The Top 10 Most Endangered Animal In Turkey

1 : Mediterranean Monk Seal

The Mediterranean monk seal is a marine mammal and one of the world's most endangered pinnipeds (a group that includes seals, sea lions, and walruses). It is found in the Mediterranean Sea, which includes areas such as the Aegean Sea, the Ionian Sea, and the Sea of Marmara.

The Mediterranean monk seal is a large seal, with adult males typically weighing between 220-310 kg (485-683 lbs) and adult females weighing between 150-200 kg (331-441 lbs). They are usually dark brown or gray in color, with a lighter colored belly.

The Mediterranean monk seal is a solitary animal and is known for being very elusive. They typically spend their time in caves, rocky shores, or in the water, where they feed on a variety of fish and cephalopods.

The main threats to the Mediterranean monk seal are human activities, such as overfishing, habitat destruction, and pollution. They are also sometimes hunted for their fur and oil. Conservation efforts, such as protection laws and the establishment of protected marine areas, have been put in place to help preserve the remaining population of Mediterranean monk seals.

The Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) is a large bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae. It is also known as the Eastern Imperial Eagle, due to its distribution range which covers much of Eurasia, from Eastern Europe to Central Asia.

2 : Imperial Eagle 

Imperial Eagles are one of the largest raptors in the world, with a wingspan that can exceed 2 meters (6.5 feet). They have dark brown feathers, with lighter golden-brown feathers on the nape and shoulders, and a distinctive white patch on the shoulders. Their eyes are dark brown and their bill and talons are yellow. Juvenile birds are generally lighter in color and have a white patch at the base of the tail.

Imperial Eagles typically feed on a variety of prey including mammals such as hares, rabbits, and ground squirrels, as well as birds, reptiles, and occasionally fish. They are known for their powerful flight and keen eyesight, which allows them to spot prey from high altitudes.

Although Imperial Eagles are listed as "Vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), their populations have been stable or increasing in some regions due to conservation efforts. Threats to the species include habitat loss, illegal hunting, and poisoning.

The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is a species of sea turtle that is found throughout the world's oceans, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. It is named for its large head and powerful jaws, which allow it to crush the hard shells of its prey.

3 : Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Loggerheads are known for their distinctive reddish-brown shells, which can grow up to 3 feet in length and weigh over 200 pounds. They are also known for their powerful front flippers, which they use to propel themselves through the water and onto land when they come ashore to lay their eggs.

Loggerhead sea turtles are listed as a threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and are protected by many national laws and international agreements. They face a range of threats, including habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, entanglement in fishing gear, and poaching of their eggs and meat.

Conservation efforts for loggerhead sea turtles include the protection of nesting beaches, the reduction of bycatch in fishing gear, and the implementation of laws and regulations to prevent the trade of their eggs and meat. Additionally, research is ongoing to better understand the biology and behavior of these magnificent animals, in order to better inform conservation strategies.

The Asiatic cheetah, also known as the Iranian cheetah, is a subspecies of cheetah that is native to Iran. It is one of the rarest large cats in the world, with an estimated population of fewer than 50 individuals remaining in the wild.

4 : Asiatic Cheetah

The Asiatic cheetah is slightly smaller than the African cheetah, with a slender body and long legs adapted for speed. It has distinctive black tear marks on its face and a tawny coat with black spots. It primarily preys on small to medium-sized ungulates, such as gazelles, as well as hares and other small mammals.

The decline of the Asiatic cheetah is mainly due to habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as hunting and poaching. Efforts are being made to conserve the remaining population, including habitat restoration, anti-poaching measures, and captive breeding programs. The Asiatic cheetah is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and urgent action is needed to prevent its extinction.

The Eurasian otter, also known as the common otter or European otter, is a semi aquatic mammal that is found throughout Europe and parts of Asia. It is one of the 13 species of otters in the world and is the most widely distributed.

5 : Eurasian Otter

Eurasian otters have long, sleek bodies that are covered in thick, brown fur. They have webbed feet and a powerful tail that helps them swim through the water. They can grow up to 1.2 meters in length and weigh up to 10 kilograms.

These otters are primarily nocturnal and feed on a variety of aquatic animals, such as fish, crayfish, and frogs. They are also known to eat small mammals and birds. They are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath underwater for up to 8 minutes.

Eurasian otters are considered a threatened species in many parts of their range due to habitat loss, pollution, and hunting. However, conservation efforts have helped to increase their numbers in some areas, and they are now found in many protected areas throughout Europe and Asia.

Red deer (Cervus elaphus) is a large species of deer native to Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. They are also found in some parts of the Americas, where they have been introduced.

6 : Red Deer 

Red deer are known for their large size, with males, known as stags, reaching heights of up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) at the shoulder and weighing up to 300 kilograms (660 pounds). Female red deer, known as hinds, are typically smaller, with a shoulder height of around 1.3 meters (4.3 feet) and a weight of up to 200 kilograms (440 pounds).

Red deer are typically found in forested areas, where they feed on grasses, leaves, and shoots. During the breeding season, which typically takes place in September and October, males will compete with each other for access to females. This competition often involves vocalizations and physical displays, as well as fighting with their antlers.

Red deer have historically been an important source of food and clothing for humans, and they are still hunted for sport and food today in some parts of the world. However, conservation efforts have also been implemented to protect red deer populations in many areas.

7 : Bearded Vulture

The bearded vulture, also known as the lammergeier or ossifrage, is a species of bird of prey that is found in mountainous regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is known for its distinctive appearance, with a dark body and wings, and a bright red or orange beak and facial skin.

One of the most unique features of the bearded vulture is its feeding habits. Unlike most other vultures, which primarily feed on carrion, the bearded vulture is known to feed on bone marrow. It accomplishes this by dropping large bones onto rocks from a height of up to 150 meters (500 feet) in order to break them into smaller pieces. The bird then swallows the pieces whole, digesting the nutritious bone marrow while the indigestible parts are regurgitated in the form of pellets.

The bearded vulture has a wingspan of up to 2.8 meters (9 feet) and can weigh up to 7 kilograms (15 pounds). It is listed as a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), although it is considered endangered in some regions due to habitat loss and hunting. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the species, including captive breeding programs and habitat restoration.

8 : European Souslik

The European Souslik (Spermophilus citellus), also known as the European ground squirrel, is a species of ground squirrel found in Central and Eastern Europe. They are typically found in grasslands, pastures, and agricultural fields, where they burrow underground for shelter and hibernate during the winter months.

European Sousliks are small rodents, typically around 20-30 cm in length, with a distinctive coat of light brown fur with black markings on their back and sides. They have large eyes and ears, and a short tail.

The European Souslik is an herbivorous species, feeding mainly on grasses and other vegetation. They are also known to occasionally consume insects.

Unfortunately, European Sousliks are considered a threatened species, with population numbers declining due to habitat loss and fragmentation, agricultural practices, and hunting. Conservation efforts are underway to help protect and restore populations of these animals.

9 : Wild Goat 

Wild goats, also known as feral goats, are goats that are not domesticated and live in the wild. They are found in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

There are many different species of wild goats, including the ibex, markhor, and chamois. These animals have adapted to their environments and have developed unique physical characteristics to help them survive. For example, ibex have large, curved horns that help them climb steep cliffs, while chamois have sharp hooves that allow them to run and jump on rocky terrain.

Wild goats are generally herbivores and feed on grasses, leaves, and shrubs. They are often hunted by predators such as wolves, mountain lions, and eagles.

Wild goats have been hunted by humans for thousands of years, both for their meat and for their hides. They have also been introduced to new environments by humans, sometimes to serve as a food source or for sport hunting. However, in some cases, wild goats have become an invasive species, damaging local ecosystems and competing with native animals for resources.

The Anatolian leopard (Panthera pardus tulliana) is a subspecies of leopard that is native to Turkey. It is also known as the Caucasian leopard or the Persian leopard.

10 : Anatolian Leopard 

The Anatolian leopard is critically endangered, with only a few individuals believed to exist in the wild. The main threats to the species are habitat loss, hunting, and persecution by farmers who view the leopard as a threat to their livestock.

Conservation efforts are underway to protect the remaining populations of the Anatolian leopard. These efforts include habitat restoration, education programs to raise awareness of the importance of leopard conservation, and the establishment of protected areas. However, much more work needs to be done to ensure the survival of this species.