Record Rainfall Brings Flamingos Back to Lake Tuz

Lake Tuz, which spans the provinces of Aksaray, Konya, and Ankara and supplies a significant share of Türkiye’s salt production, has been revitalized by increased rainfall this year. The rise in water levels has once again transformed the lake into an important habitat for flamingos.

After falling to its lowest level in 90 years last year due to the effects of climate change and drought, Lake Tuz received its highest level of rainfall in the past 66 years. As a result, the lake’s water level has risen by approximately 45 percent.

As one of the most important breeding and stopover sites for flamingos, Lake Tuz experienced a significant decline in its bird population last year because of the sharp drop in water levels. This year, however, thousands of flamingos have returned as water levels recovered.

After remaining largely dry because of drought last year, Lake Tuz has once again become a gathering place for flamingos, while also providing clear evidence that the region’s ecosystem is beginning to recover.