floodplain forests

Turkey's largest Floodplain Flood Forests, examples of which can be seen in several places around the world, were declared a National Park in 2007 and were completely protected. This natural wonder surrounding İğneada is Turkey's most important natural habitat with its diversity of fauna and flora. It has hosted major projects around the world, and many wildlife observers, bird watchers and botanists have conducted research and documentaries have been shot.

Longoz (Subasar) Forests: Melted snow water and rain water from the Yıldız Mountains begin to flow towards the sea. They flow through the forests and begin to gather in lakes near the sea (Mert, Erikli, Saka, Aypoloz Lakes). There are high beaches between these lakes and the sea, acting as a dam in front of the waters. As the flow rate of the water accumulated in the lakes increases, it heads deeper into the forest behind and the forest is flooded. The sand dunes, which cannot withstand the power of the water, collapse and the water that enters the forest and accumulates in the lake begins to flow towards the sea. After the waves begin to rise, the dunes begin to rebuild and water begins to accumulate in the lakes again. This is a nature cycle that occurs 6-7 times a year, depending on rainfall and the effect of waves. Sometimes the waves get so high that they can fill lakes at sea. During the winter months, water coming from the mountains overflows from the stream beds and begins to spread through the forest and flow towards the lakes, creating a flood effect. These violent waters have collected alluvium from the mountains for centuries and carried different riches into the forests.

Longoz Forests are a formation where dune eco-system, wetland eco-system, floodplain eco-system and deciduous eco-systems coexist. It is one of the places where the most diversity is seen in the forest section, where it consists of wide-bodied, tall old trees. Particularly beech, hornbeam, oak, tree knot, red tree, white tree, sycamore maple, walnut, cranberry, hazelnut and forest fruit trees are abundant. Climbing and climbing plants surround the trunks of the trees, creating a tropical appearance.

Longoz Forests are also a habitat where wildlife is alive. Many wild animals live in the region, which are forbidden to hunt and are under protection. Especially wolf, roe deer, otter, fox, jackal, deer, dormouse, squirrel, rabbit, pig, wild cat, lynx, mole and badger are the most commonly seen creatures in the region. In the Longoz Forests, which are also home to many bird species; Woodpeckers, hawks, eagles, hawks, falcons, turtle doves, kingfishers, swans, ducks, herons, black storks and coots can be seen. Floodplain forests located on the Northern European Bird Migration route provide accommodation for many migrating birds.