Abstract

Turkey, a natural land bridge connecting Europe and Asia, was historically home to a myriad of mammalian species, including a full complement of carnivores such as the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica), Caspian tiger (Panthera tigris virgata), gray wolf (Canis lupus), striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), brown bear (Ursus arctos), Anatolian leopard (Panthera pardus tulliana), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), caracal (Felis caracal), Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), golden jackal (Canis aureus), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), European wildcat (Felis silvestris caucasica), pine marten (Martes martes), and other smaller mustelid species. Most of the largest carnivores have been extirpated while others are in decline. This article gives an account of the status of several carnivores still inhabiting Turkey. The fate of Turkey's wildlife lies with various governmental bodies holding often conflicting agendas and handicapped by a lack of skilled personnel and funding. If Turkey's current suite of laws can be strengthened, transparently enforced, and corruption rooted out, the long-term survival of carnivore species throughout the Middle East will be enhanced.