Biodiversity and Conservation in Samsun

Endemic plants such as orchids, lake onions, and sand lilies grown in Samsun, as well as rare animal species like Anatolian mountain partridge, otter, and marten, face fines starting from 387,000 TL for those who harm them. The protection of endangered species and rare plant and animal species is of great importance nationwide in Turkey.

Legal Protection and Penalties

Various legal regulations exist in Samsun for the protection of endangered or rare plant and animal species. Individuals who harm endemic plants and animals are subject to administrative fines ranging up to 387,141 TL in accordance with the Environmental Law. These fines aim to protect biological diversity.

• Orchids
• Lake Onions
• Sand Lilies
• Samsun Birthwort (Aristolochia Samsunensis)
• Red-Crowned Crane
• Otter
• Golden Eagle
• Anatolian Mountain Partridge
• Marten
• White Pelican

Endemic Species and Protected Areas

Within the scope of the National Biological Diversity Inventory Project in Samsun, 147 endemic plant and 7 endemic animal species have been identified. In total, there are 154 endemic species. To preserve Samsun’s biological diversity, 15 protected areas have been established.

• Hacıosman Forest
• Çalkaya Team Waterfalls
• Amazon Nature Park
• Bayraktepe Nature Park
• Sarıgazel Nature Park
• Şahinkaya Canyon
• Vezirsuyu Nature Park
• Kızılırmak Wetland
• Ladik Lake Wetland
• Yeşilırmak Wetland
• Bafra Kızılırmak Delta Wildlife Development Area
• Terme Gölardı Simenlik Lake Wildlife Development Area
• Gelemen Pheasant Breeding Center
• Terme Pheasant Breeding Center
• Kunduz Deer Breeding Center