Haphazardly developed hydroelectric power stations, diverted streams and destroyed forests are ravaging the ecological balance in Turkey. The latest natural disaster was in Hopa in the Artvin province in the Black Sea region, where eight people were killed by torrential rains, floods and landslides.
Ecological destruction threatens not only people, but also wild animals living in forests. Animals facing scarce nourishment in their disfigured environments will head to populated areas.