Reisefiihrer Natur Tiirkei by Aygiin and Max Kasparek, 
published by BLV Verlagsgesellschaft, 1990. 239 pages, col. & 
b&w ills, maps. ISBN 3 405 14030 7 
This book, together with one on Australia, is the first of a new series of Nature 
Travel Guides. It is beautifully illustrated with 165 colour and 61 black-and-white 
photos. 
A 12-page introduction treats Turkey in seven different regions, and highlights 
the nature of the country's rich fauna and flora, transitional between tiie Near 
East and Europe, but also including Asian and African elements. There are, for 
example, 9,000 plant species, of which an astonishing 3,000 are endemic. The 
genus Verbascum (the mulleins) has 228 sp)ecies in Turkey, 180 of them found 
nowhereelse! Mammalsare represented by 125 species, reptiles by 91 (only seven 
of which also occur in central Europe), and there are about 240 species of regular 
breeding birds. The introduction also tells us about the geology, climate, people 
and land-use, which have shaped the landscape and its wildlife. 
The bulk of the book comprises specific guides to good sites. A total of 31 main 
sites are described in detail, with brief notes on a further 31 . The main site guides 
vary from four to seven pages, with lesser sites given just under a page each. Each 
main locality is described; then characteristic plants and animals are noted, and 
other nearby areas of interest listed. Finally, we are given practical hints on, for 
example, how to get there, and where to stay and eat. In addition to the enticing 
illustrations, every main site is mapped. These maps appear to be good, though 
some are perhaps too general to be useful in the field. 
The authors concentrate on Turkish specialities, though rarities are not included, 
unless they can be seen without danger of disturbance. Scientific names are not 
used in the text, but there is a complete list of all German common names used, 
together with their scientific names at the end of the book, and an index in 
German. Thus, even with a rudimentary command of German, the book is 
usable, and the excellent photos can of course be enjoyed by anyone. 
Finally, there is an eight-page section on planning a trip to Turkey, ranging from 
things to do before going (visas, health, money), to travel and survival in the 
country. 
This is a nature guide in the broadest sense. For example, site 8, Pamukkale, is of 
geological interest, famous for its calcium dep)osits and hot springs. The places 
covered are well distributed throughout Turkey, from the Bosphorus in the 
northwest to Nemrut volcano in the southeast. Turkey is a very large country, 
and consequently a number of sites much visited by birders, such as Cizre, arenot 
in here. But as a general introduction to a fascinating country and its natural 
wealth, it will prove most useful in planning a trip, provided you can read a little 
German. 
Ian Dawson 
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