 98 are of European-Siberian origin, 19 are of Iran-Turan origin, and 48 belong to the Mediterranean phytogeographic region. Ten taxa are endemic, and two are regionally endemic.
Five distinct plant zones are found in the mountainous terrain south of Lake Efteni. Aquatic plants such as water lily, hyacinth, wedding flowers, reed, mint and water lentil are widespread, alongside water-loving trees such as willow, ash, maple and plane tree. Endemic plant species in the vicinity of Düzce and the Efteni Lake Wetland include Seseli resinosum, Lythrum anatolicum (CR), and Centaurea yaltirikii (CR).
Aquatic and Terrestrial Invertebrates: Studies conducted in and around the lake have identified 47 invertebrate species belonging to 17 families, six orders, four classes and three phyla.
Fishes: Comprehensive research has confirmed the presence of 10 fish species from five families. Field surveys and literature reviews have identified a total of 14 fish species within the project area. Major species include bleak, roach, bream and tench.
Amphibians: Seven amphibian species from four families have been identified in the lake and its surroundings, belonging to the orders Caudata and Anura. Species include the common frog, northern crested newt and small newt.
Reptiles: Eight reptile species from two orders and five families have been documented in the region. The species Emys orbicularis (European pond turtle), which has a dense population in the lake, is listed by the IUCN as Near Threatened (NT).
Birds: Lake Efteni is exceptionally rich in bird species and was originally designated as a Waterfowl Conservation and Breeding Area. Its location along the northwestern-southern migration route (Thrace-Bosporus-Inland Anatolia) makes it a vital stopover and feeding ground for bird species rare or endangered in Türkiye. It serves as a wintering site for some migratory birds that cannot migrate further south, and as a breeding ground for others. Consequently, a wide variety of bird species can be observed during migration seasons.
Literature and field surveys have recorded a total of 154 bird species from 40 families and 16 orders. Of these, 52 are resident, 18 are winter migrants, 2 are both resident and winter migrants, 66 are summer migrants, and 5 use the area transitively.
The lake supports 150 bird species, 35 of which are permanent residents. Storks, wild ducks, white-headed ducks, grebes, coots and swans are among the commonly observed species. Endangered species such as the swan, crane, ferruginous duck, smew, Siberian goose, little bustard, mallard, pochard, shoveler, as well as potentially threatened species including the Eurasian teal, garganey, red-crested pochard, red-crested pochard, marsh harrier, ruddy shelduck and white-headed duck are also found within the protected area. Other major bird species include the reed warbler, water rail, reed bunting, white stork and black stork.
Lake Efteni (Culture Portal)
Lake Efteni offers ideal conditions for birdwatching and photography. A viewing platform has been constructed along the lake’s perimeter to facilitate bird observation. Recreational opportunities include scenic viewing from a pier, sport fishing, and a picnic area with a limited number of picnic tables. Water levels, water lily blooms and reed beds provide ideal compositions for observing birds in their natural habitats.
Ecological Importance and Conservation Status
Biodiversity
Flora (Vegetation)
Fauna (Animal Life)
Recreational Activities