Kovada Lake National Park

Kovada Lake National Park is located south of the Eğirdir district in the province of Isparta, Türkiye. Kovada Lake functions as a natural extension of Eğirdir Lake and lies approximately 25–29 kilometers from Eğirdir. The lake and its surroundings were declared a national park on 3 November 1970 and were later registered as a first-degree natural site in 1992. The total area of the national park is 6,534 hectares.

^{Kovada Gölü Millî Parkı} (TC.Tarım ve Orman Bakanlığı)

Kovada Lake is situated on a north-south trending fault line within an area of karstic subsidence. The lake's elevation is 900 meters. Its surface area varies between 11 and 40 km² according to different sources, with a length of 6 to 15 kilometers and a width of 2 to 3 kilometers. The maximum depth is approximately 6 to 7 meters. The water is freshwater. Surface waters flowing from Eğirdir Lake extend along the Boğazova and infiltrate underground at certain points through sinkholes, re-emerging later at the surface. The main river draining the lake is Kurudere. The lake’s water level fluctuates due to surface runoff and subsurface seepage.

^{Kovada Gölü Millî Parkı} (TC.Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı)

The region lies under the influence of the Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, dry summers. This climatic structure supports the diversity of the local vegetation.

Kovada Lake National Park has a rich vegetation cover. The park area features both coniferous and broadleaf tree species as well as maquis formations. Major tree species include Turkish pine (Pinus brutia), black pine (Pinus nigra), pedunculate and sessile oak (Quercus robur, Q. petraea), kermes oak (Quercus coccifera), juniper (Juniperus spp.), and terebinth. In maquis and shrub formations, species such as heather, sandal, wild pear, myrtle, buckthorn, wild olive, myrtle, mastic tree, sumac, service tree, wild service tree, hawthorn, blackberry, wild rose, laurel, monk’s pepper, black alder, and blackthorn are found.

The national park supports diverse species in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The lake is home to species such as common carp (Cyprinus carpio), tench (Tinca tinca), European perch (Perca fluviatilis), and the narrow-clawed crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus). Terrestrial mammals include wild boar, badger, pine marten, fox, rabbit, and red squirrel. Observations in the area have recorded 153 species of water birds. Seasonally, the lake and its surroundings host species such as mallard, goose, teal, partridge, and quail.

Kovada Lake and its surroundings were declared a national park on 3 November 1970 under Law No. 2873 on National Parks. Additionally, in 1992, the Council for the Protection of Cultural and Natural Heritage designated it as a first-degree natural site. These designations aim to preserve the area’s natural landscape integrity, biological diversity, and recreational potential.

A variety of nature-based activities are available for visitors within the national park. Major activities include hiking, camping, birdwatching, landscape viewing, rock climbing, and nature photography. Walking trails and viewing points around the lake support recreational use. The total shoreline of the lake is 20.6 kilometers long.

^{Kovada Gölü Millî Parkı} (Eğirdir Kaymakamlığı)

The Kovada 1 and Kovada 2 Hydroelectric Power Plants located around Kovada Lake contribute to the electricity needs of the provinces of Isparta and Burdur. Additionally, controlled fishing activities provide limited economic benefits to the local community. Unregulated and illegal hunting activities pose a threat to the natural ecosystem.