Sultan Reedy National Park

Sultan Reedy Overview

Sultan Reedy National Park, known locally as Sultan Sazlığı Milli Parkı, is a vital wetland ecosystem located in central Turkey, in the province of Kayseri.

The park spans approximately 102 square miles (264 square kilometers) and sits in the Develi Basin, between the Erciyes, Hasan, and Melendiz mountains. Established in 2006, the park plays a crucial role in preserving Turkey’s inland marshes and salt steppe habitats, making it one of the most important bird sanctuaries in the country and a designated Ramsar Site due to its international importance as a wetland.

The landscape of Sultan Reedy National Park is a harmonious blend of reed beds, marshes, freshwater lakes, saltwater flats, and steppe terrain. These habitats are fed by seasonal meltwaters from the surrounding mountains, creating a unique mosaic of ecosystems that shift with the seasons.

Large patches of common reeds (Phragmites australis) dominate the marshy zones, providing dense shelter for nesting birds. The terrain is mostly flat, punctuated by shallow lagoons and seasonal pools that attract wildlife year-round. The surrounding semi-arid steppes add to the ecological contrast, hosting drought-resistant shrubs and grasses that thrive under the region’s intense sunlight and minimal rainfall.

The park is renowned for its extraordinary birdlife, drawing ornithologists and birdwatchers from around the globe. Over 300 bird species have been recorded here, many of which use the wetland as a crucial stopover on the African-Eurasian migratory route. Notable bird species include flamingos, ruddy shelducks, herons, storks, avocets, and various species of ducks and waders.

The globally threatened white-headed duck and ferruginous duck can also be found in these wetlands. Raptors such as marsh harriers and imperial eagles are seen patrolling the skies, especially during migration periods. Mammal sightings are less common but include wild boar, foxes, and small rodents that inhabit the steppes and reed margins.

Popular features of the park include its birdwatching towers and wooden walkways, which allow visitors to observe the birds without disturbing their habitat. Interpretive signs and observation decks provide information and panoramic views of the reeds, making it a favored site for photographers and nature lovers.

Boat tours through the reeds offer a quiet and immersive way to explore the wetland’s inner zones, while the surrounding steppes offer hiking and opportunities to observe the unique plant life adapted to the saline environment.

Visitors primarily engage with the park through eco-tourism, birdwatching, nature photography, and educational field trips. Guided tours are available seasonally and often coincide with spring and autumn migrations. The park also serves as a living laboratory for environmental researchers and students studying wetland ecology, hydrology, and conservation biology.

Sultan Reedy National Park faces challenges related to water diversion, pollution, and climate change, which can affect the delicate balance of its water systems. However, there have been notable conservation successes, including restoration of water channels, increased monitoring of endangered species, and greater public awareness through ecotourism.

Collaborative management between local authorities, NGOs, and international conservation bodies continues to support the park’s future as both a haven for wildlife and a center for sustainable nature tourism.

Park Map

Sultan Reedy National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Sultan Reedy National Park, located in the Kayseri Province of central Turkey, is a vast wetland complex nestled between mountain ranges and composed of freshwater marshes, reed beds, lakes, and seasonal floodplains. As one of Turkey’s most important Ramsar sites, the park supports a unique mix of wetland-adapted mammals and reptiles that thrive in its aquatic and semi-arid surroundings.

Golden Jackal
A key predator and scavenger of the reed beds and marshes, the golden jackal feeds on rodents, birds, amphibians, and carrion. It is highly vocal, especially at dusk and dawn.

Red Fox
Widespread and adaptable, the red fox moves between open meadows, reed beds, and farmland. It preys on small mammals, insects, and birds and is often active during twilight.

European Wildcat
This elusive predator roams the drier fringes of the park, hunting rodents and birds in thick vegetation. It is nocturnal and solitary, resembling a stockier version of a domestic cat.

Wild Boar
Found in the reed-dense wetlands and surrounding fields, wild boars forage by rooting through the soil for tubers, invertebrates, and aquatic plants. They are strong and travel in small groups.

European Hare
A common inhabitant of open grassland and wetland edges, the hare feeds on grasses and herbs. It is a key prey species for local raptors and carnivores.

Hedgehog (Eastern European Hedgehog)
Frequenting grassy and shrubby edges of the marshes, this small insectivore feeds on beetles, worms, and frogs. It hibernates in colder months and is most active at night.

European Water Shrew
This semi-aquatic insectivore thrives along streambanks and shallow waters. It hunts aquatic insects and larvae and is equipped with waterproof fur and strong swimming ability.

Dice Snake
A non-venomous aquatic snake, the dice snake is often found basking near water or swimming through channels. It feeds primarily on fish and amphibians and is well-adapted to wetland life.

Grass Snake
Another harmless reptile of the wetlands, the grass snake is an excellent swimmer. It preys on frogs and fish and is frequently seen near reed beds and marshy shallows.

European Pond Turtle
A key species of the park’s aquatic habitats, this freshwater turtle lives in calm waters among reeds and feeds on aquatic vegetation, insects, and small fish. It is often seen basking on logs or banks.

Birds

Sultan Reedy National Park is internationally recognized for its extraordinary birdlife, hosting both resident and migratory species. Its extensive reed beds and open waters provide crucial nesting, feeding, and resting areas for birds along the Afro-Eurasian flyway.

Dalmatian Pelican
This massive and endangered waterbird nests and feeds in the park’s open waters. It scoops up fish with its large pouch and is a flagship species of the park.

Greater Flamingo
Seen in large flocks in the shallow zones, these elegant waders filter algae and small invertebrates from the water with their specialized beaks. Their pink hue brightens the wetlands.

White-headed Duck
An endangered diving duck, the white-headed duck prefers quiet, reed-fringed waters. Males have a bright blue bill and feed on aquatic insects and plants.

Purple Heron
A shy and slender heron of dense reed beds, the purple heron hunts for frogs, fish, and insects. It flies slowly with its neck retracted and nests deep within reeds.

Glossy Ibis
With iridescent plumage and a curved bill, this elegant bird forages in shallow waters for aquatic insects and crustaceans. It nests in colonies within dense vegetation.

Marsh Harrier
This reedland raptor glides low over the marshes hunting for waterbirds, frogs, and small mammals. Males and females have different plumage, and they nest on the ground among reeds.

Spoonbill
Recognizable by its wide, flat bill, the spoonbill sweeps its head side to side in shallow water to capture small aquatic animals. It nests in wetland colonies.

Pygmy Cormorant
A skilled diver, the pygmy cormorant feeds on fish and dries its wings in the sun on branches or rocks. It nests in reed beds or low trees near water.

Avocet
With an elegant, upturned bill and black-and-white plumage, the avocet feeds by sweeping through shallow waters for small aquatic organisms. It often nests on exposed mudflats.

Squacco Heron
Well-camouflaged in reeds, the squacco heron remains still while hunting fish and frogs. Its buff-colored body blends perfectly with dry grasses and aquatic vegetation.

Sultan Reedy National Park is a vital freshwater oasis in central Anatolia—sheltering a rich community of wetland mammals and hosting one of the country’s most spectacular gatherings of migratory and breeding birds in a dynamic, life-filled marshland landscape.