Lake Kovada National Park

Lake Kovada Overview

Lake Kovada National Park, known locally as Kovada Gölü Millî Parkı, is a peaceful and biologically diverse protected area located in the Isparta Province of southwestern Turkey.

The park covers approximately 23 square miles, or about 60 square kilometers, and lies within the Lake District of Anatolia, nestled between the Taurus Mountains and the Eğirdir Lake basin. Centered around Lake Kovada, a tectonic freshwater lake formed by fault activity, the park is characterized by a landscape of steep limestone hills, forested slopes, and tranquil shoreline wetlands.

The lake sits at an elevation of about 900 meters and is surrounded by both natural and cultivated land, creating a patchwork of habitats that support a high level of biodiversity. Its calm waters and tree-lined edges make it one of the most serene and scenic freshwater settings in the region.

Vegetation in Lake Kovada National Park is rich and varied, reflecting both Mediterranean and Anatolian influences. The forests that cloak the surrounding hillsides include black pine, Turkish oak, juniper, and cedar, alongside a variety of shrubs, herbs, and wildflowers.

In the wetter, low-lying areas near the lake, willow, poplar, and tamarisk trees flourish. During spring and early summer, the landscape bursts into color with blooming endemic species and aromatic plants such as thyme and sage. The diversity of plant life not only creates beautiful scenery but also provides food and shelter for numerous animal species.

Wildlife in the park is especially abundant due to the range of habitats found in and around Lake Kovada. Mammals such as wild boar, red foxes, martens, and badgers are commonly seen, while more elusive species like lynx and wolves are believed to inhabit the remote forested areas.

Birdlife is a major highlight, with species like kingfishers, herons, grebes, and various ducks populating the lake and its surroundings. Raptors such as buzzards and owls can be spotted overhead, and the park also attracts migratory birds during seasonal transitions.

The lake supports several native fish species and serves as a breeding ground for amphibians, reptiles, and aquatic invertebrates that form a crucial part of the ecosystem.

Popular features of the park include its quiet hiking trails, shoreline picnic areas, and panoramic viewpoints that look out over the lake and forested hills. The main trail along the lake’s edge offers easy access for walking and nature observation, while more rugged paths lead deeper into the hills and offer glimpses of remote forest areas.

The peaceful lake is also a favorite for nature photography, especially in autumn when the foliage turns to rich reds and golds.

Visitors engage with Lake Kovada National Park through hiking, birdwatching, photography, and relaxing by the lake. The lack of motorized watercraft helps preserve the park’s tranquility, making it ideal for those seeking a quiet, immersive nature experience. Families, nature groups, and eco-tourists often visit for day trips, taking advantage of the park’s clean air, mild climate, and rich scenery.

Conservation efforts in the park have been focused on preserving its forest cover, protecting the lake’s water quality, and monitoring wildlife populations. Challenges include nearby agricultural activity, invasive species, and the impacts of climate change on water levels.

However, the park’s national designation in 1970 has ensured long-term protection, and ongoing collaboration between conservation authorities and local communities supports sustainable use. Environmental education and responsible tourism practices continue to play a vital role in preserving the park’s natural beauty and ecological importance.

Park Map

Lake Kovada National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Lake Kovada National Park, located in Isparta Province in southwestern Turkey, is a peaceful retreat characterized by its clear freshwater lake, lush pine and oak forests, and tranquil mountain surroundings. The park lies within the Taurus Mountains and provides essential habitat for a wide array of mammals and reptiles that flourish in its forested hills and lakeside environments.

Wild Goat (Bezoar Ibex)
These nimble climbers are often seen along the rocky slopes surrounding the lake. Wild goats use their curved horns for dominance battles and graze on shrubs and grasses in high, rugged terrain.

Red Fox
Common throughout the park, the red fox hunts rodents, birds, and insects along forest edges and open meadows. It’s known for its adaptability and cunning behavior.

Grey Wolf
An elusive predator of the region, the grey wolf moves through remote woodlands and mountainous terrain, hunting deer, wild boars, and smaller mammals, often traveling in small packs.

Brown Bear
Though sightings are rare, brown bears may inhabit the denser and quieter parts of the forest. They are omnivores, foraging for berries, roots, and insects, especially in the spring and fall.

Golden Jackal
Roaming between the lake’s margins and forest edges, the golden jackal is a scavenger and predator. It feeds on small mammals, amphibians, and carrion, and is mostly active at night.

Wild Boar
A frequent resident of both wooded and open areas, wild boars dig through leaf litter and soil for roots, worms, and tubers. They are strong and typically move in social groups.

European Pine Marten
This agile, nocturnal predator inhabits the park’s mixed woodlands. It hunts birds, squirrels, and insects and uses its bushy tail and sharp claws to climb trees with ease.

European Wildcat
Found in the more secluded forest areas, the European wildcat is a solitary, nocturnal hunter that preys on small mammals. It resembles a domestic cat but is bulkier and more reclusive.

Spur-thighed Tortoise
This land-dwelling tortoise is active in the drier, sunlit parts of the park. It feeds on grasses, wildflowers, and leafy plants, and hibernates in burrows during winter.

European Pond Turtle
Inhabiting the calm, reedy margins of Lake Kovada, this semi-aquatic turtle feeds on aquatic insects, plants, and small fish. It is frequently seen basking in the sun on rocks or logs.

Birds

Lake Kovada National Park is also a refuge for bird species, particularly those drawn to its combination of freshwater, dense forest, and open meadows—creating an ideal habitat for both woodland and wetland birds.

Golden Eagle
This powerful raptor soars above the park’s cliffs and hills in search of prey such as hares and young wild goats. It nests on high ledges and is a symbol of wilderness in the region.

Peregrine Falcon
Often spotted diving near rocky outcrops or cliffs, the peregrine falcon is a swift and skilled hunter that preys on smaller birds in mid-air.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl
This large nocturnal owl roosts in forested rocky areas and becomes active at dusk. It feeds on rodents and small birds and is known for its deep, resonant call.

Common Buzzard
A broad-winged raptor often seen circling above the forest canopy, the buzzard feeds on small mammals and reptiles. Its slow, soaring flight is a familiar sight over the park.

Black Woodpecker
This large, striking woodpecker drills into tree trunks for insects and nests in dead wood. Its loud drumming echoes through the forested parts of the park.

White-throated Dipper
Typically found near the inflows and outflows of the lake, this bird dives underwater to catch aquatic insects. Its bobbing motion and white chest make it easy to identify.

Crested Lark
A ground-foraging bird of meadows and open spaces, the crested lark is known for its raised crest and melodious song, often delivered from rocks or shrubs.

Tawny Owl
This forest-dwelling owl is often heard before seen. It roosts in tree hollows and emerges at dusk to hunt small mammals and insects.

Grey Heron
Seen along the lake’s edge, the grey heron stands patiently before striking fish or amphibians with its long, pointed bill. It often nests in nearby trees.

European Green Woodpecker
This colorful woodpecker feeds mostly on ants and insects on the ground. Its laughing call and bright plumage make it one of the more distinctive forest birds in the park.

Lake Kovada National Park is a serene blend of lake, forest, and rocky mountain terrain—offering refuge to a wide variety of forest mammals and bird species, all nestled in one of Turkey’s most peaceful and biodiverse mountain-lake ecosystems.