Wild Turkey

Turkey sits on a jumbled collection of tectonic plates, whose collisions have created a tortuous landscape. In fact 80% of Turkey's terrain is rough, broken and mountainous. Mountain ranges both collect and block weather systems, affecting the climate across the country and producing huge contrasts between and within differing habitats. Snows may lie on the ground for 120 days of the year and temperatures plummet to below -40°C in some winter regions, whereas summer can see little rainfall and almost 50°C heat in certain areas. Such extremes and variety of habitat has forced the inhabitants of this land to adapt and evolve, producing a startling array of life, including fearsome apex predators and gentle giants. Turkey's position as a bridge between The Middle East and Europe means these animals and plants are drawn from both regions as well as hosting migrants from Africa and beyond. Due to the huge variety of plants and animals that make this country their home it's no surprise that Turkey is often compared to a small continent. (National Geographic)