Belek

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Belek, with its long history of dense human settlement, showcases a biodiversity constrained to species adapted to human presence and compact habitats. Approximately 200 vertebrate species are known to inhabit the region, including 38 mammals, 88 birds, 31 reptiles, 5 amphibians, 38 fish, and 51 notable invertebrates. The Belek coastline is home to animals such as foxes, weasels, squirrels, and hedgehogs, frequently seen in the area. Renowned for birdwatching, Belek hosts numerous bird species that overwinter and breed here. Additionally, rare reptiles, including chameleons, sea turtles, land turtles, and freshwater turtles, thrive within Belek's natural ecosystems.

Among the five sea turtle species found in the Mediterranean, Caretta caretta (loggerhead sea turtle) and Chelonia mydas (green sea turtle) use 17 beaches along Antalya's coastline as nesting sites. Key nesting grounds include beaches in Belek, Kaş, Manavgat, Tekirova, Çıralı, Olympos, Adrasan, Kumluca, and Kale (Demre).

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