Caspian Turtle (Mauremys caspica), freshwater hinterland of Dalyan, Turkey
The Caspian turtle or striped-neck terrapin (Mauremys caspica) is a species of turtles in the family Geoemydidae (=Bataguridae), living in the eastern Mediterranean region. This freshwater turtle can be seen in the river and lakes near Dalyan, which otherwise got famous for its endangered loggerhead sea turtle. Dalyan achieved international fame in 1987 when developers wanted to build a luxury hotel on the nearby Iztuzu Beach, a breeding ground for the endangered loggerhead sea turtle species. The incident created major international storm when David Bellamy championed the cause of conservationists such as June Haimoff, Peter Günther, Nergis Yazgan, Lily Venizelos and Keith Corbett. The development project was temporarily stopped after Prince Philip called for a moratorium and in 1988 the beach and its hinterland were declared a protected area, viz. Köycegiz-Dalyan Special Environmental Protection Area.
Year: 2014
From album: Wildlife and National Parks in Lycia, Turkey
Photographer: Peter Prokosch