Milleyha Wetland in Hatay hosts 318 bird species during autumn migration

The Milleyha Wetland in the Samandağ district of Hatay, Turkey, is experiencing intense autumn migration activity. The area serves as a critical stopover for birds traveling from Africa to warmer regions, providing essential rest and feeding opportunities after they cross the Arabian Peninsula.

Originally declared a wetland by the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks in 2021, the site's protected area was recently expanded from 126 hectares to 383 hectares following its registration as a natural protected area by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.

Nature volunteer Dervişan Dönmez reported that 318 bird species have been observed in the area to date. He noted that due to recent conservation measures, some bird species that previously only used the site for resting have now begun to breed there. Dönmez emphasized the importance of community awareness and teaching nature conservation to children to combat illegal hunting and environmental damage.