The Delta of Evros River is one of the most important in Europe. It has been recognized as an international wetland (Ramsar Convention, 1971), a protected area (Directive 79/409 / EEC and the Barcelona Convention 1977) and a shelter of animals, where many rare or endangered species live. The total area of the Delta is 500,000 hectares out of which 100,000 belong to Turkey.
The Turks call it Giaour Anta which means island of the infidels. Evros River is a shelter to 46 fish species, 7 species of amphibians, 21 species of reptiles and more than 40 species of mammals. However, the delta is mainly known for its rich avifauna. There are 304 out of the total of 423 species of birds in Greece. Also, more than 350 plant species in both the delta and the area along the river have been recorded.
