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651 TURKEY GERNANT MAGNIN, GÜVEN EKEN AND MURAT YARAR Sultansazlýðý saltmarshes, Central Anatolia (IBA 052). (PHOTO: CUNEYT OGUZTÜZÜN) GENERAL INTRODUCTION Turkey covers an area of 779,452 km 2 and has 97 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) covering a total of 29,978 km 2 or 4% of the total land area (Map 1, Table 1). The country is divided into seven major geographical regions, each with its own distinct climate, topography and consequently habitats, flora and fauna: Marmara, Black Sea, Aegean, Mediterranean, Central Anatolia, Eastern Anatolia and South-eastern Anatolia. Birdwatching and other research activities in Turkey are, by European standards, limited in extent. Large parts of the country, especially in the east and south-east, have hardly been visited by birdwatchers, due to access being limited for safety reasons over the last decade. In addition, many parts of the country are inaccessible during the wet season without proper equipment. Accordingly, the western half of Turkey, especially the coastal areas, is better known and IBA coverage is more or less complete (Map 1). Additional IBAs may lie undetected in the eastern part of the country. The previous international IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989) identified 79 sites, of which 14 were excluded from the 1997 national inventory (Magnin and Yarar 1997) as they did not meet the revised IBA criteria (Table 1). Thirty-five new IBAs were identified by the 1997 inventory, with various splits and mergers also taking place (Table 1). The current international inventory follows the 1997 national inventory. Table 1. Summary of Important Bird Areas in Turkey. 97 IBAs covering 29,978 km 2 IBA National 1989 code code code International name National name Administrative region Area (ha) Criteria (see p. 11) 001 TR001 TR008 Meriç delta Meriç Deltasý Edirne 7,000 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 002 TR002 Iðneada forests Iðneada Ormanlarý Kýrklareli 3,000 B1iv, B2 003 TR003 TR002 Büyükçekmece lake Büyükçekmece Gölü Ýstanbul 2,850 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i 004 TR004 Küçükçekmece lake Küçükçekmece Gölü Ýstanbul 1,500 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i 005 TR005 TR003 Bosphorus Boðaziçi Ýstanbul 55,000 A4ii, A4iv, B1ii, B1iv 006 TR006 ªile islands ªile Adalarý Ýstanbul 5 B1i 007 TR007 TR004 Iznik lake Iznik Gölü Bursa 29,830 A1, B2 008 TR008 TR010 Uludað Uludað Bursa 20,000 B2 009 TR009 TR001 Uluabat lake Uluabat Gölü Bursa 13,500 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 010 TR010 TR006 Kuþ lake Kuþ Gölü Bal ýkesir 16,000 A1, A4i, B1i, B2 011 TR011 TR005 Kocaçay delta Kocaçay Deltasý Bursa 4,200 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 012 TR012 Foça islands Foça Adalarý Ýzmir 134 B1i 013 TR013 Murat Daðý Murat Daðý Kütahya, Uþak 52,500 B2 014 TR014 Demirköprü reservoir Demirköprü Barajý Manisa 5,060 A4i, B1i 015 TR015 TR041 Marmara lake Marmara Gölü Manisa 6,800 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 016 TR016 TR036 Gediz delta Gediz Deltasý Ýzmir 20,400 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3

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Page 1: TURKEY - BirdLife Internationaldatazone.birdlife.org/userfiles/file/IBAs/EuCntryPDFs/... · 2019-06-28 · Turkey covers an area of 779,452 km2 and has 97 Important Bird Areas (IBAs)

651

Important Bird Areas in Europe – Turkey

■■■■■ TURKEYGERNANT MAGNIN, GÜVEN EKEN AND MURAT YARAR

Sultansazlýðý saltmarshes, Central Anatolia (IBA 052). (PHOTO: CUNEYT OGUZTÜZÜN)

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

Turkey covers an area of 779,452 km2 and has 97 Important BirdAreas (IBAs) covering a total of 29,978 km2 or 4% of the total landarea (Map 1, Table 1). The country is divided into seven majorgeographical regions, each with its own distinct climate, topographyand consequently habitats, flora and fauna: Marmara, Black Sea,Aegean, Mediterranean, Central Anatolia, Eastern Anatolia andSouth-eastern Anatolia.

Birdwatching and other research activities in Turkey are, byEuropean standards, limited in extent. Large parts of the country,especially in the east and south-east, have hardly been visited bybirdwatchers, due to access being limited for safety reasons over

the last decade. In addition, many parts of the country areinaccessible during the wet season without proper equipment.Accordingly, the western half of Turkey, especially the coastalareas, is better known and IBA coverage is more or less complete(Map 1). Additional IBAs may lie undetected in the eastern part ofthe country.

The previous international IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones1989) identified 79 sites, of which 14 were excluded from the 1997national inventory (Magnin and Yarar 1997) as they did not meetthe revised IBA criteria (Table 1). Thirty-five new IBAs wereidentified by the 1997 inventory, with various splits and mergersalso taking place (Table 1). The current international inventoryfollows the 1997 national inventory.

Table 1. Summary of Important Bird Areas in Turkey. 97 IBAs covering 29,978 km2

IBA National 1989code code code International name National name Administrative region Area (ha) Criteria (see p. 11)

001 TR001 TR008 Meriç delta Meriç Deltasý Edirne 7,000 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2

002 TR002 — Iðneada forests Iðneada Ormanlarý Kýrklareli 3,000 B1iv, B2003 TR003 TR002 Büyükçekmece lake Büyükçekmece Gölü Ýstanbul 2,850 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i

004 TR004 — Küçükçekmece lake Küçükçekmece Gölü Ýstanbul 1,500 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i005 TR005 TR003 Bosphorus Boðaziçi Ýstanbul 55,000 A4ii, A4iv, B1ii, B1iv

006 TR006 — ªile islands ªile Adalarý Ýstanbul 5 B1i007 TR007 TR004 Iznik lake Iznik Gölü Bursa 29,830 A1, B2

008 TR008 TR010 Uludað Uludað Bursa 20,000 B2009 TR009 TR001 Uluabat lake Uluabat Gölü Bursa 13,500 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2

010 TR010 TR006 Kuþ lake Kuþ Gölü Balýkesir 16,000 A1, A4i, B1i, B2011 TR011 TR005 Kocaçay delta Kocaçay Deltasý Bursa 4,200 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2

012 TR012 — Foça islands Foça Adalarý Ýzmir 134 B1i013 TR013 — Murat Daðý Murat Daðý Kütahya, Uþak 52,500 B2

014 TR014 — Demirköprü reservoir Demirköprü Barajý Manisa 5,060 A4i, B1i015 TR015 TR041 Marmara lake Marmara Gölü Manisa 6,800 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2

016 TR016 TR036 Gediz delta Gediz Deltasý Ýzmir 20,400 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3

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652

Important Bird Areas in Europe – Turkey

Table 1 ... continued. Summary of Important Bird Areas in Turkey. 97 IBAs covering 29,978 km2

IBA National 1989code code code International name National name Administrative region Area (ha) Criteria (see p. 11)

017 TR017 — Ildýr Strait islands Ildýr Körfezi Adalarý Ýzmir 957 B1i018 TR018 TR040 Küçük Menderes delta Küçük Menderes Deltasý Ýzmir 1,500 A1

019 TR019 — Akdað Akdað Afyon, Denizli 42,394 B2020 TR020 TR038 Iþýklý lake Iþýklý Gölü Denizli 7,300 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2

021 TR021 TR034 Bafa lake Bafa Gölü Aydýn, Muðla 12,281 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2022 TR022 TR035 Büyük Menderes delta Büyük Menderes Deltasý Aydin 9,800 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2

023 TR023 TR037 Güllük delta Güllük Deltasý Muðla 1,400 A1, A4i, B1i024 TR024 TR055 Köyceðiz lake Köyceðiz Gölü Muðla 8,000 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i

025 TR025 TR043 Acýgöl lake Acýgöl Afyon, Denizli 21,000 A4i, B1i, B2, B3026 TR026 TR049 Çorak lake Çorak Gölü Burdur 1,150 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i

027 TR027 TR056 Salda lake Salda Gölü Burdur 4,370 A1, B1i028 TR028 TR053 Karataþ lake Karataþ Gölü Burdur 1,190 A1, A4i, B1i

029 TR029 TR057 Yarýþlý lake Yarýþlý Gölü Burdur 1,400 A1, A4i, B1i030 TR030 TR047 Burdur lake Burdur Gölü Burdur, Isparta 23,700 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2

031 TR031 TR051 Eðirdir lake Eðirdir Gölü Isparta 47,250 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i032 TR032 TR039 Karamýk marshes Karamýk Sazlýðý Afyon 4,500 B2

033 TR033 TR019, TR022 Akþehir and Eber lakes Akþehir and Eber Gölü Afyon, Konya 53,600 A1, A4i, B1i, B2034 TR034 TR021 Çavuþçu lake Çavuþçu Gölü Konya 1,200 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2

035 TR035 — Altýntaþ plain Altýntaþ Ovasý Kütahya 19,200 A1, B2036 TR036 — Türkmenbaba Daðý Türkmenbaba Daðý Eskiþehir, Kütahya 17,500 A1, B1iii, B2

037 TR037 — Aliken Aliken Eskiþehir 11,500 A1, B2038 TR038 — Balýkdamý Balýkdamý Eskiþehir 1,470 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B3

039 TR039 — Uyuz lake Uyuz Gölü Konya 15 A1, B2040 TR040 — Çöl lake Çöl Gölü Ankara 4,700 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2

041 TR041 TR028 Mogan lake Mogan Gölü Ankara 1,500 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2042 TR042 TR014 Kýzýlcahamam forests Kýzýlcahamam Ormanlarý Ankara 9,500 A1, B2

043 TR043 — Kavaklý Daðý Kavaklý Daðý Ankara, Bolu 8,100 A1, B2044 TR044 — Inözü gorge Inözü Vadisi Ankara 50 B2

045 TR045 — Sarýyar reservoir Sarýyar Barajý Ankara, Eskiþehir 8,400 A4i, B1i, B2046 TR046 — Hamam Daðý Hamam Daðý Eskiþehir 14,000 A1, B2047 TR047 — Sapanca lake Sapanca Gölü Kocaeli, Sakarya 4,700 A4i, A4iii, B1i

048 TR048 TR012 Ilgaz mountains Ilgaz Daðlarý Kastamonu, Çankýrý 35,000 B2049 TR049 TR079 Sarýkum lake Sarýkum Gölü Sinop 785 A1, A4iii

050 TR050 TR031 Tödürge lake Tödürge Gölü Sivas 750 B2051 TR051 TR033 Palas lake Palas Gölü Kayseri 2,720 A4i, B1i, B2

052 TR052 TR030 Sultansazlýðý Sultansazlýðý Kayseri 39,000 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3053 TR053 TR029 Seyfe lake Seyfe Gölü Kirþehir 14,000 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3

054 TR054 — Hirfanlý reservoir Hirfanlý Barajý Aksaray, Ankara, Kirþehir 26,300 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i055 TR055 — Beynam forest Beynam Ormaný Ankara 2,100 A1, B2

056 TR056 TR015 Kýzýlýrmak delta Kýzýlýrmak Deltasý Samsun 16,110 A1, A4i, A4ii, A4iii, B1i, B1ii, B2057 TR057 — Yedikýr reservoir Yedikýr Barajý Amasya 593 A4i, B1i

058 TR058 TR018 Yeþilýrmak delta Yeþilýrmak Deltasý Samsun 3,000 B1i, B1ii, B2059 TR059 TR011 Akkuþ island Akkuþ Adasý Ordu 2 B1i

060 TR060 TR013, TR016 North-east Turkey Doðu Karadeniz Daðlarý Artvin, Erzurum, Trabzon, 1,230,000 A1, A3, A4iv, B1iii, B1iv, B2Gümüþhane, Bayburt, Rize

061 TR061 — Samsam lake Samsam Gölü Konya 830 B1i

062 TR062 — Kozanlý Gökgöl Kozanlý Gökgöl Konya 650 A1, B2063 TR063 TR027 Kulu lake Kulu Gölü Konya 860 A1, A4i, B1i, B2, B3

064 TR064 TR023 Ereðli marshes Ereðli Sazlýðý Karaman, Konya 37,000 A1, A4i, B1i, B2, B3065 TR065 TR025 Karapýnar plain Karapýnar Ovasý Konya 15,200 A4i, B1i, B2

066 TR066 — Eþmekaya marshes Eþmekaya Sazlýðý Aksaray 11,250 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3067 TR067 TR046 Beyþehir lake Beyþehir Gölü Isparta, Konya 73,000 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2

068 TR068 — Suðla lake Suðla Gölü Konya 16,500 A4iii069 TR069 TR024 Hotamýþ marshes Hotamýþ Sazlýðý Konya 16,500 A1, A4i, B1i, B2

070 TR070 TR020 Bolluk lake Bolluk Gölü Konya 1,150 A4i, B1i, B2, B3071 TR071 TR032 Tersakan lake Tersakan Gölü Konya 6,400 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3

072 TR072 TR032 Tuz lake Tuz Gölü Aksaray, Ankara, Konya 260,000 A1, A4i, B1i, B1iii, B2, B3073 TR073 TR052 Göksu delta Göksu Deltasý Ýçel 14,480 A1, A4i, A4iii, A4iv, B1i, B1iv, B2

074 TR074 TR048 Aydýncýk islands Aydýncýk Adalarý Ýçel 2 A1, B2075 TR075 TR045 Aladaðlar Aladaðlar Adana, Kayseri, Niðde 54,514 B2

076 TR076 TR050 Tuzla lake Tuzla Gölü Adana 2,800 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2077 TR077 TR050 Akyatan lake Akyatan Gölü Adana 14,000 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2

078 TR078 TR050 Aðyatan lake Aðyatan Gölü Adana 2,200 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B1iv, B2079 TR079 TR050 Yumurtalýk lagoons Yumurtalýk Lagünleri Adana 16,430 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2

Page 3: TURKEY - BirdLife Internationaldatazone.birdlife.org/userfiles/file/IBAs/EuCntryPDFs/... · 2019-06-28 · Turkey covers an area of 779,452 km2 and has 97 Important Bird Areas (IBAs)

653

Important Bird Areas in Europe – Turkey

Map 1. Location, area and criteria category of Important Bird Areas in Turkey.

ORNITHOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE

A total of 164 species of European conservation concern (SPECs)regularly breed in Turkey, including nine species of globalconservation concern: Pelecanus crispus, Marmaronettaangustirostris, Aythya nyroca, Oxyura leucocephala, Aquila heliaca,Falco naumanni, Crex crex, Otis tarda and Larus audouinii.

Fifty-six IBAs support significant numbers of one or moreglobally threatened or near-threatened species and thereforemeet the A1 criterion (Table 2). Sixty-five sites regularly holdat least 1% of biogeographic or flyway populations of thosewaterbird species listed in Table 3, and thus qualify under criteriaA4 and/or B1. Thirty-four sites meet the A4iii criterion (at least

20,000 waterbirds) (Table 1). Pelecanus onocrotalus, P. crispus,Marmaronetta angustirostris and Oxyura leucocephala breed insmall numbers in wetlands across Turkey, with up to 70% of theknown world population of the latter wintering at Burdur lake (030).Phoenicopterus ruber breeds at three Turkish wetlands, with themain colony at Tuz lake (072) holding up to 14,000 pairs.

Turkey is especially important in a European context for itssteppic (and semi-steppic) avifauna (Table 4). Otis tarda breeds atseveral IBAs in Central and Eastern Anatolia and a new Tetraxtetrax breeding site has been discovered south of Tuz lake (072).Charadrius leschenaultii is a common breeder on salt-steppe in thevicinity of wetlands, whilst wetland-breeders such as Grus grus andCircus pygargus depend on surrounding steppe for feeding. Other

14

3

11

10 9 8

5

7

2

6

47

13

35

18

16

2221

17

2324

151214

454636

30

68

3167

32192025

2627 29

28

3334

37 3863

71

40

6272

5554

61

41

70

4344

48

65

42

66

39

52

53

50

57

75

51

79

7473

6964

78

7776 81

80

56

49

5859

87

8889

86

95

90

92

85

84

60

82

83

91

94

96

97

93

B U L G A R I A

GREECE

B L A C K S E A G E O R G I A

A R M E N I A

I R A N

I R A Q

S Y R I A

C Y P R U S

M E D I T E R R A N E A N S E A

A Z E R -B A I J A N

Area of IBA (ha)

A (76 IBAs)

B (21 IBAs)

Highest category ofcriteria met by IBA

2 to 2,099

2,100 to 5,059

5,060 to 16,109

16,110 to 1,230,000

0 300150

km

Table 1 ... continued. Summary of Important Bird Areas in Turkey. 97 IBAs covering 29,978 km2

IBA National 1989code code code International name National name Administrative region Area (ha) Criteria (see p. 11)

080 TR080 — Gavur lake Gavur Gölü Kahramanmaraþ 1,500 A1, A4iii081 TR081 TR059 Nur mountains Nur Daðlarý Hatay, Osmaniye 21,500 A4iv, B1iv

082 TR082 — Erzurum plain Erzurum Ovasý Erzurum 3,300 A4i, B1i, B2083 TR083 — Sarýsu plain Sarýsu Ovasý Aðrý 4,800 B2

084 TR084 — Haçlý lake Haçlý Gölü Muþ 2,500 A4i, B1i, B2085 TR085 TR073 Bulanýk plain Bulanýk Ovasý Muþ 8,000 A1, A4i, B1i, B2

086 TR086 — Ardahan forest Ardahan Ormaný Ardahan 2,500 B3087 TR087 — Aktaþ lake Aktaþ Gölü Ardahan 1,400 A1, A4i, B1i, B2

088 TR088 — Çýldýr lake Çýldýr Gölü Ardahan 14,000 A4i, B1i089 TR089 — Kuyucuk lake Kuyucuk Gölü Kars 219 A4i, B1i, B2

090 TR090 — Çalý lake Çalý Gölü Kars 25 A1, B2091 TR091 TR066 Balýk lake Balýk Gölü Aðrý 3,400 B1i

092 TR092 TR075 Doðubeyazýt marshes Doðubeyazýt Sazlýðý Aðrý 8,750 B3093 TR093 TR074 Nemrut lake Nemrut Gölü Bitlis 4,500 B1i, B2

094 TR094 TR076 Sodalýgöl Sodalý Göl Bitlis 1,500 A1, A4i, B1i, B2095 TR095 TR071 Erçek lake Erçek Gölü Van 9,520 A4i, B1i, B2, B3

096 TR096 TR065, TR067, Lake Van Van Gölü Bitlis, Van 390,000 A1, A4i, B1i, B2TR069, TR070,TR072, TR077

097 TR097 TR078 Yüksekova Yüksekova Hakkari 24,900 B3

Sites identified in the previous inventory of IBAs in Europe (Grimmett and Jones 1989) but no longer considered to be IBAsTR007 Saros Körfezi; TR009 Terkos Gölü; TR017 Yeniçaða Gölü; TR026 Krater Gölü and Meketuzlasý; TR042 Samsun Daðý; TR044 Aksaz Adasý; TR054 Kovada Gölü; TR058 Yýlanlý Ada;TR060 Ceylanpýnar; TR061 Fýrat (Euphrates) at Birecik; TR062 Fýrat (Euphrates) at Kargamýþ; TR063 Fýrat (Euphrates) at Rumkale; TR064 Aðrý Ovasý; TR068 Çaldýran Sazlýðý.

Page 4: TURKEY - BirdLife Internationaldatazone.birdlife.org/userfiles/file/IBAs/EuCntryPDFs/... · 2019-06-28 · Turkey covers an area of 779,452 km2 and has 97 Important Bird Areas (IBAs)

654

Important Bird Areas in Europe – Turkey

Species Season IBA codeTachybaptus ruficollis Little Grebe W 021Podiceps cristatus W 004, 021

Great Crested GrebePodiceps nigricollis W 021

Black-necked Grebe P 030, 063, 095Puffinus yelkouan W 056, 058

Yelkouan Shearwater P 005Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant B 010

W 001, 004, 016, 021, 022, 024, 057Phalacrocorax aristotelis Shag B 006, 012, 017, 059

W 012Phalacrocorax pygmeus B 009, 010, 052, 064

Pygmy Cormorant W 001, 009, 016, 022, 052P 023

Pelecanus onocrotalus White Pelican P 010, 011, 033, 064Pelecanus crispus Dalmatian Pelican B 010, 016, 022, 087

W 001, 010, 015, 016, 021, 022, 073N 009, 015U 064

Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron B 001, 009, 010, 015Egretta garzetta Little Egret B 001, 056Egretta alba Great White Egret W 001, 015, 022, 024, 056, 077, 078Ciconia nigra Black Stork P 073Ciconia ciconia White Stork P 038, 045, 066, 073, 078Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis B 001

P 033, 056, 073Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill B 001, 009, 010, 033, 053, 056, 064, 070, 084

P 052, 070N 064

Phoenicopterus ruber B 016, 053, 064, 072Greater Flamingo W 016, 022, 077

P 030, 052N 053, 071U 040

Cygnus olor Mute Swan W 001Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 001Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 020, 033, 040, 053, 063, 065, 066, 071, 072Anser anser Greylag Goose W 056, 073, 079

P 052N 034

Tadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck B 040, 070, 095W 014, 015, 016, 025, 028, 029, 030, 038, 040,

045, 052, 053, 057, 064, 065P 030, 054, 057, 072, 082N 022, 052, 063, 084, 087, 089U 051, 053, 088

Tadorna tadorna Shelduck W 077Anas penelope Wigeon W 015, 022, 073, 077, 078, 079Anas strepera Gadwall W 021Anas crecca Teal W 001, 014, 016, 026, 040, 052, 073, 076Anas clypeata Shoveler W 056, 073Marmaronetta angustirostris B 052, 064, 069, 073, 076, 077, 096

Marbled Duck P 052N 064

Netta rufina Red-crested Pochard B 052, 064W 020, 024, 030, 031, 034, 041, 047, 054, 056,

058, 067, 069

Species Season IBA codeAythya ferina Pochard W 001, 003, 009, 015, 020, 021, 026, 030, 031,

047, 054, 056, 067, 077Aythya fuligula Tufted Duck W 009, 030, 054

U 031Melanitta fusca Velvet Scoter B 091, 093

W 056, 058U 087

Oxyura leucocephala B 064, 069White-headed Duck W 015, 026, 027, 030, 054, 056, 063, 077, 078

P 069N 063, 064, 094

Aegypius monachus B 036, 060Cinereous Vulture

Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel B 072Fulica atra Coot W 001, 009, 011, 020, 021, 022, 024, 030, 031,

047, 054, 056, 067, 073, 077, 078P 030U 041

Grus grus Crane W 064P 052

Himantopus himantopus B 001, 033, 040, 052, 063, 064, 069, 094Black-winged Stilt U 077

Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet B 052, 053, 063, 072W 015, 022, 052, 079P 061, 077N 063

Glareola pratincola B 001, 011, 016, 021, 022, 052, 056, 064, 069,Collared Pratincole 072, 073, 076

P 066, 078Charadrius alexandrinus B 016, 022, 052, 072, 073, 076

Kentish Plover W 016, 076, 079P 077N 025U 063

Hoplopterus spinosus B 016, 069, 073, 076Spur-winged Plover

Calidris minuta Little Stint W 079P 077

Larus melanocephalus P 003Mediterranean Gull

Larus minutus Little Gull P 001, 003, 056Larus ridibundus Black-headed Gull W 009, 016Larus genei Slender-billed Gull B 070

W 022N 071

Larus cachinnans Yellow-legged Gull W 003, 004, 016Larus armenicus Armenian Gull B 072, 087, 088, 094, 096Gelochelidon nilotica B 052, 053, 063, 066, 070, 085

Gull-billed TernSterna caspia Caspian Tern B 016

N 022Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 001, 016, 022, 053, 076Chlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern B 001, 009, 052Chlidonias niger Black Tern P 030Chlidonias leucopterus P 056, 082, 096

White-winged Black Tern

Species IBA codePhalacrocorax pygmeus Pygmy Cormorant 001, 004, 007, 009, 010, 011, 015, 016, 018,

020, 021, 022, 023, 024, 031, 033, 052,056,064, 069, 073, 077, 080, 085

Pelecanus crispus Dalmatian Pelican 001, 009, 010, 015, 016, 021, 022, 064, 073,087

Branta ruficollis Red-breasted Goose 003Marmaronetta angustirostris Marbled Duck 052, 064, 069, 073, 076, 077, 096Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck 009, 011, 015, 020, 026, 027, 041, 052, 056,

069, 073Oxyura leucocephala White-headed Duck 010, 015, 026, 027, 028, 029, 030, 039, 040,

049, 052, 054, 056, 062, 063, 064, 069, 077,078, 090, 094

Species IBA codeAegypius monachus Cinereous Vulture 036, 042, 043, 046, 060Aquila clanga Greater Spotted Eagle 073Aquila heliaca Imperial Eagle 055, 073Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel 016, 038, 040, 053, 062, 064, 066, 072Tetrao mlokosiewiczi 060

Caucasian Black GrouseTetrax tetrax Little Bustard 072Otis tarda Great Bustard 035, 037, 072, 085, 096Glareola nordmanni 085

Black-winged PratincoleLarus audouinii Audouin’s Gull 074

Table 2. Important Bird Areas in Turkey that are important for species of global conservation concern (meeting criterion A1).

Table 3. Important Bird Areas in Turkey that support important numbers of one or more congregatory species (i.e. meeting criteria A4and/or B1). IBAs meeting both criteria A4 and B1 for the species are shown in bold. IBAs meeting only criterion B1 for the speciesconcerned, and not A4, are shown in normal type. For key to ‘Season‘, see p. 7.

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steppic species occurring in Turkey include Buteo rufinus, Aquilaheliaca, Falco naumanni, F. biarmicus and F. cherrug. Site 060 holdssignificant numbers of two species whose distributions are largelyor wholly confined to the Eurasian high-montane (alpine) biome,and therefore meets the A3 criterion.

Turkey lies on two major migratory flyways, with six IBAsqualifying under the A4iv/B1iv criteria due to the vast numbers ofCiconia ciconia and raptors that either pass or stop-over (Table 1).

Passerines are not adequately covered by the Turkish IBAinventory due to a lack of data regarding the distribution andabundance of many species.

HABITATS

Turkey lies in several climatic zones, ranging from Mediterraneaninfluences (hot and dry summers, mild and wet winters) to morecontinental conditions (Eastern Anatolia for example, wheretemperatures reach 40ºC during summer and -30ºC during winter).The varied climatic and topographical conditions mean that a greatdiversity of habitats are present.

About 12% of the country’s land area is covered by largestretches of intact forest, mainly in the major mountain ranges inthe north and south. Large parts of Anatolia are characterized bya mixture of arable and fallow land, rocky areas with scatteredQuercus or Juniperus scrub and (normally overgrazed) grasslandand steppe. Original salt-steppe is found around salt-lakes in CentralAnatolia, including Tuz lake (072), whilst arid, montane andsubalpine steppe prevail in Eastern Anatolia. Alpine habitats areconfined to the higher mountain ranges in the eastern Black Sea,Taurus and Eastern Anatolia regions.

Although wetlands are well covered by Turkish IBAs (theycomprise at least 50% of the area of 68 sites), coverage is less completefor forest, mountain, steppe and Mediterranean habitats (Figure 1).This is partly explained by the preferences of visiting birdwatchersand hence the availability of data, and means that passerines havegenerally been under-recorded. The importance for breeding birdsof certain widespread artificial habitats (for example, arable landand improved grassland), as demonstrated in Tucker and Evans(1997), is also under-stated by the Turkish IBA list. In terms ofsetting conservation priorities, however, the high representation ofwetlands mirrors the fact that this is the fastest disappearing habitatin Turkey (Magnin and Yarar 1997).

Table 4. Species of European conservation concern withsignificant breeding populations at Important Bird Areas inTurkey (meeting any IBA criteria).

Minimum Proportion (%) of national breeding national population

population breeding at all IBAsSpecies 1 (pairs) 2 in Turkey

Phalacrocorax aristotelis Shag 810 50Phalacrocorax pygmeus Pygmy Cormorant 1,000 1003

Pelecanus onocrotalus White Pelican 250 69Pelecanus crispus Dalmatian Pelican 150 93Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern 1,000 18Nycticorax nycticorax Night Heron 1,000 88Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron 3,000 35Ardea purpurea Purple Heron 2,000 35Ciconia nigra Black Stork 500 20Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis 500 70Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill 500 1003

Phoenicopterus ruber Greater Flamingo 14,000 1003

Tadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck 4,000 65Anas strepera Gadwall 500 52Marmaronetta angustirostris Marbled Duck 150 82Netta rufina Red-crested Pochard 1,000 1003

Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck 500 71Oxyura leucocephala White-headed Duck 200 1003

Gypaetus barbatus Lammergeier 50 70Neophron percnopterus Egyptian Vulture 1,000 3Gyps fulvus Griffon Vulture 100 36Aegypius monachus Cinereous Vulture 100 41Circus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier 200 34Aquila heliaca Imperial Eagle 10 20Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle 1,000 2Hieraaetus pennatus Booted Eagle 100 18Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel 1,500 12Falco biarmicus Lanner 10 20Tetrao mlokosiewiczi Caucasian Black Grouse 1,000 13Tetraogallus caspius Caspian Snowcock 200 1Francolinus francolinus Black Francolin 300 48Porphyrio porphyrio Purple Gallinule 350 86Grus grus Crane 100 1003

Tetrax tetrax Little Bustard 100 20Otis tarda Great Bustard 800 individuals 30Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet 1,500 92Burhinus oedicnemus Stone Curlew 1,000 16Glareola pratincola Collared Pratincole 2,000 59Charadrius alexandrinus Kentish Plover 6,000 48Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover 500 20Hoplopterus spinosus Spur-winged Plover 1,050 52Larus audouinii Audouin’s Gull 20 1003

Gelochelidon nilotica Gull-billed Tern 2,200 81Sterna caspia Caspian Tern 150 72Sterna albifrons Little Tern 5,000 38Chlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern 1,000 1003

1. Only those species of European conservation concern (see Box 1, p. 12) that meet IBA criteria inTurkey are listed.

2. Data are taken from the BirdLife/EBCC European Bird Database 1998 (Heath and Borggreve 2000).3. The percentage of the national population in IBAs exceeds 100%. Usually this is because

the national population estimate has not been updated recently whilst the IBA populationestimate has been recently updated with new data as a result of comprehensive surveys ofIBAs themselves. Also, the individual site count for a species may be the maximum oraverage over recent years, and summing these may record more birds than are presentnationally in any single year.

Figure 1. Habitats at Important Bird Areas in Turkey(see Appendix 3 for definitions of habitats).

Figure 2. Land-uses at Important Bird Areas in Turkey(see Appendix 3 for definitions of land-uses).

100 3020 605040 908070Percentage of IBAs (100% = 97 sites)

1. percentage of area of individual IBA covered by habitat

Scrub

Forest and woodland

Artificial landscape

Wetland

Grassland

Marine areas

Rocky areas ³ 50% cover¹

5%–49% cover¹

< 5% or unknown¹

0 10 20 30 5040 807060Percentage of IBAs (100% = 97 sites)

1. percentage of area of individual IBA covered by land-use

Not utilized

Other

Military

Urban/industrial/transport

Fisheries/aquaculture

Tourism/recreation

Hunting

Water management

Forestry

Nature conservation/research

Agriculture

³ 50% cover¹

5%–49% cover¹

< 5% or unknown¹

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Figure 4. The national protection status of Important Bird Areasin Turkey.

% of area ofindividualIBA overlapswith nationalprotected areas:High >90%Partial 10–90%Low <10%None

Total area of overlap between IBA network in Turkey and national protected-areasystem (see Table 5 for categories) = 8,996–10,026 km2 (30–33% of total IBA area).

Figure 5. The international protection status of Important BirdAreas in Turkey.

% of area ofindividualIBA overlapswith internationalprotected areas:High >90%Partial 10–90%Low <10%None

Total area of overlap between IBA network in Turkey and international protected-areasystem (see Table 5 for categories) = 1,447 km2 (5% of total IBA area).

IMPACTS ON IBAs – LAND-USE AND THREATS

The main land-use type at Turkish IBAs is agriculture (Figure 2),reflecting the fact that around half of the country’s land area isfarmed. Agricultural activities range from highly specialized andlabour-intensive crop production (for example, cotton) to non-intensive stock-grazing of alpine grasslands.

Agricultural intensification/expansion is a major threat to IBAsin Turkey, affecting 49 sites (51%) (Figure 3). Since the 1950s theland area under cultivation has more than doubled, with theexpansion coming partly at the expense of available grazing land.This has led to an increase in grazing pressure and hence problemsof overgrazing and erosion. Wetlands have been reclaimed ordrained for conversion to arable land and many others have beenadversely affected by water diversion schemes. At least 1,300,000 haof wetland habitat have been lost this century, mainly since 1960(Magnin and Yarar 1997).

The Konya Basin of Central Anatolia provides a good exampleof the consequences of large-scale irrigation projects. Two largewetlands totalling 30,000 ha have dried-up, and three large wetlandIBAs totalling 106,000 ha (067, 068 and 069) have sustained seriousdamage. A further three IBAs (070, 071 and 072) now risk long-term damage as a result of pollution from untreated drainagewater. To compensate for recent water shortages, the Turkish StateWater Works plans to bring in water from the Göksu catchmentby diverting the Göksu river, thus placing the Göksu delta (073)at risk.

Fisheries operate at many wetland IBAs (36 in total – Figure 2),although in recent years many have declined as a result of pollution,over-fishing and the introduction of non-native species (Figure 3).

The reduced economic importance of fisheries has provided theauthorities with the opportunity to convert wetlands into sourcesof water for irrigation or industrial use, usually with negativeconsequences for birds. A number of lakes and reservoirs situatedwithin IBAs are used to store drinking or irrigation water (classifiedunder ‘water management’ and ‘agriculture’ respectively), andseveral are of importance to the wood-product industry (Figure 2).

Hunting takes place across Turkey, including at 26 IBAs (27%),the majority of which are wetlands. Reductions in the area ofwetland as a result of agricultural intensification have meant thatwetland birds are increasingly susceptible to both legal and illegalhunting (Figure 3).

Large-scale clear-felling and other unsympathetic forestrypractices threaten those forest habitats that remain (Figure 3). Thefelling of trees used by raptors as nesting sites is a particularproblem. Coastal IBAs and those situated near to major cities areunder increasing pressure from tourism (Figure 3).

PROTECTION STATUS

Table 5 and Figures 4 and 5 summarize the national andinternational protection status of all Turkish IBAs.

■■■■■ National protection

1. National Park, Nature Reserve and Nature ParkNature Reserves are strictly protected; limited recreational use ispermitted in the other two. Responsible institution: Ministry ofForestry.

Figure 3. Threats at Important Bird Areas in Turkey (see Appendix 3 for definitions of threat types and impact categories).

40 50 600 10 20 30Percentage of IBAs (100% = 97 sites)

Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage

Extraction industry

Consequences of animal/plant introductions

Groundwater abstraction

Agricultural intensification/expansion

Selective logging/cutting

Unsustainable exploitation

Industrialization/urbanization

Dredging/canalization

Intensified forest management

Deforestation (commercial)

Filling-in of wetlands

Aquaculture/fisheries

Other

Afforestation

Recreation/tourismDrainage

Infrastructure

Natural eventsBurning of vegetation

Disturbance to birds

High impact

Medium to low impact

Unknown impact

Partial11 IBAs (11%)

High47 IBAs (49%)

None36 IBAs (37%)

Low3 IBAs (3%)

High8 IBAs (8%)

Partial4 IBAs (4%)

None85 IBAs (88%)

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IBA Internationalcode name

001 Meriç delta ✔ ✔

002 Iðneada forests ✔ ✔ ✔

003 Büyükçekmece lake ✔

004 Küçükçekmece lake005 Bosphorus ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

006 ªile islands ✔

007 Iznik lake ✔

008 Uludað ✔ ✔

009 Uluabat lake ✔

010 Kus lake ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

011 Kocaçay delta012 Foça islands ✔ ✔

013 Murat Daðý014 Demirköprü reservoir015 Marmara lake016 Gediz delta ✔ ✔ ✔

017 Ildýr Strait islands ✔ ✔

018 Küçük Menderes delta ✔ ✔

019 Akdað ✔

020 Iþýklý lake021 Bafa lake ✔ ✔

022 Büyük Menderes delta ✔ ✔

023 Güllük delta024 Köyceðiz lake ✔

025 Acýgöl lake ✔

026 Çorak lake027 Salda lake ✔

028 Karataþ lake ✔

029 Yarýþlý lake030 Burdur lake ✔ ✔

031 Eðirdir lake ✔

032 Karamýk marshes ✔

033 Akþehir and Eber lakes ✔

034 Çavuþçu lake ✔

035 Altýntaþ plain ✔

036 Türkmenbaba Daðý ✔ ✔

037 Aliken038 Balýkdamý ✔ ✔

039 Uyuz lake ✔

040 Çöl lake041 Mogan lake ✔

042 Kýzýlcahamam forests ✔

043 Kavaklý Daðý ✔

044 Inözü gorge045 Sarýyar reservoir ✔

046 Hamam Daðý047 Sapanca lake ✔ ✔

048 Ilgaz mountains ✔

049 Sarýkum lake ✔ ✔

Subtotal of IBAs 5 3 2 15 3 1 22 4 3

IBA Internationalcode name

050 Tödürge lake051 Palas lake ✔

052 Sultansazlýðý ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

053 Seyfe lake ✔ ✔ ✔

054 Hirfanlý reservoir055 Beynam forest ✔ ✔

056 Kýzýlýrmak delta ✔ ✔ ✔

057 Yedikýr reservoir ✔ ✔

058 Yeþilýrmak delta ✔

059 Akkuþ island060 North-east Turkey ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

061 Samsam lake ✔

062 Kozanlý Gökgöl ✔

063 Kulu lake ✔

064 Ereðli marshes ✔ ✔

065 Karapýnar plain ✔

066 Eþmekaya marshes ✔ ✔

067 Beyþehir lake ✔ ✔ ✔

068 Suðla lake069 Hotamýþ marshes ✔

070 Bolluk lake ✔

071 Tersakan lake ✔

072 Tuz lake ✔

073 Göksu delta ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

074 Aydýncýk islands075 Aladaðlar ✔ ✔

076 Tuzla lake ✔

077 Akyatan lake ✔ ✔

078 Aðyatan lake

079 Yumurtalýk lagoons ✔ ✔

080 Gavur lake081 Nur mountains ✔

082 Erzurum plain083 Sarýsu plain084 Haçlý lake085 Bulanýk plain086 Ardahan forest087 Aktaþ lake088 Çýldýr lake089 Kuyucuk lake ✔

090 Çalý lake

091 Balýk lake ✔

092 Doðubeyazýt marshes093 Nemrut lake094 Sodalýgöl095 Erçek lake096 Lake Van ✔

097 YüksekovaTotal number of IBAs 8 8 3 27 5 2 42 9 4

Table 5. Protection status of Important Bird Areas in Turkey.A tick (✔) indicates that an IBA overlaps with a protected area (to any extent).

2. Permanent Wildlife ReserveOften declared in wetlands to protect waterbirds. Responsibleinstitution: Ministry of Forestry.

3. Drinking Water ReservoirThis designation is based on the Water Pollution ControlRegulation and allows human activities to be controlled in thevicinity of reservoirs. Responsible institution: Ministry of theEnvironment.

4. Preservation ForestForests excluded from timber production. Responsible institution:Ministry of Forestry.

5. SÝTThree categories allow for varying degrees of development. Can bequickly granted to any site by regional committees, allowing forrapid legal action against developments. Responsible institution:Ministry of Culture.

In total 61 IBAs are fully or partially protected at the national level,leaving 37 unprotected (Table 5, Figure 4). Enforcement of thesevarious national designations is, however, weak (Magnin and Yarar1997). SÝTs can easily be cancelled (for example, IBA 005), and thedesignation of National Parks, Nature Reserves, Nature Parks andPermanent Wildlife Reserves has often failed to improve matters insitu (for example, site 002 Iđneado forests and site 010 Kuș lake).

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■ SITE ACCOUNTS

GlobalBiodiversity Convention ✔Ramsar Convention ✔Bonn ConventionWorld Heritage Convention ✔MAB Programme

Pan-EuropeanBern Convention ✔

RegionalBarcelona Convention ✔

✔ Convention ratified/initiative supported(✔) Convention signed

Box 1. International legislationand initiatives that arerelevant to site conservation inTurkey (see Appendix 1 for ageneral description of theseagreements).

■■■■■ International protectionBox 1 details the international conventions and initiatives that Turkeyis party to. The Ministry of the Environment is responsible foradministering Ramsar Sites and Specially Protected Areas (the latterhaving been designated under a Protocol of the BarcelonaConvention).

CONSERVATION

• The Turkish government has issued a number of laws anddecrees aimed specifically at protecting nature, notably theCoastal Law (1990), the Environmental Impact AssessmentRegulation (1993) and the Prime Minister’s Decree on theConservation of Wetlands (1993). The EIA Regulation has beenlargely ineffective, and wetland destruction has continuedunabated since the Prime Minister’s Wetland Decree. Inaddition, a large number of old legal instruments contradictmany conservation regulations.

• The government institutions responsible for nature conservationare hampered by a lack of trained staff and equipment, a lack ofdialogue and uncertainties regarding responsibilities at an inter-ministerial level, a lack of scientific data, a lack of a long-termconservation strategy, and insufficient funds to implement evensmall components of existing conservation programmes.

ANALYTICAL METHODS

• This overview was produced using information from the recentTurkish national IBA inventory (Magnin and Yarar 1997). Dataon birds and sites were gathered during extensive fieldwork

undertaken over the period 1989–1996, and were used inconjunction with information from visiting birdwatchers and alarge number of in situ conservation projects and ornithologicalstudies. In addition, an extensive literature review wasundertaken to collate all available information on Turkish IBAs.

• Passerines were under-recorded during the collection of datafor this review, with observer effort being directed mainlytowards wetland sites. No assessment has therefore been madeof the importance of Turkish IBAs for such species. This hasalso meant that it has not been possible to apply properly thebiome-restricted assemblage criterion (A3) in Turkey for theMediterranean, Eurasian high-montane (alpine) and Eurasiansteppe biomes. It is likely that as data become available, newand/or existing Turkish IBAs will have A3 assigned to thembased on the presence of a significant component of the groupof species whose breeding distributions are largely or whollyconfined to one or other of these biomes.

• The numbers of breeding pairs given in the species’ tablesrepresent one-off counts rather than average numbers recordedover several years.

• The numbers of wintering and passage birds given in the species’tables are maximum daily counts.

GLOSSARY

DHKD Dođal Hayati Koruma Derneđi (Society for the Protection of Nature,BirdLife International Partner in Turkey).DSÝ State Water Works.ÝSKÝ Ýstanbul Water and Sewerage Administration.MedSPA Mediterranean Specially Protected Area (under the BarcelonaConvention).SÝT an area protected under the Law on Protection of Cultural and NaturalAssets (1983).WIWO Stichting Werkgroep Internationaal wad-en Watervogelonderzoek.(Foundation Working Group International Wader and Waterfowl Research).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This country overview was produced with the help of many people who alsoassisted with the national inventory (Magnin and Yarar 1997). We wouldespecially like to thank all DHKD staff, Gunesin Aydemir, Burak Gunes, andGeoff and Hilary Welch. We are grateful to the Garanti Bank, Turkey, for thefinancial support given to the Turkish IBA project over the last six years.

An important site for both breeding and wintering waterbirds. Largenumbers of Pelecanus onocrotalus roost on the lakes during migration.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None2,369 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Meriç/Evros deltasý,2,369 ha). 7,000 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Meriç Deltasý, 7,000 ha).

Species ... continued Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc CriteriaIxobrychus minutus Little Bittern B — 50 50 — B2Nycticorax nycticorax Night Heron B — 200 200 — B2Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron B — 300 300 — A4i, B1i, B2Egretta garzetta Little Egret B 1994 377 470 — A4i, B1iEgretta alba Great White Egret W 1993 260 260 — A4i, B1iArdea purpurea Purple Heron B — 100 100 — B2Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis B — 100 100 — A4i, B1i, B2Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill B — 40 40 — B1i, B2Cygnus olor Mute Swan W 1999 — 8,900 — A4i, B1iCygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1998 — 1,200 — A4i, B1iAnas crecca Teal W 1999 — 12,400 — B1iAythya ferina Pochard W 1996 15,528 15,528 — A4i, B1iFulica atra Coot W 1999 — 31,300 — B1iHimantopus himantopus B 1994 350 350 — A4i, B1i

Black-winged StiltGlareola pratincola Collared Pratincole B 1994 200 200 — A4i, B1i, B2Larus minutus Little Gull P — 0 700 — A4i, B1iSterna albifrons Little Tern B — 200 200 — B1i, B2Chlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern B 1993 500 500 — A4i, B1i, B2

Meriç delta A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 001Admin region EdirneCoordinates 40°47’N 26°14’EAltitude 0–0 m Area 7,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionThe delta is situated on the Turkish–Greek border where the Meriçriver flows into the Aegean Sea (adjacent to Greek site 006). The IBAcomprises a complex of freshwater lakes, extensive reedbeds(Phragmites), lagoons and 3,400 ha of former flood-plain that has largelybeen converted to farmland. The lakes and marshes are surrounded byirrigated rice-fields. Sheep- and cattle-grazing is widespread.

Habitats Wetland (50%; tidal river/enclosed tidal water; coastal lagoon; standing freshwater; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (50%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture (25%), Fisheries/aquaculture (20%), Hunting (5%), Military (25%),Water management (20%)

■■■■■ BirdsSpecies Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc CriteriaPhalacrocorax carbo Cormorant W 1999 — 9,300 — A4i, B1iPhalacrocorax pygmeus W 1998 — 20,000 — A1, A4i, B1i

Pygmy CormorantPelecanus crispus Dalmatian Pelican W 1998 — 610 — A1, A4i, B1i

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Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Ciconia nigra Black Stork B — 5 5 — B2

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc CriteriaPodiceps cristatus W 1993 5,750 5,750 — A4i, B1i

Great Crested GrebePhalacrocorax carbo Cormorant W 1993 10,200 10,200 — A4i, B1i

1 Phalacrocorax pygmeus P 1995 126 160 — A1Pygmy Cormorant

Larus cachinnans Yellow-legged Gull W 1993 2,685 2,685 — B1i

1. Also overwinters.

flooded. Mudflats, sandbanks and reedbeds (Phragmites) have formedwhere silt deposition occurs. South of the dam is a brackish lake withreed fringes and islands. The lake is largely surrounded by arable landand, increasingly, industrial and residential development. Motorwayscut across both ends of the lake.

Habitats Wetland (100%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Water management (100%)

■■■■■ Birds

This site is important for wintering and passage waterbirds. It alsosupports a range of breeding waterbirds. During autumn the arableland surrounding the lake can hold thousands of migrating Ciconiaciconia, which roost here before crossing the Bođaziçi (site 005). Speciesof global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aythyanyroca (thought to breed).

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None2,850 ha of IBA covered by Drinking Water Reservoir (BüyükçekmeceGölü, 2,850 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (C), Disturbance to birds (B),Industrialization/urbanization (A)

The ecological character of the lake was drastically altered followingits conversion; large areas of reed and marsh along the northern andwestern shores were lost. Industrial and urban developments close tothe lake may cause pollution. The nearby airport and motorways causedisturbance, and the area is subject to high hunting pressure.Commercial fishing is prohibited by ÝSKÝ.

Küçükçekmece lake A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i 004Admin region ÝstanbulCoordinates 41°00’N 28°45’EAltitude 0–0 m Area 1,500 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA natural brackish lagoon (20 m deep) situated west of Ýstanbul onthe Sea of Marmara. Fringe vegetation is confined to an area ofreedbed (Phragmites) in the north of the lagoon. Unplanned buildingssurround the site; the only relatively undisturbed area lies within thegrounds of the nuclear energy research centre and military camp onthe east shore. A motorway passes to the north.

Habitats Wetland (100%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (10%), Hunting (10%), Not utilized (80%)

■■■■■ Birds

The site holds significant numbers of wintering waterbirds.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (U), Industrialization/urbanization (A)

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (C),Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (B), Drainage (B), Industrialization/urbanization (A)

A large-scale DSÝ irrigation and flood-control initiative (the LowerÝpsala Project) includes provisions to prevent pollution and furtherloss of wetland habitats in the area. The Meriç river is heavily pollutedby industrial waste, untreated sewage and agricultural run-off. Lakewater is used for irrigation during periods of drought, leading to dropsin water-levels, seawater incursion and mass fish-kills. In recent yearsthe fishing industry in the lakes and lagoons has collapsed, withpollution, over-fishing, changes in water regime, and silting-up of theriver mouth quoted as the main causal factors.

Iðneada forests B1iv, B2 002Admin region KýrklareliCoordinates 41°52’N 27°57’EAltitude 0–0 m Area 3,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA complex of seasonally-flooded forests, swamps, freshwater lakesand sand-dunes on the Black Sea coast near the Turkish–Bulgarianborder. Surface water accumulation behind the dunes feeds the largelyintact flooded forests, which are below sea-level. The c.10 km longpristine dune and beach system is of high botanical importance.Human activities include cattle- and sheep-grazing, small-scalefreshwater fisheries and reed-cutting (‘Other’ land-use).

Habitats Forest and woodland (95%; broadleaved deciduous forest; alluvial/very wetforest), Wetland (sand-dunes/sand beach; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation),Marine areas (5%; sea inlet/coastal features)Land-use Agriculture (5%), Forestry (90%), Hunting (5%), Nature conservation/research(50%), Other

■■■■■ Birds

The site is also a migratory bottleneck, where more than 8,000 Ciconiaciconia regularly pass in autumn. Although no comprehensive countshave been undertaken, available data suggest that the IBA is also abottleneck for migrating raptors.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None1,345 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Iđneada, 1,345 ha).3,000 ha of IBA covered by Permanent Wildlife Reserve (Iđneada,5,399 ha). 3,000 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Iđneada, 3,000 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (B), Deforestation (commercial) (B), Extraction industry (B), Infrastructure (A),Other (U), Recreation/tourism (C)

ÝSKÝ plans to divert water from the nearby Istranca mountains bydamming the five major streams feeding the flooded forests. Additionalthreats include the proposed Bulgaria–Turkey coastal highway,tourism development, deforestation to allow replanting with Populus,illegal sand extraction and reed-cutting regimes that reduce nestingsite availability (‘Other’ threat).

Büyükçekmece lake A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i 003Admin region ÝstanbulCoordinates 41°03’N 28°34’EAltitude 6–6 m Area 2,850 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA freshwater lake situated west of Ýstanbul where the Karasu streamreaches the Marmara Sea. The stream was dammed to create a drinkingwater reservoir; during dry years less than 25% of the lake area remains

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Branta ruficollis Red-breasted Goose W 1998 — 80 — A1Aythya ferina Pochard W 1996 14,036 14,036 — A4i, B1iLarus melanocephalus P 1995 10,000 10,000 — A4i, B1i

Mediterranean GullLarus minutus Little Gull P 1991 1,740 1,740 — A4i, B1iLarus cachinnans Yellow-legged Gull W 1996 1,250 8,775 — A4i, B1i

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Important Bird Areas in Europe – Turkey

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria1 Puffinus yelkouan Yelkouan Shearwater P — — — — A4ii, B1ii

1. Thousands pass daily, throughout the year.

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Phalacrocorax aristotelis Shag B 1995 175 175 — B1i

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Phalacrocorax pygmeus B 1995 30 30 — A1, B2Pygmy Cormorant

Nycticorax nycticorax Night Heron B — 250 250 — B2

The construction of a drinking water reservoir on the Sazlý streamhas reduced freshwater inflow—the lagoon may become more salineas a result of seawater intrusion. Urban and industrial pollution is aproblem that will intensify with further development of the lakesurrounds.

Bosphorus A4ii, A4iv, B1ii, B1iv 005Admin region ÝstanbulCoordinates 41°10’N 29°05’EAltitude 0–409 m Area 55,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionThe Bođaziçi strait runs north–south for c.33 km, and is c.1.5 km wide.The site includes the forested areas east (Polonezköy Nature Park)and west (Belgrade forest) of the strait, which are known to be ofimportance to roosting migrants. It does not include the Çamlýca hillsand the islands in the Sea of Marmara, which would qualify as anIBA in their own right due to the large numbers of migrants passingover, but which provide limited scope for bird conservation.

Habitats Forest and woodland (30%; mixed forest), Marine areas (10%; sea inlet/coastalfeatures), Artificial landscape (60%; other urban/industrial areas)Land-use Agriculture (5%), Forestry (15%), Military (5%), Tourism/recreation (20%),Urban/industrial/transport (60%)

■■■■■ Birds

The site is a major migratory bottleneck, where more than 20,000storks and raptors regularly pass in spring and autumn. Few countscovering the entire migration period have been undertaken. Totalcounts made in the mid-1960s and early 1970s and covering the entireautumn migration period are as follows: Ciconia nigra (8,318), Ciconiaciconia (338,353), Pernis apivorus (25,751), Milvus migrans (2,707),Buteo buteo (32,895) and Aquila pomarina (18,898). More recentautumn records include 11,703 Aquila pomarina at Çamlýca and 11,379of the same species at Sarýyer, both on the same day in September1990. Ciconia sp. often roost in flocks of thousands in fields outsidethe city. Disturbance by Larus cachinnans and possibly pollution arethought to be behind a drastic decline in numbers of breeding Milvusmigrans.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Partial International None3,006 ha of IBA covered by Nature Park (Polonezköy, 3,006 ha).2,338 ha of IBA covered by Permanent Wildlife Reserve (Sarýyer,2,338 ha). 5,296 ha of IBA covered by Preservation Forest (BelgradOrmaný, 5,296 ha). IBA also overlaps with SÝT (Bođaziçi).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Extraction industry (A), Industrialization/urbanization (A), Infrastructure (A),Recreation/tourism (A), Unsustainable exploitation (A)

The main threat is the rapid urban and industrial expansion ofÝstanbul. Mining and road building also result in the loss of naturalhabitats. The conservation of forested areas on both sides of the straitis crucial, in order to preserve raptor roosting sites. There are isolatedinstances of raptor persecution.

ªile islands B1i 006Admin region ÝstanbulCoordinates 41°11’N 29°36’EAltitude 0–20 m Area 5 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA complex of four small islands at the entrance to Șile harbour, aholiday resort on the Black Sea coast, east of Ýstanbul. The islandsare sparsely vegetated with low grass and scrub vegetation on thehigher parts.

Habitats Marine areas (100%; rock stacks/islets)Land-use Not utilized (100%)

■■■■■ Birds

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None5 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Șile Adalarý, 5 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Disturbance to birds (B)

Iznik lake A1, B2 007Admin region BursaCoordinates 40°26’N 29°32’EAltitude 87–87 m Area 29,830 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA tectonic freshwater lake with a max. depth of 80 m. Small deltassupporting extensive reedbeds (Phragmites) have formed where streamsenter the lake; a levee has been constructed to prevent flooding. Arableland, olive groves and Populus plantations surround the lake. Wateris abstracted for industrial and irrigation purposes. The town of Ýznikattracts many tourists.

Habitats Wetland (95%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificiallandscape (5%; perennial crops/orchards/groves)Land-use Agriculture (5%), Fisheries/aquaculture (10%), Tourism/recreation (10%),Urban/industrial/transport (25%), Water management (95%)

■■■■■ Birds

The site is important for breeding waterbirds.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None29,830 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Iznik Gölü, 29,830 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A), Dredging/canalization (B), Industrialization/urbanization (A)

From the small amount of data available, it appears that the lake wasmore important from an ornithological perspective prior to itsconversion to a reservoir in 1963 (it is assumed that large areas ofreed and marsh have been lost). Work is under way to substantiallyincrease the land area under irrigation. Untreated industrial and urbanwaste is discharged to the lake—recent algal blooms and mass fish-kills indicate the scale of the problem.

Uludað B2 008Admin region BursaCoordinates 40°04’N 29°13’EAltitude 1,250–2,543 m Area 20,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionSituated south of Bursa, this is the highest mountain in western Anatolia.Pinus predominates at lower altitudes; Abies/Fagus forest occurs between1,500 and 2,000 m; alpine scrub and pasture prevail at higher altitudes.Limestone fields occupy the summit areas; dry montane cliffcommunities occur to the north of the summit ridge. Several small alpinelakes are found below these cliffs. The area is popular for winter sports.

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Important Bird Areas in Europe – Turkey

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Gypaetus barbatus Lammergeier B — 2 2 — B2Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle B — 2 2 — B2

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc CriteriaPhalacrocorax carbo Cormorant B 1995 2,650 2,650 — A4i, B1iPhalacrocorax pygmeus B — 150 150 — A1, A4i, B1i, B2

Pygmy CormorantPhalacrocorax pygmeus W 1996 58 147 — A1

Pygmy CormorantPelecanus onocrotalus White Pelican P 1991 1,500 1,500 — A4i, B1iPelecanus crispus Dalmatian Pelican B — 35 35 — A1, A4i, B1i, B2Pelecanus crispus Dalmatian Pelican W 1996 52 117 — A1, A4i, B1iNycticorax nycticorax Night Heron B — 150 150 — B2Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron B — 100 100 — B1i, B2Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill B 1995 200 200 — A4i, B1i, B2Oxyura leucocephala W 1996 20 34 — A1

White-headed Duck

Habitats Forest and woodland (70%; native coniferous forest; mixed forest), Grassland(10%; alpine/subalpine/boreal grassland), Rocky areas (20%; inland cliff)Land-use Forestry (40%), Not utilized (10%), Tourism/recreation (50%)

■■■■■ Birds

This is an important site for breeding raptors. Sitta krueperi andSerinus pusillus are at the western limits of their range on Uludađ; thisis one of the few known Turkish sites for Aegolius funereus.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None12,732 ha of IBA covered by National Park (Uludađ, 12,732 ha).20,000 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Uludađ, 20,000 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Industrialization/urbanization (U), Recreation/tourism (B)

A new ski-resort is planned, areas of forest have been cleared for ski-slopes, and water resources at higher elevations are scarce due to hoteldemand. No study of the consequences of these developments has beencarried out. Uludađ is affected by acid rain and industrial pollution.No grazing or forest management takes place within the National Park.

Uluabat lake A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 009Admin region BursaCoordinates 40°10’N 28°35’EAltitude 9–9 m Area 13,500 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA large, shallow (max. depth 6 m), nutrient-rich freshwater lake on thesouth side of the Sea of Marmara. The lake is fed principally by theMustafakemalpaţa river and contains four islands. Silt deposition hasformed an inland delta largely under agriculture; the western andsouthern shores of the lake support vast reedbeds (Phragmites). Fisheriesare the main economic activity; lake water is used for irrigation.

Habitats Wetland (100%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Fisheries/aquaculture (60%), Hunting (30%), Watermanagement (90%)

■■■■■ Birds

This site is important for both breeding and wintering waterbirds. Upto 429,500 waterbirds were present in winter 1996, representing thehighest count at any Turkish site since 1970.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International High13,000 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Uluabat Gölü, 13,000 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (A), Construction/impactof dyke/dam/barrage (B), Drainage (B), Extraction industry (A), Industrialization/urbanization (U)

Agricultural intensification threatens the remaining natural deltaichabitats. A further reduction in the lake’s inflow will result from theplanned construction of a reservoir on a major tributary of theMustafakemalpaţa river, 20 km south-east of the lake. The possibleeffects on the lake’s ecosystem are unknown. Large quantities of urbanand industrial waste and agricultural run-off enter the lake, and furthernutrient enrichment may pose a serious threat. Despite existingregulations, out-of-season and excessive fishing is widespread.

Kuº lake A1, A4i, B1i, B2 010Admin region BalýkesirCoordinates 40°11’N 27°58’EAltitude 18–18 m Area 16,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA shallow nutrient-rich freshwater lake (average depth 3 m) fed bygroundwater and four streams. Small deltas have formed where thelatter enter the lake, comprising extensive marshes and tree-linedriverbanks. Narrow belts of reed Phragmites fringe much of the lake.Water is abstracted for factory use and for irrigation. Cattle- andsheep-grazing is common along the lake shores.

Habitats Forest and woodland (5%; alluvial/very wet forest), Wetland (95%; standingfresh water; water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Fisheries/aquaculture (10%), Urban/industrial/transport (80%),Water management (80%)

■■■■■ Birds

This is an important site for breeding and wintering waterbirds;migrating Pelecanus onocrotalus often roost at the lake.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International High64 ha of IBA covered by National Park (Kuș Gölü, 64 ha). 16,000 haof IBA covered by Permanent Wildlife Reserve (Kuș Gölü, 23,667 ha).100 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Kuţ Gölü, 100 ha). 16,000 ha of IBAcovered by Ramsar Site (Kuș Gölü, 16,000 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Aquaculture/fisheries (C), Construction/impactof dyke/dam/barrage (A), Disturbance to birds (B), Drainage (A), Industrialization/urbanization (B)

Artificially high water-levels have resulted in the loss of feedingmarshes. Nesting trees in the National Park have also begun to die asa result of prolonged inundation. Agricultural, industrial andhousehold pollution enters the lake in large quantities. Due to over-fishing, disease, pollution and possibly the effects of the changing waterregime, fish catches have declined drastically. Fish migration into thelake is now impossible following the construction of a regulator.

Kocaçay delta A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 011Admin region BursaCoordinates 40°23’N 28°29’EAltitude 0–0 m Area 4,200 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA complex of coastal lakes, marshes and forests on the southern shoresof the Sea of Marmara, where the Kocaçay river enters the sea. The

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Phalacrocorax pygmeus B 1998 — 823 — A1, A4i, B1i, B2Pygmy Cormorant

Phalacrocorax pygmeus W 1996 170 1,078 — A1, A4i, B1iPygmy Cormorant

Pelecanus crispus Dalmatian Pelican N 1994 136 136 — A1, A4i, B1iIxobrychus minutus Little Bittern B 1998 — 150 — B2Nycticorax nycticorax Night Heron B 1998 — 105 — B2Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron B 1998 — 109 — B1i, B2Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill B 1998 — 48 — A4i, B1i, B2Aythya ferina Pochard W 1996 14,700 42,500 — A4i, B1iAythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck B 1998 — 32 — A1, B2Aythya fuligula Tufted Duck W 1996 13,600 13,600 — B1iFulica atra Coot W 1996 45,840 321,550 — A4i, B1iLarus ridibundus Black-headed Gull W 1996 6,200 6,200 — B1iChlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern B 1998 — 660 — A4i, B1i, B2

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Important Bird Areas in Europe – Turkey

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Phalacrocorax pygmeus P 1994 63 150 — A1Pygmy Cormorant

Pelecanus onocrotalus White Pelican P — 800 800 — A4i, B1iCiconia nigra Black Stork B — 10 10 — B2Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck B — 70 70 — A1, B2Fulica atra Coot W 1996 42,610 42,610 — A4i, B1iGlareola pratincola B — 80 80 — A4i, B1i, B2

Collared PratincoleCharadrius alexandrinus B — 60 60 — B2

Kentish Plover

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Phalacrocorax aristotelis Shag B — 59 59 — B1iPhalacrocorax aristotelis Shag W 1994 169 169 — B1i

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Gypaetus barbatus Lammergeier B — 1 1 — B2Aegypius monachus Cinereous Vulture B — 2 2 — B2Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle B — 2 2 — B2

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Tadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck W 1996 534 830 — A4i, B1iAnas crecca Teal W 1992 10,410 10,410 — B1i

western half of the delta comprises two lagoons, reedbeds (Phragmites),extensive Fraxinus, Alnus and Salix alluvial forest, and a wide dunestrip. The eastern half is more open with one large lagoon, arableland, orchards, dunes, reedbeds and Salicornia- and Tamarix-coveredmudflats. Human activities include cattle-grazing.

Habitats Forest and woodland (40%; alluvial/very wet forest), Wetland (45%; sand-dunes/sand beach; coastal lagoon; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (15%;arable land)Land-use Agriculture (15%), Fisheries/aquaculture (10%), Forestry (5%), Hunting (5%),Not utilized (60%), Tourism/recreation (5%)

■■■■■ Birds

This site is important for breeding, wintering and passage waterbirds.Several species of woodpecker also breed. Breeding species of globalconservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Haliaeetus albicilla(one of the few confirmed Turkish sites).

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Afforestation (B), Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Industrialization/urbanization (A), Recreation/tourism (U)

Forests and other natural habitats are cleared for arable land andPopulus plantations. Yeniköy is developing as a tourist centre andfurther expansion eastward should be halted. Sand-dunes are destroyedto fulfil the demand for sand. Housing complexes are encroachingfrom the east; the recent demolition of illegally built houses indicatesthis is now less of a threat. The effects of urban and industrial pollutionon the delta’s ecology are unknown. Effective management of thewetland is constrained by disputes over land ownership.

Foça islands B1i 012Admin region ÝzmirCoordinates 38°42’N 26°43’EAltitude 0–80 m Area 134 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA group of six uninhabited islands off Ýzmir Bay: Orak, Hayýrsýz,Fener, Ýncir, Kartdere and Metalik. There is a long pebble beach onthe south shore of Orak, with cliffs of up to 80 m found on Orak,Hayýrsýz and Kartdere. Herbaceous plants, garrigue and maquis coverthe islands. Tourism is the major economic activity, and Ýncir inparticular is heavily visited. There is no human activity on the otherislands.

Habitats Scrub (85%; sclerophyllous scrub/garrigue/maquis), Rocky areas (15%; seacliff/rocky shore)Land-use Nature conservation/research (10%), Not utilized (80%), Tourism/recreation (10%)

■■■■■ Birds

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International High134 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Foça Adalarý, 134 ha). 127 ha of IBAcovered by Mediterranean Specially Protected Area (Foça, 2,750 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Disturbance to birds (B)

Recreational activities such as angling and scuba diving are prohibited.The MedSPA designation halted several developments on themainland and has secured the future of the islands. Hayýrsýz andKartdere remain unprotected, however.

Murat Daðý B2 013Admin region Kütahya, UºakCoordinates 38°56’N 29°43’EAltitude 1,000–2,312 m Area 52,500 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionAn extensive mountain range comprising a high, barren, east–westrunning ridge. All slopes are extensively forested below 2,000 m withPinus and Quercus. Large areas have been clear-felled and reforested—these are intensively managed and bisected by numerous tracks.Grazing pasture is found at higher altitudes; a holiday village is locatedaround hot springs on the northern slopes.

Habitats Forest and woodland (90%; native coniferous forest), Grassland (10%; alpine/subalpine/boreal grassland), Artificial landscape (forestry plantation)Land-use Forestry (80%)

■■■■■ Birds

This is an important site for breeding raptors.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Deforestation (commercial) (B)

A 1996 survey indicated that larger numbers of Aegypius monachus bredwithin the site before large-scale clear-felling and reforestation pro-grammes were implemented. Forestry activities should take account ofthe distribution of breeding raptors (leaving an unmanaged buffer zonearound each breeding valley), and old pine trees should not be felled.

Demirköprü reservoir A4i, B1i 014Admin region ManisaCoordinates 38°41’N 28°23’EAltitude 244–244 m Area 5,060 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionSituated on the Gediz river near Manisa and bordered by barren rockyhills. Used to generate electricity, control floodwaters, and to provideirrigation water for 99,000 ha.

Habitats Wetland (100%; standing fresh water)Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (10%), Urban/industrial/transport (100%), Watermanagement (100%)

■■■■■ Birds

This is an important site for wintering wildfowl.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issuesNo serious threats are known at the site.

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Important Bird Areas in Europe – Turkey

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Phalacrocorax aristotelis Shag B 1996 84 84 — B1i

Marmara lake A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 015Admin region ManisaCoordinates 38°37’N 28°00’EAltitude 79–79 m Area 6,800 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionAn irrigation reservoir averaging 3,400 ha in area (depth 3–4 m);reedbed (Phragmites) and marsh cover varies according to the water-level. Surrounded by hills to the north and north-east, with Gedizvalley to the south and Akhisar valley to the north-west. Flood-plainsare used for growing cotton, and cattle-grazing is widespread on themarshes.

Habitats Wetland (100%; mudflat/sandflat; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Fisheries/aquaculture (15%), Hunting (10%), Watermanagement (100%)

■■■■■ Birds

This is an important area for breeding and wintering waterbirds.Pelecanus crispus is thought to breed.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Aquaculture/fisheries (B),Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A), Industrialization/urbanization (A)

The lake virtually dried up in 1993 following a dry period and excessiveabstraction. Further expansion of the irrigation network has led to anew channel being constructed to bring in more water from the Gedizriver. Industrial and urban pollution entering the lake will increase asa result. DSÝ also plans to construct a hydroelectric power-station onthe existing channel connecting the Gediz river and the site. Localfarmers temporarily convert ecologically valuable mudflats to arableland during periods of low water-level. Out-of-season fishing iscommon.

Gediz delta A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3 016Admin region ÝzmirCoordinates 38°30’N 26°55’EAltitude 0–0 m Area 20,400 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionAn extensive coastal wetland situated 25 km north-west of Ýzmir. Shoalsand islands separate four saline lagoons (totalling 3,450 ha) from thesea. The site also includes 5,000 ha of saltmarsh and 650 ha of freshwatermarsh. Dry grassland and arable land occur north of the commercialsaltpans. A fishing cooperative operates in the Çilazmak lagoon; theIBA is a popular weekend destination from Ýzmir.

Habitats Grassland (30%; steppe/dry calcareous grassland), Wetland (50%; saltmarsh;sand-dunes/sand beach; coastal lagoon), Artificial landscape (20%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Fisheries/aquaculture (30%), Not utilized (40%), Tourism/recreation, Urban/industrial/transport (20%)

■■■■■ Birds

The IBA is important for breeding and wintering waterbirds. Sternasandvicensis bred in 1996 (53 pairs)—the first Turkish breeding record.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Partial International Partial8,000 ha of IBA covered by Permanent Wildlife Reserve (Gediz Deltasý,8,000 ha). 8,000 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Gediz Deltasý, 8,000 ha).15,000 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Gediz, 15,000 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Disturbance to birds (B), Dredging/canalization (B), Industrialization/urbanization (A), Recreation/tourism (B)

The Gediz river is heavily polluted by industrial and household waste.Ýzmir is encroaching upon the area. Lorries cause disturbance to thePhoenicopterus ruber colony; repairs to the saltpans may delaybreeding. Plans exist for a 2,000 ha sewage treatment plant, a newseaport, and the dumping of 7,000,000 m3 of polluted mud within theIBA boundary. Fish catches have declined, possibly due to increasingsalinity in the lagoons as a result of reduced freshwater inflows.

Ildýr Strait islands B1i 017Admin region ÝzmirCoordinates 38°27’N 26°21’EAltitude 0–218 m Area 957 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionIldýr Bay is situated between the Çeţme and Karaburun peninsulas,west of Ýzmir, and holds two groups of uninhabited islands. Of thefour main islands situated at the mouth of the bay, Karaada is thelargest (670 ha) and has steep cliffs on its western and eastern shores.All are covered in maquis. The second group is situated closer to themainland and comprises seven small, sparsely vegetated rocky islands(totalling 127 ha). Human activity around the islands is minimal.

Habitats Scrub (sclerophyllous scrub/garrigue/maquis), Rocky areas (100%; rock stacks/islets)Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture, Hunting (10%), Not utilized (80%), Tourism/recreation (10%)

■■■■■ Birds

Breeding species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBAcriteria: Falco naumanni (5 pairs).

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Phalacrocorax pygmeus W 1990 100 100 — A1Pygmy Cormorant

Pelecanus crispus Dalmatian Pelican W 1999 26 104 — A1, A4i, B1iPelecanus crispus Dalmatian Pelican N 1995 67 73 — A1, A4i, B1iIxobrychus minutus Little Bittern B — 30 30 — B2Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron B — 200 200 — A4i, B1i, B2Egretta alba Great White Egret W 1996 194 428 — A4i, B1iTadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck W 1996 231 290 — A4i, B1iAnas penelope Wigeon W 1990 8,500 8,500 — B1iAythya ferina Pochard W 1996 18,690 24,000 — A4i, B1iAythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck B — 25 25 — A1, B2Oxyura leucocephala W 1990 50 120 — A1, B1i

White-headed DuckRecurvirostra avosetta Avocet W 1992 1,402 1,402 — A4i, B1i, B2Hoplopterus spinosus B — 10 10 — B2

Spur-winged PloverChlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern B — 100 100 — B2

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant W 1999 — 1,368 — B1iPhalacrocorax pygmeus W 1993 85 1,000 — A1, A4i, B1i

Pygmy CormorantPelecanus crispus Dalmatian Pelican B — 35 50 — A1, A4i, B1i, B2Pelecanus crispus Dalmatian Pelican W 1995 35 341 — A1, A4i, B1iPhoenicopterus ruber B — 1,450 1,450 — A4i, B1i, B2

Greater FlamingoPhoenicopterus ruber W 1996 5,000 21,300 — A4i, B1i

Greater FlamingoTadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck W 1996 250 450 — A4i, B1iAnas crecca Teal W 1999 — 11,532 — B1iFalco naumanni Lesser Kestrel B — 25 25 — A1Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet B — 55 55 — B3Burhinus oedicnemus Stone Curlew B — 30 30 — B2Glareola pratincola B — 35 35 — B1i, B2

Collared PratincoleCharadrius alexandrinus B — 1,000 — — A4i, B1i, B2

Kentish PloverCharadrius alexandrinus W 1993 532 809 — B1i

Kentish PloverHoplopterus spinosus B — 50 50 — A4i, B1i, B2

Spur-winged PloverLarus ridibundus Black-headed Gull W 1999 — 30,990 — B1iLarus cachinnans Yellow-legged Gull W 1999 — 40,000 — A4i, B1iSterna caspia Caspian Tern B — 100 100 — A4i, B1i, B2Sterna albifrons Little Tern B — 205 205 — B1i, B2

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664

Important Bird Areas in Europe – Turkey

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Phalacrocorax pygmeus P 1995 126 160 — A1Pygmy Cormorant

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Gypaetus barbatus Lammergeier B — 1 1 — B2Gyps fulvus Griffon Vulture B — 3 3 — B2Aegypius monachus Cinereous Vulture B — 3 3 — B2Hieraaetus pennatus Booted Eagle B — 4 4 — B2

670 ha of IBA covered by Permanent Wildlife Reserve (Ildýr KörfeziAdalarý, 670 ha). 957 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Ildýr Körfezi Adalarý,957 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Consequences of animal/plant introductions (U)

Introduced rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus occur on the islands nearestthe mainland and are illegally hunted throughout the year, especiallyon Çifte Island where the largest number of Phalacrocorax aristotelisbreed. This causes disturbance to the birds. Plans exist to build fish-farms in the bays of Karaada Island.

Küçük Menderes delta A1 018Admin region ÝzmirCoordinates 37°59’N 27°18’EAltitude 0–0 m Area 1,500 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA wetland complex comprising Çakal lake (a 74-ha, 4-m-deepfreshwater lake), Gebekirse lake (a 75-ha, 5-m-deep brackish lake)and marshes on the alluvial plain north of the Küçük Menderes river.The former Cevașir lake floods only in winter.

Habitats Wetland (90%; sand-dunes/sand beach; standing fresh water; water-fringevegetation), Artificial landscape (10%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture (5%), Fisheries/aquaculture (5%), Not utilized (90%)

■■■■■ Birds

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None1,000 ha of IBA covered by Permanent Wildlife Reserve (KüçükMenderes Deltasý, 1,000 ha). 1,500 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (KüçükMenderes Deltasý, 1,500 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A), Drainage (A), Infrastructure (U), Recreation/tourism (A)

DSÝ plans to construct four dams on the Küçük Menderes river andits tributaries for irrigation purposes. This will greatly reduce inflowsto the wetland and may lead to the drying up of the Elaman and Akgölmarshes. Coastal tourism developments are encroaching from thenorth and south. The effects of the airstrip are unknown.

Akdað B2 019Admin region Afyon, DenizliCoordinates 38°20’N 30°00’EAltitude 900–2,446 m Area 42,394 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA high mountain adjoining Iţýklý lake (IBA 020). A gorge bisects it in anorth–south direction, with high cliffs on either side and steep forestedvalleys to the north. The flatter ground above the valleys supportsconiferous forest. Forestry activities take place in accessible areas.

Habitats Forest and woodland (60%), Rocky areas (40%)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Forestry (50%), Not utilized (40%)

■■■■■ Birds

Important for breeding raptors; Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax also breeds(50 pairs). Breeding species of global conservation concern that donot meet IBA criteria: Haliaeetus albicilla (1 pair).

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None42,394 ha of IBA covered by Permanent Wildlife Reserve (Akdađ,42,394 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Disturbance to birds (B), Selective logging/cutting (C)

Forestry activities should take account of the distribution of breedingraptors (leaving an unmanaged buffer zone around each breedingvalley), and old pine trees should not be felled.

Iþýklý lake A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 020Admin region DenizliCoordinates 38°14’N 29°55’EAltitude 821–821 m Area 7,300 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionSituated at the head of the Büyük Menderes river south of Akdađ (IBA019), this freshwater lake (max. depth 7 m) is fed by streams and springs.The lake stores irrigation water for the surrounding agricultural plains,and high water-levels mean that marsh vegetation is only present wherethe Kufi channel deposits silt into the lake. The IBA includes Gökgölmarshes (including a max. 300 ha lake) 3 km east of Iţýklý Gölü.

Habitats Wetland (90%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificiallandscape (10%; arable land)Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (50%), Hunting (40%), Water management (90%)

■■■■■ Birds

This site is important for breeding waterbirds and large numbers ofwintering wildfowl. Species of global conservation concern that donot meet IBA criteria: Haliaeetus albicilla (seen throughout the year).

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (C), Disturbance to birds (A), Other (U)

Poor water management has led to the lake being emptied on severaloccasions. High spring water-levels do not permit the development ofsuitable breeding habitat, and mudflats, important as feeding areasfor birds during winter and spring, have been largely eliminated(‘Other’ threat). Fisheries are uncontrolled, with out-of-season fishingwidespread. Hunting is a significant problem, with shooting takingplace throughout the winter.

Bafa lake A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 021Admin region Aydýn, MuðlaCoordinates 37°30’N 27°26’EAltitude 5–5 m Area 12,281 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA slightly saline lake (max. 6,708 ha, max. depth 25 m) situated south-east of the Büyük Menderes delta (site 022) and enclosed by mountain

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Phalacrocorax pygmeus W 1996 40 130 — A1Pygmy Cormorant

Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron B — 30 30 — B2Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1993 8,178 8,178 — B1iNetta rufina Red-crested Pochard W 1993 931 1,060 — A4i, B1iAythya ferina Pochard W 1996 13,740 18,370 — A4i, B1iAythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck W 1992 97 97 — A1Fulica atra Coot W 1996 25,500 190,690 — A4i, B1iGelochelidon nilotica Gull-billed Tern B — — — — B2Chlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern B — 110 110 — B2

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665

Important Bird Areas in Europe – Turkey

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Tachybaptus ruficollis Little Grebe W 1990 1,800 1,805 — A4i, B1iPodiceps cristatus W 1996 6,240 6,240 — A4i, B1i

Great Crested GrebePodiceps nigricollis W 1992 1,136 1,136 — A4i, B1i

Black-necked GrebePhalacrocorax carbo Cormorant W 1993 1,172 2,000 — B1iPhalacrocorax pygmeus W 1989 140 140 — A1

Pygmy CormorantPelecanus crispus Dalmatian Pelican W 1993 25 74 — A1, A4i, B1iAnas strepera Gadwall W 1989 1,250 1,250 — B1iAythya ferina Pochard W 1996 27,085 27,085 — A4i, B1iFulica atra Coot W 1996 43,100 68,500 — A4i, B1iGlareola pratincola B — 50 50 — B1i, B2

Collared PratincoleHoplopterus spinosus B — 30 30 — B2

Spur-winged Plover

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Phalacrocorax pygmeus P 1996 65 221 — A1, A4i, B1iPygmy Cormorant

ranges, except in the west where the land opens towards the Menderesplain. The lake is fed principally by river water, and contains fourislands. Its western shores are shallow and support extensive marshes.Fisheries are the main economic activity, and the lake is a populartourist destination.

Habitats Forest and woodland (20%; mixed forest), Wetland (75%; standing fresh water;water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (5%; arable land; perennial crops/orchards/groves)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Fisheries/aquaculture (20%), Forestry (20%), Not utilized (40%),Tourism/recreation (10%)

■■■■■ Birds

An important site for breeding waders and large numbers of winteringwaterbirds. Pelecanus crispus occurs throughout the year, with birdscoming mainly from site 022. Species of global conservation concernthat do not meet IBA criteria: Haliaeetus albicilla (2 breeding pairs).

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None12,281 ha of IBA covered by Nature Park (Bafa Gölü, 12,281 ha).12,281 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Bafa Gölü, 12,281 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (B),Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A), Industrialization/urbanization (B),Unsustainable exploitation (U)

Reductions in inflow have occurred as a result of levee and damconstruction and abstraction for irrigation. The water-level had to beartificially raised by DSÝ after large areas dried up in 1990. Fish stockshave declined as a result of over-fishing and the lake/river connectionbeing severed. A large housing complex is planned to the south of thelake. Illegal hunting is frequently observed. DHKD is involved indeveloping a management plan in cooperation with the Nature Parkauthorities, and runs a bird observatory.

Büyük Menderes delta A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 022Admin region AydýnCoordinates 37°34’N 27°12’EAltitude 0–0 m Area 9,800 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionSituated at the junction between the Büyük Menderes river and theAegean, the delta comprises lagoons (separated from the sea by anarrow sandbar), extensive salt-steppe and mudflats. A north–southrunning motorway forms the eastern border of the IBA; west of thissalt-steppe has been partially converted to arable land. To the norththe delta is bordered by the hills and mountains of the Dilek peninsula.Human activities include cattle- and sheep-grazing.

Habitats Wetland (80%; mudflat/sandflat; sand-dunes/sand beach; coastal lagoon),Artificial landscape (20%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture (20%), Fisheries/aquaculture (30%), Hunting (15%), Not utilized (35%)

■■■■■ BirdsThe area is important for breeding and wintering waterbirds.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None9,800 ha of IBA covered by National Park (Menderes Deltasý, 27,675 ha).9,800 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Menderes Deltasý, 9,800 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A), Industrialization/urbanization (A), Recreation/tourism (B)

Irrigation projects, including 13 reservoirs, have been and are beingdeveloped on the Büyük Menderes river with severe consequencesfor large tracts of natural habitat. Industrial and untreated urbanwaste enters the lagoons via the river, and, along with water-levelfluctuations and over-fishing, has caused fisheries to collapse. Thereis considerable pressure to build holiday homes. From 1991 to 1995DHKD ran an education project both in this site and Bafa lake (site021), and have assisted the National Park authorities in drawing up amanagement plan.

Güllük delta A1, A4i, B1i 023Admin region MuðlaCoordinates 37°15’N 27°38’EAltitude 0–0 m Area 1,400 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionThe delta of the Hamzabey and the Sarýçay streams, where they meetthe Aegean Sea. The site consists of a 200-ha lagoon, two smallerlakes, reedbeds (Phragmites), Salicornia flats and Tamarix scrub. Thelagoon is becoming less saline as a result of freshwater input.Agriculture now occupies most of the delta, and there is a basic fish-trap at the river mouth.

Habitats Wetland (70%; saltmarsh; coastal lagoon; standing fresh water; water-fringevegetation), Artificial landscape (30%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture (25%), Fisheries/aquaculture (30%), Not utilized (60%), Tourism/recreation (10%)

■■■■■ Birds

The site has lost most of its ornithological importance due to wetlanddrainage.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Drainage (A), Infrastructure (A), Recreation/tourism (B)

Threats include the effects of the numerous drainage channels thatbisect the delta, the construction of a yacht harbour and airport, andlarge-scale tourist development.

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc CriteriaPhalacrocorax carbo Cormorant W 1996 1,000 3,005 — B1iPhalacrocorax pygmeus W 1989 130 350 — A1, A4i, B1i

Pygmy CormorantPelecanus crispus Dalmatian Pelican B — 42 42 — A1, A4i, B1i, B2Pelecanus crispus Dalmatian Pelican W 1996 39 434 — A1, A4i, B1iEgretta alba Great White Egret W 1996 138 312 — A4i, B1iPhoenicopterus ruber W 1996 6,290 8,650 — A4i, B1i

Greater FlamingoTadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck N 1992 200 200 — A4i, B1iAnas penelope Wigeon W 1992 5,623 5,623 — B1iFulica atra Coot W 1999 — 32,535 — B1iRecurvirostra avosetta Avocet W 1989 550 1,000 — B1i, B2Glareola pratincola B — 85 85 — A4i, B1i, B2

Collared PratincoleCharadrius alexandrinus Kentish Plover B — 150 150 — B1i, B2Larus genei Slender-billed Gull W 1989 1,284 1,284 — A4i, B1iSterna caspia Caspian Tern B — 6 6 — B2Sterna caspia Caspian Tern N 1988 97 97 — B1iSterna albifrons Little Tern B — 300 300 — A4i, B1i, B2

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666

Important Bird Areas in Europe – Turkey

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant W 1996 1,525 1,525 — B1iPhalacrocorax pygmeus W 1996 40 40 — A1

Pygmy CormorantEgretta alba Great White Egret W 1996 122 122 — A4i, B1iNetta rufina Red-crested Pochard W 1996 528 528 — B1iFulica atra Coot W 1996 34,120 34,120 — B1i

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria1 Phoenicopterus ruber B — 150 150 — B2

Greater Flamingo

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc CriteriaAnas crecca Teal W 1986 20,200 20,200 — A4i, B1iAythya ferina Pochard W 1969 40,000 40,000 — A4i, B1iAythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck W 1970 100 100 — A1Oxyura leucocephala W 1974 85 930 — A1, A4i, B1i

White-headed Duck

Köyceðiz lake A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i 024Admin region MuðlaCoordinates 36°54’N 28°38’EAltitude 0–0 m Area 8,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA brackish lake (6,300 ha; max. depth 30 m) fed by springs and severalstreams. Extensive reedbeds (Phragmites) are found along the east,south-east and northern shores. The delta consists of a labyrinth of(former) flood-plains, reedbeds, lakes and sand beaches. Arable landand forested hills surround the IBA, which also includes a few hundredhectares of Liquidambar forest. Economic activities include greenhousefarming and cattle-grazing.

Habitats Forest and woodland (alluvial/very wet forest), Wetland (100%; sand-dunes/sand beach; coastal lagoon; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Fisheries/aquaculture (40%), Tourism/recreation (50%)

■■■■■ Birds

This is an important site for wintering waterbirds. Species of globalconservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Haliaeetus albicilla(thought to breed in the surrounds).

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International High8,000 ha of IBA covered by Mediterranean Specially Protected Area(Köyceđiz Dalyan, 38,500 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Industrialization/urbanization (A),Recreation/tourism (A)

The wetland is polluted by agricultural run-off and untreated urbanwaste, although sewage treatment plants for Dalyan and Köyceđizare now being constructed. Heavy tourist-boat traffic on the canalsbetween the lake and the sea causes disturbance to birds and wave-damage to reedbeds. The MedSPA authority has developed amanagement plan for the entire area but only partial implementationhas been achieved.

Acýgöl lake A4i, B1i, B2, B3 025Admin region Afyon, DenizliCoordinates 37°49’N 29°48’EAltitude 836–836 m Area 21,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA shallow, stream- and spring-fed saline lake (max. 16,500 ha) oftectonic origin. Freshwater marshes have developed around thesprings; the lake supplies irrigation water and largely dries up duringsummer. The plain to the south-west comprises salt-steppe; theland to the north-east is intensively farmed. The site includes acomplex of small freshwater lakes 10 km south-west of Acýgöl. Humanactivities include stock-grazing, salt extraction and reed-cutting(‘Other’ land-use).

Habitats Wetland (80%; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; standing brackish and salt water),Artificial landscape (20%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Hunting (5%), Not utilized (65%), Other, Urban/industrial/transport (20%), Water management

■■■■■ Birds

The site is important for breeding waterbirds, although numbers havefallen in recent years, possibly due to low water-levels. Tadornaferruginea occurs throughout the year, and breeds in the surroundingmountains. Acýgöl was formerly important for breeding Otis tarda; itseems certain that a small population survives.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Low International None1,100 ha of IBA covered by Permanent Wildlife Reserve (Çaltý Gölü,1,100 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (C), Drainage (U), Industrialization/urbanization (A)

DSÝ plan to drain 13,620 ha of land between Acýgöl and the freshwaterlakes, thereby destroying the largest intact salt-steppe ecosystem inthe region. No environmental impact assessment has been carried outto date. Salt from the saltpans blows onto adjacent agricultural areasand reportedly damages crops and causes human respiratory problems.In 1996 work began on an industrial complex west of the area, whichwill use water from artesian wells. The possible effects of this schemewith regard to pollution and the lowering of groundwater levels areunknown.

Çorak lake A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i 026Admin region BurdurCoordinates 37°41’N 29°46’EAltitude 1,050–1,050 m Area 1,150 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA small salt-lake of tectonic origin bordered by mountains to thenorth and agricultural lands to the south, east and west. It is fed by anumber of small streams; reedbeds (Phragmites) have developed atthe inflows. During the last decade the lake has been almostpermanently dry, with a maximum of 5% flooded at the deepest pointsduring March 1994.

Habitats Wetland (100%; mudflat/sandflat; standing brackish and salt water;river/stream)Land-use Not utilized (100%)

■■■■■ Birds

The IBA has supported large numbers of wildfowl in the past. Recentcounts have been low due to falling water-levels.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A)

During 1988 DSÝ widened the outlet of the lake. It is unclear whetherthis, or the lack of rainfall in recent years, is responsible for the lowwater-levels.

Species ... continued Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Tadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck W 1994 240 240 — A4i, B1iOtis tarda Great Bustard B — — — — B2Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet B — 50 50 — B3Charadrius alexandrinus B — 50 50 — B2

Kentish PloverCharadrius alexandrinus N 1991 1,010 1,010 — A4i, B1i

Kentish PloverHoplopterus spinosus B — — — — B2

Spur-winged PloverGelochelidon nilotica Gull-billed Tern B — — — — B2

1. Breeding does not occur annually.

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667

Important Bird Areas in Europe – Turkey

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck W 1990 400 400 — A1Oxyura leucocephala W 1993 40 128 — A1, B1i

White-headed Duck

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Tadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck W 1990 212 212 — A4i, B1iOxyura leucocephala W 1995 47 82 — A1

White-headed Duck

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Tadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck W 1996 206 1,736 — A4i, B1iOxyura leucocephala W 1989 46 46 — A1

White-headed Duck

Salda lake A1, B1i 027Admin region BurdurCoordinates 37°33’N 29°40’EAltitude 1,139–1,139 m Area 4,370 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA slightly saline, stream- and spring-fed lake (max. depth 184 m) oftectonic origin surrounded by forested hills, rocky terrain and alluvialplains. There are several sandbanks and limited fringe vegetation.Hotels, restaurants and campsites are present on the southern andsouth-western shores.

Habitats Wetland (100%; standing brackish and salt water)Land-use Not utilized (95%), Tourism/recreation (5%)

■■■■■ Birds

The site is important for wintering wildfowl.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None4,370 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Salda Gölü, 4,370 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (B), Recreation/tourism (B)

Inflow water is used to irrigate fields around the lake; a DSÝ schemewill see the construction of a small reservoir on one of the inflow streams,allowing for the irrigation of a further 182 ha via a 3 km long channel.No assessment of the possible impacts has been made. Some hotelsdischarge untreated sewage into the lake, and more tourist facilities areplanned. The SÝT designation permits limited construction activity.

Karataº lake A1, A4i, B1i 028Admin region BurdurCoordinates 37°23’N 29°58’EAltitude 1,053–1,053 m Area 1,190 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA shallow, stream-fed freshwater lake situated in the north-eastTefenni plain, surrounded by arable land. Fringing vegetation isrestricted to the western shore.

Habitats Wetland (100%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (10%), Hunting (5%), Water management (100%)

■■■■■ Birds

This is an important area for wintering wildfowl.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None1,190 ha of IBA covered by Permanent Wildlife Reserve (KaratașGölü, 4,720 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (B)

Inflows to the lake were artificially increased in 1982 to enable theirrigation of surrounding land. The increase in water-level probablyled to a significant loss of marginal vegetation. Increasing demandfor irrigation water and drought has meant that the lake has beenhalf-empty in recent years; fisheries have become less important as a

result. The construction of a reservoir on an inflow to the lake willfurther reduce water-levels.

Yarýþlý lake A1, A4i, B1i 029Admin region BurdurCoordinates 37°34’N 29°58’EAltitude 915–915 m Area 1,400 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA shallow, spring-fed saline lake separated from Burdur lake (site 030)by a range of hills. The water-level fluctuates greatly and in summerthe lake almost entirely dries up, leaving extensive saltmarshes andmudflats. To the north and west the lake is bordered by farmland,otherwise the shores are rocky and steep in places. Small vegetatedareas occur around freshwater inputs.

Habitats Wetland (100%; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; standing brackish and salt water;water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Not utilized (100%)

■■■■■ Birds

This site is important for wintering wildfowl.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issuesNo serious threats are known at the site.

Burdur lake A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 030Admin region Burdur, IspartaCoordinates 37°44’N 30°11’EAltitude 857–857 m Area 23,700 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA large, stream-fed saline lake (max. depth 110 m) of tectonic originsituated in a closed basin. Extensive alluvial flats lie to the north-eastand south-west. The lake is flanked by forested hills and mountains;its near surrounds are under agriculture.

Habitats Wetland (100%; mudflat/sandflat; standing fresh water)Land-use Not utilized (90%), Urban/industrial/transport (10%)

■■■■■ Birds

The IBA is very important for wintering waterbirds, and is the singlemost important wintering site for Oxyura leucocephala (over two-thirdsof the world wintering population), with large numbers occurringthroughout the year except during the breeding season.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International High

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc CriteriaPodiceps nigricollis P 1995 5,163 25,280 — A4i, B1i

Black-necked GrebePhoenicopterus ruber Greater Flamingo P — — 6,500 — A4i, B1iTadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck W 1996 235 550 — A4i, B1iTadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck P 1995 — 405 — A4i, B1iNetta rufina Red-crested Pochard W 1995 750 2,814 — A4i, B1iAythya ferina Pochard W 1995 11,160 57,555 — A4i, B1iAythya fuligula Tufted Duck W 1987 6,000 6,000 — B1iOxyura leucocephala W 1996 342 10,927 — A1, A4i, B1i

White-headed DuckFulica atra Coot W 1995 34,067 138,925 — A4i, B1iFulica atra Coot P — — 300,000 — A4i, B1iHoplopterus spinosus B — — — — B2

Spur-winged PloverChlidonias niger Black Tern P — — 2,105 — A4i, B1i

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668

Important Bird Areas in Europe – Turkey

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Phalacrocorax pygmeus W 1990 81 81 — A1Pygmy Cormorant

Netta rufina Red-crested Pochard W 1996 600 1,503 — A4i, B1iAythya ferina Pochard W 1996 12,290 15,198 — A4i, B1iAythya fuligula Tufted Duck U 1994 6,500 12,665 — B1iFulica atra Coot W 1996 64,419 64,419 — A4i, B1i

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern B — 25 25 — B2Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck B — 10 10 — B2

23,700 ha of IBA covered by Permanent Wildlife Reserve (Burdur Gölü,38,125 ha). 23,700 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Burdur Gölü,23,700 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (B), Dredging/canalization (A), Extraction industry (U), Industrialization/urbanization (A), Infrastructure (A)

A long-term reduction in water-level has led to wetland loss andincreasing salinity. Inflows have been reduced by reservoir construction,and average annual precipitation has fallen. The planned Bozçay–Karaçal dam/irrigation project will further reduce inflows and lead toalluvial flats south-west of the lake being converted to permanent arableland. Additional threats include disturbance and pollution from airportand industrial developments, pollution caused by mining waste,agricultural run-off and sewage. A hunting ban was introduced in 1993;educational/wardening activities take place.

Eðirdir lake A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i 031Admin region IspartaCoordinates 38°00’N 30°54’EAltitude 918–918 m Area 47,250 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA large, nutrient-poor stream- and spring-fed lake of tectonic origin(max. depth 13 m); the northern part is shallower than the southernpart. The northern and eastern shores support fringing reedbeds(Phragmites) and are bordered by arable land; elsewhere hills andmountains surround the lake. Lake water is used for irrigation and toprovide drinking water for nearby towns.

Habitats Wetland (100%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (50%), Water management (100%)

■■■■■ Birds

The IBA is important for wintering waterbirds.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None47,250 ha of IBA covered by Drinking Water Reservoir (Eđirdir Gölü,47,250 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Aquaculture/fisheries (B),Consequences of animal/plant introductions (B), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A), Industrialization/urbanization (U)

The lake’s water-level has fallen over the last 25 years, possibly as aresult of human intervention and reduced precipitation. Furtherirrigation and hydroelectric schemes do not appear feasible. Formerareas of marsh and steppe have been drained and reclaimed. Additionalthreats include pollution caused by agricultural run-off and industrialdischarge (leading to fish-kills), and the effects of introduced pike-perch Stizostedion lucioperca on native fish stocks.

Karamýk marshes B2 032Admin region AfyonCoordinates 38°26’N 30°50’EAltitude 1,002–1,002 m Area 4,500 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA freshwater marsh comprising extensive Phragmites and Typha bedsinterspersed with areas of open water. The only water-supply is run-

off from the surrounding hills and a number of springs. Arable fieldsand pasture border the marsh in the east and west; extensive poplarplantations are found to the north and north-east. Cattle graze themarshes, and reed-cutting takes place (‘Other’ land-use).

Habitats Wetland (90%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation; fen/transitionmire/spring), Artificial landscape (10%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture, Other

■■■■■ Birds

This site is important for breeding waterbirds. Species of globalconservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Oxyuraleucocephala (thought to breed). The site was of much greaterimportance before water-levels were lowered.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None4,100 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Karamýk Gölü, 4,100 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Disturbance to birds (C),Industrialization/urbanization (U)

Irrigation water is extracted from the marshes, and as a result thewetland area has decreased drastically over recent decades. The SEKAstate paper factory discharges waste water into Karamýk Sazlýđý, withthe risk of nutrient enrichment. Local people are complaining aboutthe decreasing quality and height of reed as a result of this pollution.Out-of-season fishing takes place on a large scale.

Akþehir and Eber lakes A1, A4i, B1i, B2 033Admin region Afyon, KonyaCoordinates 38°36’N 31°18’EAltitude 966–967 m Area 53,600 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionTwo connected lakes in the Akarçay closed basin. Akţehir (max.35,300 ha, max. depth 7 m) is a stream-fed tectonic lake, fresh in thewest and south, becoming increasingly saline towards the north. Eber(max. 16,800 ha, max. depth 6 m) is situated 4 km to the north-westand is fed by the Akarçay stream. Large areas of reed Phragmitesoccur in both lakes, which were treated as separate IBAs in the previousinternational IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989): Akţehir Gölü(former site TR019) and Eber Gölü (former site TR022).

Habitats Wetland (100%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Fisheries/aquaculture (50%), Hunting (5%), Not utilized (35%)

■■■■■ Birds

The IBA is important for breeding waterbirds, with large mixedheronries on reed islands in Akţehir lake. It used to be of majorimportance for wintering wildfowl before controls were introduced tothe water regime.

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Phalacrocorax pygmeus B — 50 50 — A1, B2Pygmy Cormorant

Pelecanus onocrotalus White Pelican P 1988 2,000 2,000 — A4i, B1iPelecanus crispus Dalmatian Pelican B — 1 — — B2Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron B — 70 70 — B2Ardea purpurea Purple Heron B — 50 50 — B2Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis B — 50 50 — B2Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis P 1988 680 1,536 — A4i, B1iPlatalea leucorodia Spoonbill B — 15 15 — B1i, B2Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1990 7,568 15,900 — A4i, B1iAythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck B — 10 10 — B2Himantopus himantopus B 1995 307 311 — A4i, B1i

Black-winged StiltCharadrius leschenaultii B — — — — B2

Greater Sand PloverGelochelidon nilotica Gull-billed Tern B — 20 20 — B2

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669

Important Bird Areas in Europe – Turkey

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Anser anser Greylag Goose N 1995 330 330 — B1iNetta rufina Red-crested Pochard W 1993 1,000 1,000 — A4i, B1iChlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern B — 100 100 — B2

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria1 Otis tarda Great Bustard B — 20 20 — A1, B2

1. Pairs.

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Ciconia nigra Black Stork B — 5 5 — B2Gypaetus barbatus Lammergeier B — 1 1 — B2Aegypius monachus Cinereous Vulture B 1995 10 10 — A1, B1iii, B2Hieraaetus pennatus Booted Eagle B — 5 5 — B2

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None52,100 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Akţehir and Eber Gölü, 52,100 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A), Dredging/canalization (A), Groundwater abstraction (U), Industrialization/urbanization (U)

Two dams are under construction on the Akarçay stream, leading toa further reduction in water input to both lakes. Given the reductionin size and increasing salinity of Akţehir lake over the last two decades,there is little hope for its long-term future. Industrial, agriculturaland untreated urban pollutants enter the lakes from a variety ofsources, leading to severe nutrient loading in Eber lake. Local fisherieshave declined as a result of the pollution and decreasing water-levels.

Çavuþçu lake A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 034Admin region KonyaCoordinates 38°21’N 31°53’EAltitude 1,026–1,026 m Area 1,200 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA freshwater lake (the remnants of a 5,000 ha wetland) fed by the Battaland Çebiţçi streams, containing scattered reedbeds (mainly Phragmites).Water leaves through a controlled outlet in the south and from apumping station on the western shore. The lake is surrounded by sheep-grazed arid hills, with arable land, Salix stands, orchards and cattle-grazed meadows immediately to the north and south.

Habitats Wetland (90%; mudflat/sandflat; standing fresh water), Artificial landscape(10%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Fisheries/aquaculture (25%), Water management (100%)

■■■■■ Birds

The site is important for breeding terns (Sterninae) and large numbersof wintering wildfowl. There are indications that the lake was of greaterimportance prior to manipulation of its water regime.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None1,200 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Çavuţçu Gölü, 1,200 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Industrialization/urbanization (A)

The high water-level maintained within the embanked lake has resultedin an impoverished flora. Some new marsh habitat may form as aresult of silt accumulation in the lake, provided such areas are protectedagainst agricultural encroachment. During 1995 an investigation wasbegun into the planned construction of a coal-fired power-station inthe lake environs.

Altýntaþ plain A1, B2 035Admin region KütahyaCoordinates 39°07’N 30°07’EAltitude 970–1,698 m Area 19,200 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionAn extensive agricultural and upland area south of Kütahya, borderedto the south by the Kokar stream. Low-lying agricultural areas are inthe main non-irrigated; nearly half of such areas lie fallow in eachrotation. Where groundwater reaches the surface small marshy areashave developed (some have been drained in recent years). The northernparts of the IBA comprise low mountains that support extensive areasof Juniperus forest and scrub.

Habitats Forest and woodland (30%; wooded steppe), Artificial landscape (70%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture (25%), Not utilized (75%)

■■■■■ Birds

The availability of fallow land, absence of agricultural intensificationschemes and relatively low human disturbance have made this one ofthe last Otis tarda strongholds in western Turkey—that the birds appearto be resident and breeding has been confirmed every year since 1993.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None19,200 ha of IBA covered by Permanent Wildlife Reserve (AltýntaţOvasý, 19,200 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A)

A DSÝ irrigation project requires the damming of the Kokar and Muratstreams and will lead to the irrigation of 17,763 ha, including the entirelower part of the IBA. Agricultural intensification and increasinghuman disturbance will result, undoubtedly affecting Otis tarda. Localhunters successfully campaigned for the area to be protected and nowwarden the site. Poaching has been virtually eliminated, and educatinglocal farmers has proved successful. Restoration of marsh areas isbeing discussed.

Türkmenbaba Daðý A1, B1iii, B2 036Admin region Eskiþehir, KütahyaCoordinates 39°26’N 30°23’EAltitude 1,200–1,826 m Area 17,500 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionSituated at the northern end of the Yazýlýkaya range, between theKütahya, Eskiţehir and Afyon plains. In contrast to its barrensurroundings, the mountain is covered by extensive coniferous forests(including large old-growth stands) and meadows; deciduous forestsprevail at lower altitudes. Cliffs are found in the summit area.Controlled grazing takes place, and forestry management is extensive,with small-scale selective felling.

Habitats Forest and woodland (100%; broadleaved deciduous forest; native coniferousforest), Rocky areas (inland cliff)Land-use Agriculture (5%), Forestry (95%)

■■■■■ Birds

The undisturbed and remote nature of the IBA accounts for itsimpressive diversity of raptors; it holds some of the highest numbersof Aegypius monachus known in Turkey.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Partial International None5,000 ha of IBA covered by Permanent Wildlife Reserve (TürkmenbabaDađý, 5,000 ha). IBA also overlaps with SÝT (Türkmenbaba Dađý).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Disturbance to birds (B), Selective logging/cutting (C)

Forestry workers can cause disturbance to breeding raptors; foresttracks have been opened throughout the IBA. Forestry activitiesshould take account of the distribution of breeding raptors (leavingan unmanaged buffer zone around each breeding valley), and old pinetrees should not be felled.

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670

Important Bird Areas in Europe – Turkey

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria1 Otis tarda Great Bustard B 1996 20 20 — A1, B2

1. Pairs. Up to 45 individuals recorded.

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc CriteriaCiconia ciconia White Stork P 1993 17,915 17,915 — A4i, B1iTadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck W 1996 302 302 — A4i, B1iCircus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier B — 15 15 — B3Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel B — 10 10 — A1

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Oxyura leucocephala B 1994 10 10 — A1, B2White-headed Duck

Aliken A1, B2 037Admin region EskiþehirCoordinates 39°19’N 31°17’EAltitude 875–909 m Area 11,500 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionSituated 30 km south-west of Sivrihisar, the southern border is formedby the Aliken stream. The higher parts of this plateau are barren andagriculture is non-intensive (with land being utilized in alternate years).In a typical year 50% of the area supports rain-fed wheat and barleyfields, 40% is fallow and 10% uncultivated rocky steppe. Humandisturbance is minimal. In contrast, the c.1 km wide strip of landadjoining the Aliken stream is more intensively farmed.

Habitats Grassland (10%; steppe/dry calcareous grassland), Artificial landscape(90%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture (50%), Not utilized (50%)

■■■■■ Birds

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Drainage (U)

A large drainage channel was dug in 1948 and present constructionworks will result in the irrigation of 3,970 ha of land in the Alikenvalley. 2,630 ha of marsh along the Aliken stream (partially outsidethe IBA) have already been claimed for agriculture; any remainingmarsh will disappear following completion of the project.

Balýkdamý A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B3 038Admin region EskiþehirCoordinates 39°12’N 31°39’EAltitude 799–799 m Area 1,470 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionBalýkdamý is one of the few remaining wetlands on the Sakarya river,elsewhere flood-plain and marsh habitats have been reclaimed foragricultural use. The eastern part of the IBA comprises 503 ha ofreedbed (Phragmites), open water and mudflats. The western partconsists of extensive areas of marsh and grassland. Human activitiesinclude cereal production and extensive stock-grazing.

Habitats Grassland (humid grassland), Wetland (80%; mudflat/sandflat; standing freshwater; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (20%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture (25%), Hunting (25%), Not utilized (50%)

■■■■■ Birds

The IBA is important for breeding raptors and herons (Ardeidae) andas a stop-over site for passage Ciconia ciconia and waterbirds. Speciesof global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria:Phalacrocorax pygmeus (thought to breed).

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None1,470 ha of IBA covered by Permanent Wildlife Reserve (Balýkdamý,1,470 ha). 1,470 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Balýkdamý, 1,470 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A)

DSÝ plans to irrigate the upper reaches of the Sakarya river, a projectthat will involve the reclamation of the entire western part of the IBA.A permanent lake of c.500 ha will also be created in the eastern partof the IBA, resulting in the loss of virtually all the ecologicallyimportant marsh and mudflat areas.

Uyuz lake A1, B2 039Admin region KonyaCoordinates 39°15’N 32°57’EAltitude 1,185–1,185 m Area 15 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA small freshwater lake (max. depth 1.5 m) situated south of Çöl lake(IBA 040), fringed by reedbeds (Phragmites) and fed by groundwater.It is surrounded by arable land, which reaches the shoreline in places.Local people harvest reed (‘Other’ land-use).

Habitats Wetland (100%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Hunting (10%), Not utilized (85%), Other (5%)

■■■■■ Birds

The area is important for breeding waterbirds. Falco naumanni breedsjust outside the IBA.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None15 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Uyuz Gölü, 15 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issuesNo serious threats are known at the site.

Çöl lake A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 040Admin region AnkaraCoordinates 39°18’N 32°54’EAltitude 1,045–1,045 m Area 4,700 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA shallow saline lake (max. 1,500 ha) lying in a closed basin(Çalýkdüzü) 75 km south of Ankara. It is fed by small streams andlargely dries up during summer. Wet grazing-marshes and extensiveTypha beds are found at the southern and northern ends of the lake.Arable cultivation takes place in the higher, drier areas.

Habitats Wetland (70%; saltmarsh; standing brackish and salt water, water-fringevegetation), Artificial landscape (30%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture (25%), Not utilized (75%)

■■■■■ Birds

The site supports significant numbers of breeding Charadriusleschenaultii. Large numbers of wildfowl winter, whilst Phoenicopterusruber, Oxyura leucocephala and Himantopus himantopus occurprincipally during the post-breeding season.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc CriteriaPhoenicopterus ruber Greater Flamingo U 1986 5,500 5,500 — A4i, B1iAnser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1970 9,365 14,000 — A4i, B1iTadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck B 1990 300 300 — A4i, B1i, B2Tadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck W 1970 1,296 6,847 — A4i, B1iAnas crecca Teal W 1969 10,486 10,486 — B1iOxyura leucocephala N 1991 27 27 — A1

White-headed DuckFalco naumanni Lesser Kestrel B 1998 — 20 — A1Himantopus himantopus B 1986 1,000 1,000 — A4i, B1i

Black-winged StiltCharadrius leschenaultii B — — — — B2

Greater Sand Plover

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671

Important Bird Areas in Europe – Turkey

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron B — 30 30 — B2Netta rufina Red-crested Pochard B — 50 50 — B2Netta rufina Red-crested Pochard W 1993 673 673 — B1iAythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck B — 10 10 — B2Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck W 1994 150 200 — A1Oxyura leucocephala B — 2 2 — B2

White-headed DuckFulica atra Coot U 1994 25,000 70,100 — A4i, B1i

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Ciconia nigra Black Stork B — 5 5 — B2Gypaetus barbatus Lammergeier B — 2 2 — B2

Species ... continued Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc CriteriaNeophron percnopterus B — 15 15 — B2

Egyptian VultureGyps fulvus Griffon Vulture B — 2 2 — B2Aegypius monachus Cinereous Vulture B — 6 6 — A1, B2Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle B 1998 0 2 — B2Hieraaetus pennatus Booted Eagle B — 3 3 — B2

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Gypaetus barbatus Lammergeier B 1998 0 1 — B2Aegypius monachus Cinereous Vulture B — 5 5 — A1, B2

■■■■■ Conservation issuesNo serious threats are known at the site.

Mogan lake A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 041Admin region AnkaraCoordinates 39°46’N 32°48’EAltitude 973–973 m Area 1,500 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA nutrient-rich, stream-fed freshwater lake (max. 759 ha, max. depth2.5 m) 20 km south of Ankara. Reedbeds (Phragmites) fringe muchof the lake shore, with marshland and wet meadows to the south. Thetown of Gölbaţý is situated on the north-east shore. Numerous holidayhomes have been constructed overlooking the lake, which is alsopopular for rowing, sailing and angling.

Habitats Grassland (10%; humid grassland), Wetland (90%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Agriculture (5%), Not utilized (45%), Tourism/recreation (30%), Urban/industrial/transport (20%)

■■■■■ Birds

Important site for breeding waterbirds, with large numbers of wildfowloccurring in late autumn and early spring (the lake freezes in winter).

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International High1,500 ha of IBA covered by Mediterranean Specially Protected Area(Mogan Gölü, 24,500 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (B), Industrialization/urbanization (B),Recreation/tourism (A)

Formerly the lake size varied between 500 and 1,020 ha—as part ofthe Ankara flood-protection scheme a regulator was built, allowing aconstant water-level to be maintained. The growth of Gölbaţý hasresulted in increased disturbance and the release of industrial anduntreated urban waste to the lake. Sewage-treatment plants andinterceptors are now under construction.

Kýzýlcahamam forests A1, B2 042Admin region AnkaraCoordinates 40°28’N 32°33’EAltitude 900–1,849 m Area 9,500 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA forested area situated at the northern edge of the barren CentralAnatolian plateau, dominated by Pinus nigra with P. sylvestris athigher altitudes. Pasture and scrub (mainly Quercus) occur throughout.The forests are extensively managed except within the National Park,which attracts large numbers of visitors from Ankara.

Habitats Forest and woodland (90%; mixed forest), Grassland (10%; alpine/subalpine/boreal grassland)Land-use Forestry (50%), Nature conservation/research (25%), Tourism/recreation (25%)

■■■■■ Birds

This is an important site for a number of species of raptor.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Partial International None1,050 ha of IBA covered by National Park (Kýzýlcahamam, 1,050 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Disturbance to birds (U), Selective logging/cutting (U)

A dense network of roads and tracks means that disturbance fromtourists and foresters is high. Forestry activities should take accountof the distribution of breeding raptors and old pine trees should notbe felled. A reduction in forestry activities within the National Park(hence maintaining the availability of tall nesting trees) is thought tobe the main reason behind increasing numbers of Aegypius monachus.

Kavaklý Daðý A1, B2 043Admin region Ankara, BoluCoordinates 40°21’N 32°08’EAltitude 1,000–1,983 m Area 8,100 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionKavaklý Dađý, located 100 km north-west of Ankara, constitutes thesouthern extremity of the vast Körođlu mountain range. The lowerparts consist of barren hills with Quercus scrub whilst the upper slopesare covered with conifer forests.

Habitats Forest and woodland (100%; broadleaved deciduous forest; native coniferous forest)Land-use Forestry (25%), Not utilized (75%)

■■■■■ Birds

Aegypius monachus breeds in a steep-sided south-facing valley.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None8,100 ha of IBA covered by Permanent Wildlife Reserve (Kavaklý,8,200 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Selective logging/cutting (C)

Forestry activities should take account of the distribution of breedingraptors (leaving an unmanaged buffer zone around each breedingvalley), and old pine trees should not be felled.

Inözü gorge B2 044Admin region AnkaraCoordinates 40°11’N 31°55’EAltitude 675–750 m Area 50 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionThe site comprises rocky cliffs, c.100 m in height, that stretch for nearly1 km along a narrow gorge north of Beypazarý. Orchards are foundalong the river.

Habitats Rocky areas (90%; inland cliff), Artificial landscape (10%; perennial crops/orchards/groves)Land-use Agriculture (5%), Not utilized (95%)

■■■■■ BirdsThe area is important for cliff-nesting species.

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672

Important Bird Areas in Europe – Turkey

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Ciconia nigra Black Stork B — 5 5 — B2Falco biarmicus Lanner B — 1 1 — B2

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Nycticorax nycticorax Night Heron B — 120 120 — B2Ciconia nigra Black Stork B — 20 20 — B2Ciconia ciconia White Stork P 1994 11,300 11,300 — A4i, B1iTadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck W 1995 238 2,400 — A4i, B1iNeophron percnopterus Egyptian Vulture B — 10 10 — B2Falco biarmicus Lanner B — 1 1 — B2

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Aegypius monachus Cinereous Vulture B 1995 5 5 — A1, B2Hieraaetus pennatus Booted Eagle B — 1 1 — B2

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Netta rufina Red-crested Pochard W 1995 1,002 1,002 — A4i, B1iAythya ferina Pochard W 1995 10,400 10,400 — B1iFulica atra Coot W 1996 30,150 30,700 — B1i

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issuesNo serious threats are known at the site.

Sarýyar reservoir A4i, B1i, B2 045Admin region Ankara, EskiþehirCoordinates 40°02’N 31°38’EAltitude 475–475 m Area 8,400 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionThis IBA includes a reservoir (max. depth 79 m), temporary wetlandsat its inflows and cliff-faces to the north. It lies between Hamam Dađý(site 046) to the south and the Kapýkýrý mountains to the north. Thereservoir is fed by three rivers and is used to produce hydroelectricpower. Populus and Salix plantations border the seasonal wetlands.

Habitats Wetland (95%; mudflat/sandflat; standing fresh water), Rocky areas (5%; inland cliff)Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (50%), Urban/industrial/transport (100%), Water management (100%)

■■■■■ Birds

This site is important for tree- and cliff-nesting waterbirds and raptors.Large numbers of Ciconia ciconia roost here on migration. Species ofglobal conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Haliaeetusalbicilla (frequently observed, thought to breed in the surrounds).

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Low International None425 ha of IBA covered by Permanent Wildlife Reserve (Nallýhankuscenneti, 425 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Disturbance to birds (B), Dredging/canalization (C), Industrialization/urbanization (U), Selective logging/cutting (U)

The felling of Populus stands threatens breeding species; a managementplan could guarantee a rotation scheme whereby different sections ofthe stands are felled over successive years. The reservoir is heavilypolluted, especially by untreated waste from Ankara (treatment facilitiesare being constructed). The effects of the pollution have not been studied.

Hamam Daðý A1, B2 046Admin region EskiºehirCoordinates 39°52’N 31°36’EAltitude 900–1,574 m Area 14,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionThe IBA lies at the easternmost extremity of the 130 km long Sündikenmountain range, which lies on an east–west axis between the Sakaryaand Porsuk plains. Extensive forests of Pinus nigra are interspersedwith Quercus/Juniperus scrub, a few scattered villages and areas ofopen grassland. The steeper northern slopes face Sarýyar reservoir (site045); the gently sloping south-facing valleys meet the semi-arid,intensively cultivated Central Anatolian plateau.

Habitats Forest and woodland (90%; broadleaved deciduous forest; native coniferousforest), Grassland (10%; steppe/dry calcareous grassland)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Forestry (50%)

■■■■■ Birds

The IBA is important for breeding raptors.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Intensified forest management (U), Selective logging/cutting (B)

A newly constructed forest road appears to have forced two pairs ofAegypius monachus to nest higher up the valley. Forestry activitiesshould take account of the distribution of breeding raptors (leavingan unmanaged buffer zone around each breeding valley), and old pinetrees should not be felled.

Sapanca lake A4i, A4iii, B1i 047Admin region Kocaeli, SakaryaCoordinates 40°42’N 30°15’EAltitude 31–31 m Area 4,700 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA freshwater lake (max. depth 61 m) formerly connected to the Sea ofMarmara and fed by the Sakarya river. Arable land, fruit orchardsand extensive Populus plantations surround the lake. Narrow reedbeds(Phragmites) fringe most of its shores; only at the eastern end doessubstantial marsh vegetation occur. Lake water is abstracted forindustrial use.

Habitats Wetland (100%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (25%), Urban/industrial/transport (100%), Watermanagement (100%)

■■■■■ Birds

The site is important for wintering wildfowl.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None4,700 ha of IBA covered by Drinking Water Reservoir (Sapanca Gölü,4,700 ha). 4,700 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Sapanca Gölü, 4,700 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Industrialization/urbanization (B),Recreation/tourism (B)

The lake is facing severe pollution problems from rapidly developingindustries in its catchment, and from untreated sewage and agriculturalrun-off. Sapanca has become popular as a second-home resort;construction is taking place on the forested hillsides south of the lake.

Ilgaz mountains B2 048Admin region Kastamonu, ÇankýrýCoordinates 41°06’N 33°52’EAltitude 2,000–2,587 m Area 35,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionPart of the Ilgaz mountain range that stretches 160 km on a south-west/north-east axis, forming the boundary between the wet BlackSea region and the dry Central Anatolian plateau. The IBAencompasses the highest and most intact parts of the range, includingthe two Ilgaz passes. Pinus and Abies forest covers large areas, withalpine grassland and rocky habitats at higher altitudes. A ski-resort islocated within the National Park.

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Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Gypaetus barbatus Lammergeier B — 2 2 — B2Gyps fulvus Griffon Vulture B — 1 — — B2Hieraaetus pennatus Booted Eagle B — 5 5 — B2

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Oxyura leucocephala W 1995 55 55 — A1White-headed Duck

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Netta rufina Red-crested Pochard B — 40 40 — B2

Habitats Forest and woodland (70%; native coniferous forest), Grassland (30%; alpine/subalpine/boreal grassland)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Forestry (25%), Not utilized (35%), Tourism/recreation (25%),Urban/industrial/transport (5%)

■■■■■ Birds

This is an important site for breeding raptors. Other breeding speciesof interest include Tadorna ferruginea, Dryocopus martius, Iraniagutturalis, Sitta krueperi and Serinus pusillus.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Low International None1,090 ha of IBA covered by National Park (Ilgaz Dađý, 1,090 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Deforestation (commercial) (A), Recreation/tourism (B), Selective logging/cutting (A)

Forests inside and outside the National Park are intensively managed.

Sarýkum lake A1, A4iii 049Admin region SinopCoordinates 42°01’N 34°55’EAltitude 0–0 m Area 785 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA complex of dune, lake and forest habitats situated in a broad valley.Large areas of a shallow, stream-fed brackish coastal lake are vegetatedwith Juncus and Phragmites. South of the lake is an extensive,seasonally flooded Fraxinus forest. Quercus and Carpinus forestssurround the lake on drier ground; areas of dune have been forestedwith Pinus. Cattle graze the wetland.

Habitats Forest and woodland (50%; broadleaved deciduous forest), Wetland (50%;sand-dunes/sand beach; coastal lagoon; water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Agriculture (5%), Nature conservation/research (90%)

■■■■■ Birds

The area is important for large numbers of wintering wildfowl.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None785 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Sarýkum Gölü, 785 ha).785 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Sarýkum Gölü, 785 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Afforestation (U), Natural events (B), Recreation/tourism (U)

Large numbers of visitors cause considerable disturbance at weekends.The lake is reportedly silting up rapidly and the area of reedbed isexpanding as a result. Afforestation of the dunes will lead to furtherloss of important dune vegetation. Fishing is banned according toNature Reserve regulations.

Tödürge lake B2 050Admin region SivasCoordinates 39°53’N 37°36’EAltitude 1,295–1,295 m Area 750 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA slightly brackish lake (326 ha, average depth 4 m) situated in theupper Kýzýlýrmak basin, fed by springs and the Acýsu stream. Reed

Phragmites fringes the lake and there is one small island in the east.The surrounds consist of arable/fallow land and pasture, except inthe west where extensive wet grasslands are grazed by cattle.

Habitats Grassland (20%; humid grassland), Wetland (75%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (5%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture (5%), Not utilized (90%), Tourism/recreation (5%)

■■■■■ Birds

This is an important area for breeding and passage waterbirds. Otherspecies of note include breeding Motacilla citreola.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U)

An ongoing DSÝ project will see the irrigation of 11,220 ha along theKýzýlýrmak river (including land around the lake).

Palas lake A4i, B1i, B2 051Admin region KayseriCoordinates 39°02’N 35°49’EAltitude 1,132–1,132 m Area 2,720 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA saline lake (max. 2,330 ha) north-east of Kayseri, separated from theKýzýlýrmak river by a low mountain range and fed mainly by surfacerun-off. Extensive areas of mudflat, saltmarsh and freshwater marshoccur along the eastern shore; vegetation along the southern and south-eastern shores is dominated by Juncus. The lake is surrounded by arableland, orchards and pasture, and largely dries up during summer.

Habitats Wetland (100%; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; standing brackish and salt water;fen/transition mire/spring)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Not utilized (90%)

■■■■■ Birds

A WIWO study undertaken in spring 1988 revealed that the IBA is animportant stop-over site for several wader species.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None2,720 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Palas Gölü, 2,720 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (C), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A)

In 1995 DSÝ started constructing the Bahçelik reservoir on the Zamantýriver, 55 km south-east of the IBA. The lake’s water-level may dropas a result of this scheme, leading to the permanent loss of valuablemarsh areas.

Sultansazlýðý A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3 052Admin region KayseriCoordinates 38°20’N 35°16’EAltitude 1,074–1,074 m Area 39,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionThe IBA lies in the Develi closed basin, surrounded by mountains.The wetland comprises a series of salt, brackish and freshwater lakes,

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria1 Tadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck U 1987 660 2,930 — A4i, B1iCharadrius leschenaultii B — — — — B2

Greater Sand Plover

1. Occurs in autumn.

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and extensive marshes, and reaches 20,000 ha at its maximum extent.The salt-lakes are surrounded by Salicornia steppe; the southernmarshes comprise vast reedbeds (Phragmites) interspersed withexpanses of Typha, Juncus and Carex. Human activities include sheep-and cattle-grazing, and reed-cutting (‘Other’ land-use).

Habitats Grassland (40%; steppe/dry calcareous grassland), Wetland (55%; mudflat/sandflat; standing brackish and salt water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape(5%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Nature conservation/research (50%), Not utilized (20%),Other, Tourism/recreation (20%)

■■■■■ Birds

The site holds significant numbers of a range of breeding, winteringand passage waterbirds. Large numbers of Phoenicopterus ruber, Grusgrus and Recurvirostra avosetta use the wetland in autumn. Chettusialeucura apparently bred in 1996.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International Partial17,200 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Sultansazlýđý, 17,200 ha).39,000 ha of IBA covered by Permanent Wildlife Reserve(Sultansazlýđý, 45,000 ha). 17,200 ha of IBA covered by SÝT(Sultansazlýđý, 17,200 ha). 17,200 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site(Sultansazlýđý, 17,200 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Drainage (A), Industrialization/urbanization (U), Other (U), Recreation/tourism (C), Unsustainable exploitation (U)

Agricultural intensification and associated water management in thebasin poses a serious threat—reduced water inputs and a lack ofrainfall led to the wetland drying up in 1990 and 1991. The wetlandcan only be preserved if further expansion of the irrigation scheme iscancelled. Industrial, agricultural and untreated urban waste entersthrough drainage channels. Tourists cause disturbance, anduncontrolled reed-cutting takes place (‘Other’ threat). Illegal huntingof falcons occurs on the surrounding steppe. The management plancovers developing ecotourism at the site.

Seyfe lake A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3 053Admin region KirþehirCoordinates 39°12’N 34°25’EAltitude 1,110–1,110 m Area 14,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA shallow stream- and spring-fed brackish lake (max. 9,350 ha, averagewinter depth 1 m) situated at the southern end of the Seyfe basin. Theshoreline is flat and muddy, and the lake area decreases duringsummer. Arable fields are present to the south and west, with steppe inthe north and north-east. East of Kýzýldađyeniyapan village are 1,500 haof brackish–freshwater marsh. Twelve scrub- and grass-covered islandsare present. Human activities include sheep- and cattle-grazing.

Habitats Grassland (10%; steppe/dry calcareous grassland), Wetland (80%; saltmarsh;standing brackish and salt water), Artificial landscape (10%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Hunting (5%), Not utilized (85%)

■■■■■ Birds

This site is important for a range of breeding waterbirds and forlarge numbers of wintering wildfowl. Species of global conservationconcern that do not meet IBA criteria: Marmaronetta angustirostris(may breed).

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International Partial10,700 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Seyfe Gölü, 10,700 ha).14,000 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Seyfe Gölü, 23,585 ha). 10,700 haof IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Seyfe Gölü, 10,700 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Drainage (A), Dredging/canalization (A)

A DSÝ project is underway to reduce the lake’s area by diverting inflows.Land north and east of the lake will be reclaimed for agriculture, andmost of the breeding islands and all of the brackish–freshwater marshwill disappear. Provisions will be made to divert water to the lake intimes of drought, in theory creating a more stable lake area. Artificialbreeding islands will be created. The ecological risks associated withthe project are great, and a thorough environmental impact assessmenthas not been carried out.

Hirfanlý reservoir A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i 054Admin region Aksaray, Ankara, KirþehirCoordinates 39°10’N 33°39’EAltitude 851–851 m Area 26,300 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA large reservoir (max. depth 70 m) on the Kýzýlýrmak river, north-east of Tuz lake (site 072). Up to 7,000 ha of mudflats appear duringperiods of low water-levels. The area is surrounded by arable land.The dam provides hydroelectric power and serves flood-controlpurposes.

Habitats Wetland (100%; mudflat/sandflat; standing fresh water)Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture, Urban/industrial/transport, Water management

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Pelecanus onocrotalus White Pelican B — 100 100 — B2Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill B — 50 50 — A4i, B1i, B2Phoenicopterus ruber Greater Flamingo B — 2,000 2,000 — A4i, B1i, B2Phoenicopterus ruber Greater Flamingo N 1996 5,490 16,000 — A4i, B1iAnser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1989 7,200 7,200 — B1iTadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck W 1996 610 978 — A4i, B1iTadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck U 1993 352 500 — A4i, B1iNetta rufina Red-crested Pochard B — 15 15 — B2Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel U 1996 59 59 — A1Otis tarda Great Bustard B — 1 — — B2Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet B — 500 500 — A4i, B1i, B3Hoplopterus spinosus B — 10 10 — B2

Spur-winged PloverGelochelidon nilotica Gull-billed Tern B — 500 500 — A4i, B1i, B2Sterna albifrons Little Tern B — 500 500 — A4i, B1i, B2

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Phalacrocorax pygmeus B — 200 200 — A1, A4i, B1i, B2Pygmy Cormorant

Phalacrocorax pygmeus W 1996 50 850 — A1, A4i, B1iPygmy Cormorant

Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron B — 70 70 — B2Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis B — 75 75 — B2Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill P 1988 138 138 — A4i, B1i

1 Phoenicopterus ruber Greater Flamingo P 1994 6,500 59,150 — A4i, B1iAnser anser Greylag Goose P 1994 250 250 — B1iTadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck W 1990 267 539 — A4i, B1i

2 Tadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck N 1994 640 2,283 — A4i, B1iAnas strepera Gadwall B — 20 20 — B2Anas crecca Teal W 1999 — 23,732 — A4i, B1iMarmaronetta angustirostris B — 5 5 — A1, B1i, B2

Marbled DuckMarmaronetta angustirostris P 1998 — 121 — A1, A4i, B1i

Marbled DuckNetta rufina Red-crested Pochard B — 400 400 — A4i, B1i, B2Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck B — 20 20 — A1, B2Oxyura leucocephala B — 20 20 — A1, B2

White-headed DuckGrus grus Crane B — 20 20 — B2Grus grus Crane P 1994 1,200 1,200 — B1iHimantopus himantopus B 1994 390 390 — A4i, B1i

Black-winged StiltRecurvirostra avosetta Avocet B — 150 150 — B1i, B3Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet W 1994 2,115 2,115 — A4i, B1i, B2Glareola pratincola Collared Pratincole B — 50 50 — B1i, B2Charadrius alexandrinus Kentish Plover B — 100 100 — B1i, B2Charadrius leschenaultii B — — — — B2

Greater Sand PloverHoplopterus spinosus B — 20 20 — B2

Spur-winged PloverGelochelidon nilotica Gull-billed Tern B — 50 50 — B1i, B2Sterna albifrons Little Tern B — 100 100 — B2Chlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern B — 400 400 — A4i, B1i, B2

1. Breeds irregularly.2. Occurs in summer.

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Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria1 Tadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck P 1996 2,070 2,070 — A4i, B1iNetta rufina Red-crested Pochard W 1996 824 3,560 — A4i, B1iAythya ferina Pochard W 1996 13,430 13,430 — B1iAythya fuligula Tufted Duck W 1996 14,550 14,550 — B1iOxyura leucocephala W 1996 19 122 — A1, B1i

White-headed DuckFulica atra Coot W 1996 68,350 68,350 — A4i, B1i

1. Occurs in spring.

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Aquila heliaca Imperial Eagle B — 2 2 — A1, B2

■■■■■ Birds

The site is very important for wintering waterbirds, with counts of upto 134,000 birds recorded in recent years. Terns (Sterninae) breed insmall numbers on the islands.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Disturbance to birds (B)

Proposals are being developed to irrigate 13,500 ha adjacent to theIBA with water from the reservoir. This may lead to agricultural run-off flowing back into the reservoir. Hunting causes disturbance.

Beynam forest A1, B2 055Admin region AnkaraCoordinates 39°41’N 32°56’EAltitude 1,200–1,521 m Area 2,100 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA small remnant of forest situated on the northern side of Kuyrukçumountain, 30 km south of Ankara. The higher areas are cut by steepvalleys and dry riverbeds. Pinus and Quercus cover 1,248 ha, theremainder is more open with low vegetation. The entire forest is fencedoff to prevent grazing, and a small section is used for recreationalpurposes. No forestry activities are carried out although somereforestation has taken place on the south-western slopes.

Habitats Forest and woodland (100%; mixed forest)Land-use Forestry (5%), Not utilized (85%), Tourism/recreation (10%)

■■■■■ Birds

The area is important for breeding raptors.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None2,100 ha of IBA covered by Preservation Forest (Beynam Ormaný,2,100 ha). 2,100 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Beynam Ormaný, 2,100 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Recreation/tourism (U)

The rapidly increasing population of Ankara could lead to intenserecreational pressure in the future; the development of a touristmanagement plan would be beneficial.

Kýzýlýrmak delta A1, A4i, A4ii, A4iii, B1i, B1ii, B2 056Admin region SamsunCoordinates 41°36’N 36°05’EAltitude 0–0 m Area 16,110 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionThe largest area of intact wetland on the Turkish Black Sea coast,comprising open water, marsh vegetation (including vast reedbeds),sand-dunes, farmland and remnant woodland (including Alnus/Fraxinus seasonally-flooded forest). The lake edges supportPhragmites and Typha; the dunes support maquis-like vegetation.Outside the IBA, the delta is used for grazing and intensive arable

production. Reed-cutting is an important economic activity (‘Other’land-use).

Habitats Forest and woodland (5%; alluvial/very wet forest), Wetland (90%; sand-dunes/sand beach; coastal lagoon; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (5%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Fisheries/aquaculture (75%), Hunting (25%), Other,Tourism/recreation (10%)

■■■■■ Birds

The site is very important for breeding, wintering and passagewaterbirds, with over 10,000 waders passing through the delta inspring. Thirty-five species of passerine breed in the forests andHaliaeetus albicilla has bred in the past.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International Partial4,000 ha of IBA covered by Permanent Wildlife Reserve (KýzýlýrmakDeltasý, 4,000 ha). 11,000 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (KýzýlýrmakDeltasý, 11,000 ha). 11,000 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site(Kýzýlýrmak Deltasý, 11,000 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Burning ofvegetation (C), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A), Deforestation(commercial) (A), Disturbance to birds (C), Drainage (A), Dredging/canalization (A),Extraction industry (U), Industrialization/urbanization (U), Recreation/tourism (B),Unsustainable exploitation (U)

The Bafra irrigation project will claim a large part of the remainingwetland. Other major threats include pollution from agricultural run-off and untreated sewage, and the construction of holiday homes. Illegalhunting still takes place. Fish catches have declined in the eastern halfof the delta, possibly as a result of over-fishing and pollution. Sandextraction, although illegal, is common. Reed-burning occursthroughout the year to improve grazing conditions. DHKD ran aconservation project from 1992 to 1997 and lobbied for suitableprotection for the area. A 1996 management plan regulates all land-usein the delta, and places restrictions on the construction of holiday homes.

Yedikýr reservoir A4i, B1i 057Admin region AmasyaCoordinates 40°48’N 35°34’EAltitude 517–517 m Area 593 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA small reservoir situated north-west of Amasya, fed by the Tersakanstream and used to irrigate 7,966 ha in the adjacent Suluova plain.

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Puffinus yelkouan W 1995 1,000 1,000 — A4ii, B1iiYelkouan Shearwater

Phalacrocorax pygmeus W 1992 67 88 — A1Pygmy Cormorant

Pelecanus crispus Dalmatian Pelican B — 6 6 — B2Egretta garzetta Little Egret B 1992 460 3,200 — A4i, B1iEgretta alba Great White Egret W 1989 210 210 — A4i, B1iArdea purpurea Purple Heron B — 500 500 — B2Ciconia nigra Black Stork B — 50 50 — B2Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis P 1992 590 590 — A4i, B1iPlatalea leucorodia Spoonbill B — 75 75 — A4i, B1i, B2Anser anser Greylag Goose W 1993 322 322 — B1iAnas strepera Gadwall B — 200 200 — B2Anas clypeata Shoveler W 1999 — 5,930 — A4i, B1iNetta rufina Red-crested Pochard B — 75 75 — B2Netta rufina Red-crested Pochard W 1999 — 1,826 — A4i, B1iAythya ferina Pochard W 1996 14,952 14,952 — A4i, B1iAythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck B — 150 150 — A1, B2Melanitta fusca Velvet Scoter W 1996 75 97 — B1iOxyura leucocephala W 1995 15 1,246 — A1, A4i, B1i

White-headed DuckFulica atra Coot W 1999 — 49,000 — A4i, B1iGrus grus Crane B — 50 50 — B2Burhinus oedicnemus Stone Curlew B — 50 50 — B2Glareola pratincola Collared Pratincole B — 100 100 — A4i, B1i, B2Larus minutus Little Gull P 1993 3,000 41,000 — A4i, B1iChlidonias leucopterus P 1987 3,000 3,000 — A4i, B1i

White-winged Black Tern

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Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Puffinus yelkouan Yelkouan Shearwater W 1995 500 500 — B1iiArdeola ralloides Squacco Heron B — 30 30 — B2Netta rufina Red-crested Pochard W 1995 520 520 — B1iMelanitta fusca Velvet Scoter W 1996 57 870 — B1i

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Phalacrocorax aristotelis Shag B — 90 90 — B1i

There is virtually no shoreline vegetation. DSÝ operates a small fish-farm next to the dam and releases fish into the lake.

Habitats Wetland (100%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (5%), Water management (100%)

■■■■■ Birds

This is an important site for wintering and passage waterbirds.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None593 ha covered by Permanent Wildlife Reserve (Yedikýr Barajý,817 ha). 593 ha covered by SÝT (Yedikýr Barajý, 817 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issuesNo serious threats are known at the site.

Yeþilýrmak delta B1i, B1ii, B2 058Admin region SamsunCoordinates 41°18’N 36°55’EAltitude 0–0 m Area 3,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionPart of the largest delta on the Turkish Black Sea coast, the majorityof which is now under agriculture. The IBA comprises the largestremaining wetland—the Simenlik–Akgöl lake complex—a 1,900-haarea in the eastern part of the delta of which 200 ha is open water(max. depth 3 m), and the remainder is reed Phragmites and marshvegetation. Also included are dunes and Cladium fen communities.Reed-cutting takes place (‘Other’ land-use).

Habitats Forest and woodland (5%; mixed forest), Wetland (65%; sand-dunes/sandbeach; coastal lagoon; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (30%;arable land)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Fisheries/aquaculture (10%), Forestry (5%), Hunting (20%),Not utilized (45%), Other, Tourism/recreation (10%)

■■■■■ Birds

The site is important for breeding waterbirds and congregations ofwintering wildfowl. The majority of the latter are forced to spend theday at sea as a result of human disturbance, returning to feed in thedelta at night. No information is available on the natural importanceof the delta prior to large-scale drainage.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None3,000 ha of IBA covered by Permanent Wildlife Reserve (YeţilýrmakDeltasý, 16,043 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Afforestation (U), Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Disturbance tobirds (A), Drainage (A), Infrastructure (C), Intensified forest management (B)

Ongoing drainage and irrigation projects threaten the remaining areasof natural wetland. Pinus forests designed to stabilize the dunes andSalix/Alnus plantations threaten to outcompete native vegetation. Thelake complex is fed entirely by irrigation drains, leading to severenutrient enrichment and the lakes becoming choked by reed. Fishcatches are reported to have declined as a result of pollution. An airportis planned north-west of Çarsamba, 25 km from the delta. Althoughclosed to hunters, the area is subject to heavy hunting pressurethroughout the year.

Akkuþ island B1i 059Admin region OrduCoordinates 41°07’N 37°47’EAltitude 0–20 m Area 2 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA small, sparsely-vegetated island situated in the Black Sea west ofOrdu, less than 100 m from the shore. The IBA lies adjacent to a majorfreshwater outflow into the sea and has therefore become popularwith anglers.

Habitats Rocky areas (100%; rock stacks/islets)Land-use Not utilized (95%), Tourism/recreation (5%)

■■■■■ Birds

The area is important for cliff-nesting species.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Disturbance to birds (C)

The anglers cause disturbance to breeding birds, a situationexacerbated by the installation of night-time lighting.

North-east Turkey A1, A3, A4iv, B1iii, B1iv, B2 060Admin region Artvin, Erzurum, Trabzon,

Gümüþhane, Bayburt, RizeCoordinates 40°50’N 41°10’EAltitude 0–3,932 m Area 1,230,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionThe IBA covers three major mountain ranges (Sođanlý, Kaçkar andKarçal). Pinus and Abies dominate the upper slopes, with Quercusscrub and open forest at lower altitudes. Above the treeline, extensivealpine grasslands and slopes covered with Rhododendron and Juniperusscrub prevail; summit areas are characterized by cliffs, screes and lakes.The thin coastal strip is densely populated, and the IBA as a whole isan increasingly popular tourist destination. This area includes twosites that were treated as separate IBAs in the previous internationalIBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989): ‘Kaçkar Dađlarý’ (formerIBA TR013) and ‘North-east Turkey’ (former IBA TR016).

Habitats Forest and woodland (60%; broadleaved deciduous forest; native coniferousforest), Grassland (30%; alpine/subalpine/boreal grassland), Rocky areas (inland cliff),Artificial landscape (10%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Forestry (50%), Not utilized (35%), Tourism/recreation (5%)

■■■■■ Birds

Important for breeding raptors and species of upland habitats (the onlyTurkish IBA to qualify as a Eurasian high montane (alpine) biome site);contains the entire Turkish range of Tetrao mlokosiewiczi. Includes amajor migratory bottleneck, where large numbers of raptors regularlypass in autumn. A count of 380,220 birds was made in 1976, including138,000 Pernis apivorus, 5,775 Milvus migrans and 205,000 Buteo buteo.Actual numbers may be higher as important new passage points havebeen discovered in recent years. Spring passage involves smaller numbers(max. 205,131 during an eight-week count in 1994), including 25,183Pernis apivorus, 9,069 Milvus migrans and 136,327 Buteo buteo.

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant W 1999 — 2,000 — B1iTadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck W 1995 205 610 — A4i, B1iTadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck P 1995 744 1,099 — A4i, B1i

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Gypaetus barbatus Lammergeier B — 20 20 — B2Gyps fulvus Griffon Vulture B — 20 20 — B2Aegypius monachus Cinereous Vulture B — 10 10 — A1, B1iii, B2Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle B — 10 10 — B2

1 Tetrao mlokosiewiczi B 1993 134 — — A1, A3, B2Caucasian Black Grouse

Tetraogallus caspius Caspian Snowcock B — — — — A3, B2

1. Lekking males.

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Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet P 1995 616 616 — B1i

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Oxyura leucocephala B — 10 10 — A1, B2White-headed Duck

Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel B — 10 10 — A1

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Partial International None17,104 ha of IBA covered by National Park (Hatila Vadisi, 17,104 ha).51,550 ha of IBA covered by National Park (Kaçkar Dađlarý,51,550 ha). 1,625 ha of IBA covered by Nature Park (Uzungöl,1,625 ha). 180 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Çamburnu,180 ha). 8,700 ha of IBA covered by Permanent Wildlife Reserve(Çoruh Vadisi, 8,700 ha). 50,458 ha of IBA covered by PermanentWildlife Reserve (Verçenik, 50,458 ha). 3,492 ha of IBA covered byPermanent Wildlife Reserve (Șavţat Balýklý, 3,492 ha). 4,143 ha of IBAcovered by Permanent Wildlife Reserve (Kaçkar, 4,143 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A), Deforestation (commercial) (A),Disturbance to birds (A), Extraction industry (B), Unsustainable exploitation (U)

A large dam is to be constructed on the Çoruh river near Artvin. Largeareas of forest have been degraded by commercial deforestation;DHKD has recommended changes in management techniques thatshould lead to the preservation of remaining old-growth forest. Miningpollution is a major problem, and raptors following the eastern BlackSea migration route are subject to heavy persecution by local people.DHKD has carried out educational activities in the main trappingarea, and ran a WWF-funded conservation project in the IBA from1993 to 1997.

Samsam lake B1i 061Admin region KonyaCoordinates 39°06’N 32°45’EAltitude 980–980 m Area 830 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA shallow freshwater lake fed mainly by surface run-off, and surroundedby grassy plains and arable land. When the water-level drops, the entirelake is gradually colonized by temporary vegetation—in late summer itis practically dry. Human activities include cattle-grazing.

Habitats Wetland (100%; mudflat/sandflat; standing fresh water)Land-use Agriculture (10%)

■■■■■ Birds

The area is also important for wintering waterbirds. No informationis available on the ornithological importance of the lake prior todrainage.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None830 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Samsam Gölü, 830 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Disturbance to birds (U), Drainage (A)

The IBA is situated on a route frequently used by low-flying militaryjets, which can cause considerable disturbance to birds. It is over 25years since the lake was partly drained—the soils created are stilllargely saline and not utilized by farmers, and it is unclear whetherthey will ever be of sufficient quality to justify the drainage scheme.Restoration would be technically feasible.

Kozanlý Gökgöl A1, B2 062Admin region KonyaCoordinates 39°01’N 32°50’EAltitude 925–925 m Area 650 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionThe site comprises a 50 ha freshwater lake (partly covered by reedbeds(Phragmites)) and grazing-marsh between the lake and Kozanlý village,20 km west of Kulu. The lake is fed by groundwater and a drainage

channel from Samsam lake (site 061), 8 km to the north-west. A lowbarrier at the lake’s outlet maintains an artificially high water-level;without this it would probably dry up during the summer. Humanactivities include cereal production and cattle-grazing.

Habitats Wetland (90%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificiallandscape (10%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture (30%), Not utilized (70%)

■■■■■ Birds

The site is also important for several species of breeding waterbird.Up to 2,000 Phoenicopterus ruber from the Tuz lake colony (site 072)regularly feed in the marsh.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None650 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Kozanlý Gökgöl, 650 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Disturbance to birds (U)

Grazing is intensive and should be limited both in extent and thenumber of animals. The IBA is situated on a frequently used low-flying route for military jets based in Ankara; considerable disturbanceis caused when these pass low over the wetland.

Kulu lake A1, A4i, B1i, B2, B3 063Admin region KonyaCoordinates 39°05’N 33°09’EAltitude 950–950 m Area 860 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA shallow brackish lake situated north-west of Tuz lake (site 072),5 km east of the town of Kulu. Fed mainly by the Kulu stream, thelake is largely devoid of fringe vegetation, except for a small freshwaterarea in the south. Most of the nine islands are covered with grass inspring and early summer. Non-irrigated arable land, barren steppeand cattle-grazed grass plains surround the lake.

Habitats Wetland (100%; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; standing brackish and salt water)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Not utilized (90%)

■■■■■ Birds

The IBA is important for breeding waterbirds. In winter the lakenormally freezes but occasionally holds significant numbers of wildfowl.

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria1 Podiceps nigricollis P 1994 2,055 2,055 — A4i, B1i

Black-necked GrebeAnser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1992 9,718 9,718 — B1iTadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck N 1994 268 567 — A4i, B1iMarmaronetta angustirostris B — 3 3 — B2

Marbled DuckNetta rufina Red-crested Pochard B — 20 20 — B2Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck B — 10 10 — B2Oxyura leucocephala B — 30 30 — A1, B2

White-headed DuckOxyura leucocephala W 1996 56 600 — A1, A4i, B1i

White-headed DuckOxyura leucocephala N 1993 85 319 — A1, A4i, B1i

White-headed DuckHimantopus himantopus B 1986 400 4,000 — A4i, B1i

Black-winged StiltRecurvirostra avosetta Avocet B — 250 250 — B1i, B3Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet N 1987 1,000 1,000 — B1iCharadrius alexandrinus Kentish Plover U 1993 300 300 — B1iCharadrius leschenaultii B — — — — B2

Greater Sand PloverGelochelidon nilotica Gull-billed Tern B — 450 450 — A4i, B1i, B2

1. Also breeds.

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Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc CriteriaAnser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1987 14,000 14,000 — A4i, B1iTadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck W 1996 477 900 — A4i, B1iCharadrius leschenaultii B 1998 30 30 — B2

Greater Sand Plover

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None860 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Kulu Gölü, 860 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Disturbance to birds (U), Filling-in of wetlands (U), Industrialization/urbanization (U), Recreation/tourism (B)

Untreated waste water from Kulu enters the lake and the town’srubbish is dumped in the Kulu stream. Plans exist to improve accessto the lake and to construct a road and watch towers around it, inorder to promote tourism. This would undoubtedly threaten gulls andterns (Laridae) breeding on the islands, and breeding ducks. Huntingpressure would also increase.

Ereðli marshes A1, A4i, B1i, B2, B3 064Admin region Karaman, KonyaCoordinates 37°32’N 33°45’EAltitude 998–998 m Area 37,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA complex of shallow marshes, reedbeds (Phragmites), freshwater lakesand salt-steppe situated in the Eređli plain and bordered by mountainsto the north and south. The lakes cover 6,400 ha at their maximumextent and are fed by drainage channels. The area also includessurrounding agricultural land, parts of which flood during winter.Human activities include crop production, sheep-grazing and reed-cutting (‘Other’ land-use).

Habitats Grassland (20%; steppe/dry calcareous grassland), Wetland (60%; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape(20%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture, Military, Other

■■■■■ Birds

The IBA is very important for a range of breeding waterbirds, althoughnumbers have fallen in recent years due to low water-levels. Wintercounts that have produced up to 30,000 waterbirds in the past havealso shown a large decline, again due to low water-levels and the effectsof severe winters.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None6,787 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Eređli Sazlýđý, 6,787 ha).37,000 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Eređli Sazlýđý, 37,000 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (U), Disturbance to birds (U), Drainage (A), Industrialization/urbanization (B)

As a result of reduced water inputs the lake has retreated drastically,and thousands of hectares of wetland have been converted toagriculture. Further irrigation is planned. Inputs are expected to ceaseentirely once two new reservoirs have been constructed. Agricultural,industrial and untreated urban pollutants enter the lake via drainagechannels. Military usage of the Eređli plain may increase.

Karapýnar plain A4i, B1i, B2 065Admin region KonyaCoordinates 37°49’N 33°40’EAltitude 960–960 m Area 15,200 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA largely barren plain containing a shallow lake (max. 6,000 ha) fedby run-off from the Karacadađ mountain range to the east. Wastewater from the township of Karapýnar enters the lake via a drain,around the mouth of which a 200 ha fresh/brackish Phragmites marshhas developed. The lake is surrounded by grasslands and mud plains,and is virtually inaccessible during wet periods. During summer itmay dry up completely. Human activities include sheep-grazing.

Habitats Grassland (30%; steppe/dry calcareous grassland), Wetland (70%; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; standing fresh water)Land-use Agriculture (60%), Hunting (25%), Not utilized (15%)

■■■■■ Birds

The site is important for breeding waders and wintering wildfowl. 30–50 pairs of Pelecanus onocrotalus were found in 1985 but haveapparently not bred since.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Partial International None6,000 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Karapýnar Ovasý, 6,000 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issuesNo serious threats are known at the site.

Eþmekaya marshes A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3 066Admin region AksarayCoordinates 38°15’N 33°28’EAltitude 945–945 m Area 11,250 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionThe area comprises a permanent freshwater lake (groundwater-fed),large expanses of marsh and rush pasture, two salt-lakes (Akgöl andBezirci) and a number of small satellite wetlands east of the main lake.Juncus covers most of the dry, salty soils, especially in the south. Typhaand Cladium are common to the north with Phragmites being thedominant species around the main lake.

Habitats Wetland (80%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificiallandscape (20%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Hunting (10%), Not utilized (60%), Water management (20%)

■■■■■ BirdsThis is an important area for breeding raptors and several wetlandspecies. Significant numbers of wildfowl occur in winter. Species of

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Phalacrocorax pygmeus B — 600 600 — A1, A4i, B1i, B2Pygmy Cormorant

Pelecanus onocrotalus White Pelican B — 23 23 — B2Pelecanus onocrotalus White Pelican P 1993 1,000 1,000 — A4i, B1i

1 Pelecanus crispus Dalmatian Pelican B — 1 — — B2Pelecanus crispus Dalmatian Pelican U 1991 38 62 — A1, A4i, B1iArdeola ralloides Squacco Heron B — 30 30 — B2Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis B — 50 50 — B2Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill B — 20 20 — B1i, B2Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill N 1991 250 250 — A4i, B1iPhoenicopterus ruber Greater Flamingo B — 300 300 — A4i, B1i, B2Tadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck W 1996 460 3,016 — A4i, B1iAnas strepera Gadwall B — 20 20 — B2Marmaronetta angustirostris B — 5 5 — A1, A4i, B1i, B2

Marbled DuckMarmaronetta angustirostris N 1993 10 40 — A1, B1i

Marbled DuckNetta rufina Red-crested Pochard B — 500 500 — A4i, B1i, B2Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck B — 10 10 — B2Oxyura leucocephala B — 50 50 — A1, A4i, B1i, B2

White-headed DuckOxyura leucocephala N 1996 80 508 — A1, A4i, B1i

White-headed DuckFalco naumanni Lesser Kestrel B — 20 20 — A1Grus grus Crane W 1993 1,000 1,000 — B1iHimantopus himantopus B 1991 600 600 — A4i, B1i

Black-winged StiltRecurvirostra avosetta Avocet B — 75 75 — B3Glareola pratincola Collared Pratincole B — 50 50 — B1i, B2Charadrius leschenaultii B — — — — B2

Greater Sand PloverHoplopterus spinosus B — 20 20 — B2

Spur-winged PloverSterna albifrons Little Tern B — 60 60 — B2

1. Breeds irregularly.

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Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Phalacrocorax pygmeus B — 25 25 — A1, B2Pygmy Cormorant

Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern B — 30 30 — B2Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron B — 50 50 — B2Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis B — 75 75 — B2Marmaronetta angustirostris B — 20 20 — A1, A4i, B1i, B2

Marbled DuckNetta rufina Red-crested Pochard B — 30 30 — B2Netta rufina Red-crested Pochard W 1992 600 600 — B1iAythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck U 1994 89 89 — A1

global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Circusmacrourus (only known Turkish breeding locality).

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None4,500 ha of IBA covered by Permanent Wildlife Reserve (EţmekayaSazlýđý, 4,500 ha). 11,250 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Eţmekaya Sazlýđý,11,250 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A)

Work has begun on a DSÝ project to turn Eţmekaya lake into areservoir for irrigation purposes; the lake’s ecological character willbe radically altered as a result.

Beyþehir lake A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 067Admin region Isparta, KonyaCoordinates 37°45’N 31°30’EAltitude 1,123–1,123 m Area 73,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionThe largest freshwater lake in Turkey (max. depth 10 m), 75 km westof Konya. Fluctuating water-levels give a surface area of between60,000 and 73,000 ha; the lake is fed by mountain streams and severalsprings. To the north is the Kýzýldađ Cedrus forest; to the east theland is under agriculture. Three of the 30 islands are inhabited, othersare farmed, the majority are deserted. Narrow reedbeds (Phragmites)fringe the shores with extensive tracts in bays in the east and south-west. Human activities include reed-cutting (‘Other’ land-use).

Habitats Wetland (95%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificiallandscape (5%; arable land)Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (20%), Other (10%), Water management (100%)

■■■■■ Birds

The site is important for large numbers of wintering wildfowl. Breedingcolonies of Phalacrocorax carbo, Pelecanus crispus, Nycticoraxnycticorax and Egretta garzetta were formerly present on the islands.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None73,000 ha of IBA covered by Drinking Water Reservoir (Beyţehir Gölü,73,000 ha). 73,000 ha of IBA covered by National Park (Beyţehir,88,750 ha). 73,000 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Beyţehir Gölü, 73,000 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Aquaculture/fisheries (U),Consequences of animal/plant introductions (U), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A), Industrialization/urbanization (U), Recreation/tourism (U)

Water-levels have fallen considerably in recent years, mainly as a resultof abstraction—DSÝ intends to increase the amount of water abstracted

for irrigation schemes. The lake is polluted by untreated industrialdischarges, waste from nearby villages and agricultural run-off.Holiday-home construction and associated sand extraction have begunon the shores west of Beyșehir. Fish diversity declined following the1978 introduction of pike-perch Stizostedion lucioperca, and out-of-season fishing is a problem.

Suðla lake A4iii 068Admin region KonyaCoordinates 37°20’N 32°00’EAltitude 1,095–1,095 m Area 16,500 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionThe present stream-fed lake extends to 2,500 ha in winter, duringexceptionally wet periods this can increase to 8,000 ha. Large parts ofthe former lakebed have been converted to arable land; reedbeds(Phragmites) occur only in the northern part. Forested mountainsborder the lake to the west, whilst orchards and Populus stands arelocated to the north and east. Cattle graze throughout.

Habitats Wetland (30%; mudflat/sandflat; standing fresh water), Artificial landscape(70%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture (100%)

■■■■■ Birds24,852 waterbirds were counted in March 1996 after an exceptionallywet winter, indicating the potential of the site.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A), Drainage (A)

The wetland has been seriously damaged as a result of historical water-manipulation schemes. A DSÝ project to convert Suđla Gölü into a5,150 ha reservoir began in 1996; surrounding land will be drainedand converted for arable use.

Hotamýº marshes A1, A4i, B1i, B2 069Admin region KonyaCoordinates 37°35’N 33°03’EAltitude 999–999 m Area 16,500 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA large freshwater marsh situated at the southern edge of the Konyaplain, fed by surface run-off, stream and spring water. Areas of reedbed(Phragmites) are interspersed with patches of open water. The IBAincludes Süleymanhacý, a groundwater-fed saline lake, 6 km southof the main wetland. Extensive areas of steppe and arable landsurround the IBA. Reed-cutting is the main economic activity (‘Other’land-use).

Habitats Grassland (40%; steppe/dry calcareous grassland), Wetland (40%; standingfresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (20%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture (60%), Fisheries/aquaculture (10%), Hunting (15%),Other (15%)

■■■■■ Birds

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Ciconia ciconia White Stork P 1994 9,550 9,550 — A4i, B1iAnser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1993 19,400 19,400 — A4i, B1iNetta rufina Red-crested Pochard B — 30 30 — B2Oxyura leucocephala B 1998 — 2 — B2

White-headed DuckCircus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier B — 15 15 — B3Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel B — 12 12 — A1Glareola pratincola Collared Pratincole P 1994 150 150 — B1iHoplopterus spinosus B — 10 10 — B2

Spur-winged PloverGelochelidon nilotica Gull-billed Tern B 1998 — 50 — B1i, B2

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern B 1998 — 30 — B2Netta rufina Red-crested Pochard B 1998 — 15 — B2Netta rufina Red-crested Pochard W 1996 603 603 — B1iAythya ferina Pochard W 1996 15,700 47,883 — A4i, B1iFulica atra Coot W 1996 130,200 163,378 — A4i, B1i

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This is an important site for breeding waterbirds, numbers of whichhave fallen considerably in recent years as a result of low water-levels.Pelecanus crispus is thought to have bred in small numbers until 1990and Chettusia leucura bred until 1986.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Partial International NoneThe northern half of the IBA covered by SÝT (Hotamýţ Sazlýđý).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A), Drainage (A)

The area of wet marsh has decreased in size from c.16,000 ha in 1985to a few hundred hectares today, as a result of inputs being divertedfor irrigation. Current plans involve conversion to a reservoir;embankments will be constructed and the water-level raised to 15 mabove its present level. All remaining natural habitats will undoubtedlydisappear as a result. DSÝ has promised mitigation measures (detailsunavailable at the time of writing). No environmental impactassessment has been carried out.

Bolluk lake A4i, B1i, B2, B3 070Admin region KonyaCoordinates 38°32’N 32°56’EAltitude 925–925 m Area 1,150 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA highly saline lake located west of Tuz lake (site 072) and surroundedby arid hills and dry steppe-grasslands. The lake is fed by surface flowwith additional inputs from sulphurous springs in the north and achannel that brings drainage water from Konya city. Economicactivities include salt extraction.

Habitats Wetland (100%; mudflat/sandflat; standing brackish and salt water)Land-use Not utilized (80%), Urban/industrial/transport (20%)

■■■■■ Birds

The site is important for a range of breeding waterbirds.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None1,150 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Bolluk Gölü, 1,150 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Industrialization/urbanization (B)

The nutrient-rich inflow from the Konya drain is causing the salt-tolerant vegetation at the southern end of the lake to be replaced byfreshwater marsh vegetation. The lake’s hydrology is managed to suitindustrial needs, and this, along with possible pollution from industrialprocesses, may have a negative effect on the lake’s ecology.

Tersakan lake A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3 071Admin region KonyaCoordinates 38°35’N 33°06’EAltitude 920–920 m Area 6,400 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA saline lake situated to the west of Tuz lake (site 072), fed by springs,surface run-off and drainage. Large areas of mudflat and small areasof freshwater marsh occur; otherwise the lake has virtually no fringevegetation. Non-irrigated arable fields surround the lake, sheepgraze the shores and mining takes place at the Alkim saltpans to thenorth.

Habitats Wetland (100%; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; standing brackish and salt water)Land-use Agriculture, Hunting (10%), Not utilized (80%), Urban/industrial/transport (25%)

■■■■■ Birds

In winter, significant numbers of wildfowl occur.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None6,400 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Tersakan Gölü, 6,400 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Industrialization/urbanization (B)

It seems likely that the lake was previously less saline. However, nodata exist on the ornithological importance of the lake beforeconversion to salt production.

Tuz lake A1, A4i, B1i, B1iii, B2, B3 072Admin region Aksaray, Ankara, KonyaCoordinates 38°45’N 33°23’EAltitude 905–905 m Area 260,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionTwo major streams, groundwater, and surface water feed the secondlargest lake in Turkey (max. 190,000 ha, max. spring depth 1.5 m).Brackish marshes have formed where channels and streams enter thelake. Tuz lake is extremely saline and almost completely dries up duringthe summer. The lake is surrounded by arable fields, except in thesouth and south-west where extensive seasonally-flooded salt-steppeoccurs. Economic activities include salt extraction.

Habitats Grassland (10%; steppe/dry calcareous grassland), Wetland (90%; mudflat/sandflat; standing brackish and salt water)Land-use Agriculture (5%), Hunting (5%), Not utilized (60%), Urban/industrial/transport (30%)

■■■■■ Birds

Species ... continued Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Oxyura leucocephala B — 40 40 — A1, B1i, B2White-headed Duck

Oxyura leucocephala P 1991 37 354 — A1, A4i, B1iWhite-headed Duck

Himantopus himantopus B 1985 950 950 — A4i, B1iBlack-winged Stilt

Glareola pratincola Collared Pratincole B — 100 100 — A4i, B1i, B2Charadrius leschenaultii B — — — — B2

Greater Sand PloverHoplopterus spinosus B — 40 40 — A4i, B1i, B2

Spur-winged Plover

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill B 1998 45 45 — A4i, B1i, B2Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill P 1994 400 400 — A4i, B1iTadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck B 1994 310 310 — A4i, B1i, B2Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet B — 55 55 — B3Charadrius leschenaultii B — — — — B2

Greater Sand PloverLarus genei Slender-billed Gull B 1994 1,942 2,000 — A4i, B1iGelochelidon nilotica Gull-billed Tern B — 400 400 — A4i, B1i, B2

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria1 Phoenicopterus ruber N — — 24,000 — A4i, B1i

Greater FlamingoAnser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1993 14,700 14,700 — A4i, B1iRecurvirostra avosetta Avocet B 1998 50 50 — B3Charadrius leschenaultii B — — 20 — B2

Greater Sand Plover1 Larus genei Slender-billed Gull N — — 1,800 — A4i, B1i

1. Feeds at IBA during breeding season.

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill B 1998 — 5 — B2Phoenicopterus ruber B 1992 14,000 14,000 — A4i, B1i, B2

Greater FlamingoAnser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1992 6,618 12,500 — B1iTadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck P 1998 — 350 — A4i, B1iCircus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier B 1998 — 40 — B3Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel B 1998 100 100 — A1, B1iii, B2Grus grus Crane B 1998 — 20 — B2Tetrax tetrax Little Bustard B 1998 — 20 — A1Otis tarda Great Bustard B 1998 — 20 — A1, B2Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet B 1998 150 150 — B1i, B3

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Important Bird Areas in Europe – Turkey

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Phalacrocorax pygmeus W 1996 46 180 — A1Pygmy Cormorant

Phalacrocorax pygmeus N 1994 30 70 — A1Pygmy Cormorant

Pelecanus crispus Dalmatian Pelican W 1992 28 56 — A1, A4i, B1iIxobrychus minutus Little Bittern B — 25 25 — B2Nycticorax nycticorax Night Heron B — 150 150 — B2Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron B — 70 70 — B2Ardea purpurea Purple Heron B — 50 50 — B2Ciconia nigra Black Stork P 1993 268 268 — A4i, B1iCiconia ciconia White Stork P 1991 22,000 22,000 — A4i, B1i

1 Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis P 1991 2,500 2,500 — A4i, B1iAnser anser Greylag Goose W 1995 680 1,450 — B1iAnas penelope Wigeon W 1996 6,150 11,648 — B1iAnas crecca Teal W 1992 14,952 14,952 — A4i, B1iAnas clypeata Shoveler W 1992 4,325 4,325 — B1iMarmaronetta angustirostris B 1995 50 50 — A1, A4i, B1i, B2

Marbled DuckAythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck B 1995 30 30 — A1, B2Aquila clanga Greater Spotted Eagle W 1995 6 20 — A1Aquila heliaca Imperial Eagle W 1993 6 6 — A1Francolinus francolinus B — 50 50 — B2

Black FrancolinPorphyrio porphyrio Purple Gallinule B — 300 300 — B2

Species ... continued Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Fulica atra Coot W 1995 25,000 36,240 — B1iBurhinus oedicnemus Stone Curlew B — 60 60 — B2Glareola pratincola B — 300 300 — A4i, B1i, B2

Collared PratincoleCharadrius alexandrinus B — 200 200 — B1i, B2

Kentish PloverHoplopterus spinosus B — 300 300 — A4i, B1i, B2

Spur-winged PloverSterna albifrons Little Tern B — 150 150 — B2

1. Also breeds.

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Larus audouinii Audouin’s Gull B 1987 30 30 — A1, B2

The main Turkish breeding colony of Phoenicopterus ruber is presenton a group of islands in the southern part of the lake. Falco naumanniis a common breeder in surrounding villages.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Partial International None190,000 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Tuz Gölü, 190,000 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Dredging/canalization (A),Industrialization/urbanization (U)

Industrial, agricultural and untreated urban waste enters the lake viathe main Konya channel. The effects of the pollution are made worseby reduced inputs of fresh water following the construction of tworeservoirs on the main inflows. Large tracts of salt-steppe have beenconverted to arable land. Plans exist to triple the size of the saltpans,increasing output to three million tons per annum.

Göksu delta A1, A4i, A4iii, A4iv, B1i, B1iv, B2 073Admin region ÝçelCoordinates 36°18’N 33°58’EAltitude 0–0 m Area 14,480 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionThe majority of the delta is used intensively by man and comprisesagricultural land, settlements, wetlands, sand-dunes and beaches.Akgöl lake is a permanent nutrient-rich freshwater lake supportingrich marsh vegetation (including extensive Potamogeton, Scirpus,Typha and Phragmites beds). Saltmarsh surrounds the major lakes;the dunes are of particular conservation interest due to their intactand dynamic nature.

Habitats Wetland (50%; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach; coastal lagoon;standing fresh water; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape(50%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture (50%), Fisheries/aquaculture (10%), Nature conservation/research (10%), Not utilized (20%), Tourism/recreation (10%)

■■■■■ Birds

The site is of major importance for a range of breeding waterbirds,including the largest numbers of Marmaronetta angustirostris knownin Turkey. It is also important for wintering raptors and waterbirds,and as a stop-over site for large numbers of Pelecanus onocrotalusand Ciconia ciconia. Species of global conservation concern that donot meet IBA criteria: Haliaeetus albicilla (wintering) and Larusaudouinii. 332 bird species have been recorded, 90 are thought to breed.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International High4,350 ha of IBA covered by Permanent Wildlife Reserve (GöksuDeltasý, 4,350 ha). 14,480 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Göksu Deltasý,14,480 ha). 8,650 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Göksu Deltasý,8,650 ha). 14,480 ha of IBA covered by Mediterranean SpeciallyProtected Area (Göksu Deltasý, 23,600 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Aquaculture/fisheries (C),Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A), Industrialization/urbanization (B),Infrastructure (U), Recreation/tourism (A)

Planned dam and reservoir construction on the Göksu river will stopsediment inputs to the delta. Large areas of dune and marsh havebeen illegally converted to agriculture. A new drainage and irrigationproject will lead to further intensification, increased nutrient andagrochemical inputs, and changes in the hydrological regime.Industrial discharges may adversely affect fisheries; illegal trawling iscommon. From 1990 to 1998 DHKD and others ran a project aimedat developing an integrated management plan.

Aydýncýk islands A1, B2 074Admin region ÝçelCoordinates 36°09’N 33°21’EAltitude 0–30 m Area 2 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionTwo small islands near Aydýncýk on the Mediterranean coast. Thelarger is up to 30 m high and has steep barren cliffs on the eastern andwestern sides, whilst the northern and southern sides are gently slopingand vegetated. The smaller island is up to 5 m high and is fullyvegetated.

Habitats Rocky areas (100%; rock stacks/islets)Land-use Agriculture (20%), Not utilized (80%)

■■■■■ Birds

In 1996 only 6 pairs of Larus audouinii bred on the small island,possibly as a result of increasing numbers of breeding Larus cachinnans.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Disturbance to birds (B)

Goats intensively graze the islands during the winter. Fishermen andshepherds land frequently, causing disturbance to birds. The collectionof gull (Laridae) eggs was considered to be a major threat in the pastbut recent reports indicate that this practice has now stopped.

Species ... continued Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Glareola pratincola B 1998 — 200 — A4i, B1i, B2Collared Pratincole

Charadrius alexandrinus B 1998 — 400 — A4i, B1i, B2Kentish Plover

Charadrius leschenaultii B 1998 40 40 — B2Greater Sand Plover

Larus armenicus Armenian Gull B 1998 — 450 — A4i, B1iSterna caspia Caspian Tern B 1998 — 5 — B2

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Important Bird Areas in Europe – Turkey

Aladaðlar B2 075Admin region Adana, Kayseri, NiðdeCoordinates 37°50’N 35°09’EAltitude 1,250–3,756 m Area 54,514 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionAn extensive mountainous area situated in the eastern Taurus range.The western part of the IBA is barren and rocky; the eastern part iscovered with forests comprising Pinus, Abies, Cedrus and Juniperus.Alpine pasture and exposed stony fell occurs at higher altitudes.

Habitats Forest and woodland (30%; mixed forest), Grassland (40%; alpine/subalpine/boreal grassland), Rocky areas (30%; inland cliff)Land-use Nature conservation/research (10%), Not utilized (80%), Tourism/recreation (10%)

■■■■■ Birds

The site is important for breeding raptors and other upland species.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None54,514 ha of IBA covered by National Park (Aladađlar, 54,514 ha).Two Permanent Wildlife Reserves (totalling 66,854 ha) largely overlapwith the IBA.

■■■■■ Conservation issuesNo serious threats are known at the site.

Tuzla lake A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 076Admin region AdanaCoordinates 36°42’N 35°03’EAltitude 0–0 m Area 2,800 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionThe westernmost lake in the Çukurova delta, situated east of the RiverSeyhan mouth. Brackish for most of the year, becoming fresherfollowing winter rains. A narrow line of dunes separates the lake fromthe sea (excepting a small channel). A fish-trap operates at the seaopening. Also includes a complex of freshwater marshes, saltmarshesand ponds south-east of the lake. Large parts of the wetland drycompletely during summer, when water is used for irrigation.

Habitats Wetland (80%; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach; standingbrackish and salt water), Artificial landscape (20%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Fisheries/aquaculture (5%), Hunting (5%), Not utilized (50%),Tourism/recreation (10%), Water management (20%)

■■■■■ Birds

The site is important for breeding waterbirds and for winteringwildfowl. A 1990 WIWO study revealed that large numbers of wadersstop-over during spring passage, but remain for relatively short periodsdue to the poor feeding conditions.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None2,800 ha of IBA covered by Permanent Wildlife Reserve (Tuzla Gölü,5,769 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Aquaculture/fisheries (U),Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A), Groundwater abstraction (U),Industrialization/urbanization (B), Recreation/tourism (U)

Drainage water from the DSÝ Lower Seyhan irrigation project willreduce salinity in the lake—no environmental impact assessment hasbeen carried out. Dunes to the north have been illegally convertedto arable land by local farmers—groundwater is pumped up forirrigation. Tourists create litter and erode dune systems. Humansettlements around Tuzla are growing at a fast rate. The annual fishcatch is to be increased. A 1996 management plan regulates all land-use in the delta, and places restrictions on the construction of holidayhomes.

Akyatan lake A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 077Admin region AdanaCoordinates 36°37’N 35°16’EAltitude 0–0 m Area 14,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA former oxbow of the River Seyhan, this is the largest lagoon in theÇukurova delta (max. 7,500 ha, max. depth 4 m). Its salinity fluctuateswith wet season run-off and inputs of drainage water. A narrow beltof reed Phragmites and rush occurs along the shore; extensive mudflatsappear during the summer. Sand-dunes separate the sea from the lake,which is otherwise surrounded by arable land. Also includes theseasonal Yemiţli lake, which extends to 800 ha during wet winters.

Habitats Wetland (90%; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach; coastallagoon), Artificial landscape (10%; arable land; forestry plantation)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Fisheries/aquaculture (20%), Forestry (20%), Hunting (20%),Not utilized (30%)

■■■■■ Birds

This is an important area for breeding waterbirds, large numbers ofwintering waterbirds and as a stop-over site for passage waders. Thedunes provide breeding and staging habitat for warblers. A 1990 WIWOstudy revealed that passage waders remain for relatively short periodsdue to the poor feeding conditions. Yemiţli lake formerly held the only

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Gypaetus barbatus Lammergeier B — 5 5 — B2Gyps fulvus Griffon Vulture B — 10 10 — B2Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle B — 4 4 — B2Tetraogallus caspius Caspian Snowcock B — — — — B2

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Anas crecca Teal W 1994 12,600 13,000 — B1iMarmaronetta angustirostris B — 30 50 — A1, A4i, B1i, B2

Marbled DuckFrancolinus francolinus B — 5 5 — B2

Black FrancolinBurhinus oedicnemus Stone Curlew B — 20 20 — B2Glareola pratincola B — — 150 — A4i, B1i, B2

Collared PratincoleCharadrius alexandrinus B — 1,000 1,000 — A4i, B1i, B2

Kentish PloverCharadrius alexandrinus W 1996 330 394 — B1i

Kentish PloverHoplopterus spinosus B — 50 50 — A4i, B1i, B2

Spur-winged PloverSterna albifrons Little Tern B — — 300 — A4i, B1i, B2

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Phalacrocorax pygmeus U 1990 45 45 — A1Pygmy Cormorant

Egretta alba Great White Egret W 1992 416 416 — A4i, B1iPhoenicopterus ruber W 1999 5,125 18,930 — A4i, B1i

Greater FlamingoTadorna tadorna Shelduck W 1992 854 854 — B1iAnas penelope Wigeon W 1993 10,073 13,900 — B1iMarmaronetta angustirostris B — 5 5 — A1, B1i, B2

Marbled DuckAythya ferina Pochard W 1992 14,500 16,801 — A4i, B1iOxyura leucocephala W 1993 230 978 — A1, A4i, B1i

White-headed DuckFrancolinus francolinus B — 75 75 — B2

Black FrancolinPorphyrio porphyrio Purple Gallinule B — — — — B2Fulica atra Coot W 1996 28,100 46,000 — A4i, B1iHimantopus himantopus U 1993 300 300 — B1i

Black-winged StiltRecurvirostra avosetta Avocet P 1993 601 1,589 — A4i, B1i, B2Burhinus oedicnemus Stone Curlew B — — — — B2Charadrius alexandrinus B — — — — B2

Kentish PloverCharadrius alexandrinus P 1990 400 3,918 — A4i, B1i

Kentish PloverHoplopterus spinosus B — — — — B2

Spur-winged PloverCalidris minuta Little Stint P 1990 4,835 5,165 — A4i, B1iSterna albifrons Little Tern B — 100 100 — B2

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Important Bird Areas in Europe – Turkey

known Turkish breeding population of Porphyrio porphyrio outside ofthe Göksu delta (site 073).

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Partial International High11,244 ha of IBA covered by Permanent Wildlife Reserve (AkyatanGölü, 11,244 ha). 14,000 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (AkyatanGölü, 14,700 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Disturbanceto birds (B), Drainage (A), Industrialization/urbanization (B), Infrastructure (U)

Areas of wetland will be drained as a result of the DSÝ Lower SeyhanIrrigation project. Agricultural run-off and industrial waste fromfactories south of Adana enters the lake via the YD3 canal. Smallpermanent settlements and tourism developments are being establishedthroughout the area. A large airport is to be built, possibly on theformer Yemiţli lake. Fish catches declined over 25 years to 1995.Implementation of the Permanent Wildlife Reserve designation isinsufficient and poaching is frequently reported. A 1996 managementplan regulates all land-use in the delta, and places restrictions on theconstruction of holiday homes.

Aðyatan lake A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B1iv, B2 078Admin region AdanaCoordinates 36°36’N 35°31’EAltitude 0–0 m Area 2,200 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA lagoon (max. 1,130 ha, max. depth 3 m) situated west of the RiverCeyhan mouth, fed largely by groundwater, but augmented by riverwater during periods of flood. With the exception of a narrow strait itis separated from the sea by high sand-dunes. Extensive grasslandsoccur to the north. The water-level fluctuates to a lesser extent thanin other lagoons in the Çukurova delta, resulting in smaller areas ofmudflat and saltmarsh. The strait holds a traditional fish trap.

Habitats Grassland (10%; humid grassland), Wetland (90%; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh;sand-dunes/sand beach; coastal lagoon)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Fisheries/aquaculture (10%), Not utilized (80%)

■■■■■ Birds

Important for breeding and wintering waterbirds and as a migratorybottleneck site, where more 12,000 Ciconia ciconia regularly pass.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B)

Land north of Ađyatan Gölü will be irrigated as part of the LowerSeyhan Irrigation Project, possibly resulting in the disappearance ofthe wet grasslands to the north of the lake. A 1996 management planregulates all land-use in the delta, and places restrictions on theconstruction of holiday homes.

Yumurtalýk lagoons A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 079Admin region AdanaCoordinates 36°44’N 35°41’EAltitude 0–0 m Area 16,430 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA complex of lagoons, salt and freshwater marshes, tidal mudflats,pastures, reedbeds (Phragmites), dunes and Pinus forest, situatedbetween the River Ceyhan mouth and Yumurtalýk bay. The area isconnected to the sea via several large inlets. Saltmarshes have beenconverted to arable land in places, and cattle graze extensive meadowsin the west. Fish traps operate at several locations.

Habitats Forest and woodland (5%; native coniferous forest), Wetland (85%; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach; coastal lagoon; water-fringe vegetation),Artificial landscape (10%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture (20%), Fisheries/aquaculture (50%), Hunting (25%), Not utilized (25%),Tourism/recreation (10%)

■■■■■ Birds

The area is important for breeding waders and terns Sterna andfor large numbers of wintering waterbirds. A 1987 WIWO studyrevealed that large numbers of waders stop over during spring passage,but remain for relatively short periods due to the poor feedingconditions.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None16,430 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Yumurtalýk Lagünleri,16,430 ha). 16,430 ha of IBA covered by SÝT (Yumurtalýk Lagünleri,16,430 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (B),Industrialization/urbanization (A)

Two major irrigation projects include provisions to prevent drainagewater entering the lagoons, although no studies have been undertakeninto the effects of reduced surface water inflow to the wetland. Largeindustrial areas are situated east of the area, and pollution is a threat.A new port is planned in the vicinity to accommodate oil tankers.Unsustainable fishing practices have caused a drastic decline in fishstocks. A 1996 management plan regulates all land-use in the delta,and places restrictions on the construction of holiday homes.

Gavur lake A1, A4iii 080Admin region KahramanmaraþCoordinates 37°18’N 36°51’EAltitude 490–490 m Area 1,500 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionThe site lies south of the town of Türkođlu in the Sađlýk plain, andcomprises a complex of fields and small reedbeds (Phragmites)inundated during the winter but largely dry and cultivated during thesummer. The area is fed by springs and streams. Rice-fields adjoin thelake to the north-east; a railway and motorway pass to the west.

Habitats Wetland (20%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificiallandscape (80%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture (100%)

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Egretta alba Great White Egret W 1993 147 147 — A4i, B1iCiconia ciconia White Stork P 1990 12,439 12,439 — A4i, B1iAnas penelope Wigeon W 1993 14,320 14,320 — B1iOxyura leucocephala W 1993 191 191 — A1, A4i, B1i

White-headed DuckFrancolinus francolinus B — 10 10 — B2

Black FrancolinFulica atra Coot W 1992 26,000 26,000 — B1iGlareola pratincola P 1990 115 115 — B1i

Collared PratincoleCharadrius alexandrinus B — — — — B2

Kentish PloverHoplopterus spinosus B — — — — B2

Spur-winged PloverSterna albifrons Little Tern B — — — — B2

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Anser anser Greylag Goose W 1990 301 301 — B1iAnas penelope Wigeon W 1999 7,189 27,190 — A4i, B1iFrancolinus francolinus B — 5 5 — B2

Black FrancolinRecurvirostra avosetta Avocet W 1989 440 440 — B1i, B2Charadrius alexandrinus B — — — — B2

Kentish PloverCharadrius alexandrinus W 1992 356 805 — B1i

Kentish PloverCalidris minuta Little Stint W 1996 2,200 2,200 — A4i, B1iSterna albifrons Little Tern B — — — — B2

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Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Phalacrocorax pygmeus P 1996 36 121 — A1Pygmy Cormorant

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc CriteriaTadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck P 1994 1,500 1,500 — A4i, B1iGrus grus Crane B — 15 15 — B2Chlidonias leucopterus P 1993 15,000 15,000 — A4i, B1i

White-winged Black Tern

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Grus grus Crane B — 10 10 — B2

■■■■■ Birds

Prior to drainage the site held enormous numbers of passagewaterbirds.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Drainage (A)

As part of its Ceyhan Menzelet scheme, DSÝ plans to complete theland-claim and irrigation of the Sađlýk plain, including this IBA. Gavurlake, although largely claimed, could be restored if excluded from theproposed scheme.

Nur mountains A4iv, B1iv 081Admin region Hatay, OsmaniyeCoordinates 36°39’N 36°19’EAltitude 1,000–2,262 m Area 21,500 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA high mountain ridge that forms the boundary between MediterraneanTurkey and the Syrian plateau. Wet areas at low altitude are clothedwith dense deciduous forest; Pinus forest dominates the lower serpentineslopes. Extensive Quercus scrub occurs on the drier landward slopes,with dry grasslands and Cedrus at higher elevations. Human use of thearea is limited to sheep-grazing and forestry. This area was treated inthe previous international IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989)as Belen Geçidi (Belen pass) (former site TR059).

Habitats Forest and woodland (75%; mixed forest), Grassland (25%; alpine/subalpine/boreal grassland)Land-use Agriculture, Forestry (50%), Not utilized (50%)

■■■■■ BirdsThe majority of birds passing through site 005 (Bosphorus) duringautumn and spring cross the Nur mountains, along with Turkishbreeders. The only comprehensive autumn count was undertaken atthe Belen pass over five weeks in 1976; few spring records are available.6,203 Pelecanus onocrotalus, 3,303 Ciconia nigra, 82,887 C. ciconiaand 26,756 raptors (mainly Pernis apivorus, Accipiter brevipes andAquila pomarina) were counted. 9,950 Ciconia ciconia were countedover the Belen Pass on one day in spring 1992.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Partial International NoneSouthern part of IBA covered by Permanent Wildlife Reserve (NurDađlarý, 120,000 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issuesNo serious threats are known at the site.

Erzurum plain A4i, B1i, B2 082Admin region ErzurumCoordinates 39°59’N 41°18’EAltitude 1,750–1,750 m Area 3,300 ha

■■■■■ Site description

Habitats Grassland (10%; humid grassland), Wetland (90%; water-fringe vegetation; fen/transition mire/spring), Artificial landscape (10%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture (20%), Not utilized (80%)

A complex of seasonally-flooded grasslands and marshes situated onthe Karasu stream, a few kilometres north of the city of Erzurum.High mountains surround the plain on three sides. The Kösemehmetmarshes in the east comprise extensive brackish clay grasslands witha few remaining hay-meadows. The Sitavuk and Çorak temporary

marshes in the west merge during the wet season. Cattle graze thewetlands, with arable farming on the fertile Erzurum plain.

■■■■■ Birds

The site is important as a stop-over site for passage waterbirds.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A), Drainage (U), Industrialization/urbanization (B), Infrastructure (C)

DSÝ is improving drainage in the area, with the aim of creating morearable land. Erzurum is one of the fastest-growing cities in EasternAnatolia, and increasing industrial activity and urbanization thereforepose a threat. A new highway is under construction, passing just southof the IBA.

Sarýsu plain B2 083Admin region AðrýCoordinates 39°03’N 42°54’EAltitude 1,850–1,850 m Area 4,800 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionAn extensive upland plain c.25 km north of Lake Van (site 096) andjust north of Süphan mountain. It comprises wet meadows, uplandgrassland and a series of freshwater lakes and large reedbeds(Phragmites). Non-irrigated arable land and pasture surround the area,and cattle and water buffalo graze the wetland. Reed-cutting is animportant economic activity (‘Other’ land-use).

Habitats Grassland (20%; humid grassland), Wetland (70%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (10%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture (40%), Not utilized (60%), Other

■■■■■ Birds

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issuesNo serious threats are known at the site.

Haçlý lake A4i, B1i, B2 084Admin region MuþCoordinates 39°01’N 42°18’EAltitude 1,600–1,600 m Area 2,500 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA stream-fed freshwater lake (1,680 ha) situated south of the town ofBulanýk. Extensive meadows (still hand-cut) adjoin the lake; marshesare found to the south and south-west. The lake is surrounded by hills,except in the south and east where it borders the Kazan and Tohmanikplains. Limited fishing activities take place; water is used for irrigation.

Habitats Grassland (10%; humid grassland), Wetland (90%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Fisheries/aquaculture (5%), Water management (90%)

■■■■■ BirdsImportant for breeding wildfowl. It is highly likely that the availableinformation severely underestimates the importance of this IBA.

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685

Important Bird Areas in Europe – Turkey

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill B — 10 10 — B1i, B2Tadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck N 1980 650 650 — A4i, B1iAnas strepera Gadwall B — 10 10 — B2

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Phalacrocorax pygmeus B — 10 10 — A1Pygmy Cormorant

Grus grus Crane B — 10 10 — B2Otis tarda Great Bustard B 1986 30 30 — A1, B2Glareola nordmanni P 1989 1,000 1,000 — A1

Black-winged PratincoleGelochelidon nilotica Gull-billed Tern B — 300 300 — A4i, B1i, B2Sterna caspia Caspian Tern B — 1 — — B2

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Circus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier B — 10 10 — B3

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Pelecanus onocrotalus White Pelican B — 50 50 — B2Pelecanus crispus Dalmatian Pelican B — 20 20 — A1, A4i, B1i, B2Tadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck N 1982 210 500 — A4i, B1iMelanitta fusca Velvet Scoter U 1995 725 725 — B1iLarus armenicus Armenian Gull B 1995 700 700 — A4i, B1i

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issuesNo serious threats are known at the site. Although no ornithologicaldata exist prior to the lake being converted for irrigation purposes, itseems likely that the artificially high water-levels have altered thecharacter of the wetland system.

Bulanýk plain A1, A4i, B1i, B2 085Admin region MuþCoordinates 39°10’N 42°14’EAltitude 1,460–1,460 m Area 8,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionThe valley and flood-plains of the Murat river, which here is fast-flowing with islands and gravel spits. One island complex lies to thenorth of the town of Bulanýk, whilst another large vegetated island issituated to the west. To the north, the plain is bordered by hills; to thesouth of the river are large tracts of arable land and hay-meadows.Cattle graze on the flood-plain.

Habitats Grassland (5%; steppe/dry calcareous grassland), Wetland (65%; river/stream;water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (30%; arable land; ruderal land)Land-use Agriculture (20%), Not utilized (80%)

■■■■■ Birds

The site is important for breeding waterbirds and raptors. Otis tardaoccurs regularly in significant numbers and is thought to breed in thesurrounding area. The IBA is the best-known Turkish locality forAnthropoides virgo—several pairs breed (max. 21 individuals).

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A)

DSÝ plans to construct a large reservoir (Alpaslan 1) that will floodthe western part of the IBA up to the point where the Hýnýs andMurat rivers unite. Agriculture in the remainder of the area will beintensified.

Ardahan forest B3 086Admin region ArdahanCoordinates 41°08’N 42°46’EAltitude 1,930–2,291 m Area 2,500 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionAn upland area north-east of Ardahan that occupies the broad valleyof the Kura stream. The area comprises extensive areas of high altitudePinus forest and grazed montane steppe, together with hay-meadows(often cut by hand) and arable land. Putka lake is covered by extensivestands of emergent sedge Carex, with very little open water. Its marginsare heavily grazed.

Habitats Forest and woodland (40%; native coniferous forest), Grassland (40%; alpine/subalpine/boreal grassland), Artificial landscape (20%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Not utilized (90%)

■■■■■ Birds

The site also supports small numbers of breeding waterbirds, andseveral species of raptor probably breed in the forests surroundingthe marsh. Species of global conservation concern that do not meetIBA criteria: Aythya nyroca (breeding) and Aegypius monachus(thought to breed just outside the area).

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issuesNo serious threats are known at the site.

Aktaþ lake A1, A4i, B1i, B2 087Admin region ArdahanCoordinates 41°12’N 43°12’EAltitude 1,798–1,798 m Area 1,400 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA shallow, stream-fed, soda-rich lake situated on the high plateau ofthe Turkish–Georgian border zone. About 1,400 of the lake’s 2,700 halie within Turkey, and this area includes 12 uninhabited and sparselyvegetated islands. Arable fields and grazing land adjoin the lake; thereare a few small reedbeds (Phragmites). Access is highly restricted formilitary reasons, and human disturbance is therefore minimal. Fishingis solely land-based.

Habitats Wetland (100%; standing fresh water)Land-use Not utilized (100%)

■■■■■ Birds

One of three Turkish Pelecanus onocrotalus breeding sites and oneof seven P. crispus breeding sites. Melanitta fusca is also thoughtto breed.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Disturbance to birds (U)

Plans exist to open the Aktaţ border post in order to improve tradeand transport between the former USSR states and Turkey. This wouldincrease traffic north of the lake.

Çýldýr lake A4i, B1i 088Admin region ArdahanCoordinates 41°03’N 43°15’EAltitude 1,962–1,962 m Area 14,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA freshwater lake (max. 12,350 ha, max. depth 22 m) situated in avolcanic depression between Kýsýr and Akbaba mountains. Extensivemarshes and damp pastures border the lake to the north-west,otherwise it is surrounded by hill pasture and has very little fringevegetation. Four islands are vegetated with low shrub. Human

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Important Bird Areas in Europe – Turkey

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Tadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck U 1989 350 480 — A4i, B1iLarus armenicus Armenian Gull B 1993 1,150 1,500 — A4i, B1i

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Oxyura leucocephala B — 10 10 — A1, B2White-headed Duck

activities include stock-grazing; water is used for hydroelectric powergeneration and irrigation.

Habitats Wetland (95%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificiallandscape (5%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture (5%), Fisheries/aquaculture (5%), Urban/industrial/transport (95%),Water management (95%)

■■■■■ Birds

Pelecanus sp. formerly bred on the islands. There are recent recordsof P. onocrotalus and occasional records of P. crispus, but breedinghas not been proven for either species. Melanitta fusca is also thoughtto breed.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Disturbance to birds (A),Industrialization/urbanization (A)

DSÝ plans to increase the lake volume by means of stream diversion.A second power-station will then be constructed, and the area ofirrigated land will be increased. It is unclear what implications theseworks will have for the wetland system. Disturbance by visitors to thebreeding islands may account for the disappearance of Pelecanus sp.which formerly bred. Further tourism development of the Akçakalearea should be carefully planned.

Kuyucuk lake A4i, B1i, B2 089Admin region KarsCoordinates 40°45’N 43°27’EAltitude 1,627–1,627 m Area 219 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA stream- and spring-fed freshwater lake (max. depth 13 m) situatedon the high Kars–Akyaka plateau, in the centre of an open, undulatinglandscape. Emergent vegetation is sparse, although Phragmites doesoccur in more sheltered bays. Human activities include cerealproduction and stock-grazing. The Kar–Akyaka road bisects the northend of the lake.

Habitats Wetland (100%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Nature conservation/research (100%), Urban/industrial/transport

■■■■■ Birds

The area is important for breeding waterbirds.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None219 ha of IBA covered by Permanent Wildlife Reserve (Kuyucuk Gölü,219 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A)

The IBA is no longer an integral part of any major irrigation ordrainage scheme, according to current DSÝ plans. However,several thousand hectares of land in the vicinity of Kuyucuk lake areto be irrigated with water from the Kars reservoir, to be constructedon the Kars stream. Agricultural run-off is then likely to become aproblem.

Çalý lake A1, B2 090Admin region KarsCoordinates 40°31’N 43°16’EAltitude 2,235–2,235 m Area 25 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA small wetland situated 20 km east of Kars, adjacent to the roadbetween Kars and Digor. To the south of the road are 15 ha of openwater, with a rich submerged flora (mainly Potamogeton) and a mosaicof emergent sedge-beds. The area to the north is largely seasonal. Thelake lies on a vast elevated plateau, covered largely by extensivelygrazed steppe-grassland.

Habitats Wetland (100%; standing fresh water, fen/transition mire/spring)Land-use Not utilized (100%)

■■■■■ Birds

The area is important for breeding waterbirds.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Groundwater abstraction (U)

Drinking water for Kars is pumped from a nearby well—the wetlandseems to be unaffected.

Balýk lake B1i 091Admin region AðrýCoordinates 39°47’N 43°33’EAltitude 2,241–2,241 m Area 3,400 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionOne of the highest lakes in Turkey, up to 70 m deep and fed by mountainstreams, springs and groundwater. The lake is normally frozen for fivemonths of the year, except for a small area in the north where a springprevents freezing. The muddy shores have reed Phragmites fringes. Theimmediate surrounds comprise grazed meadows and arable land; thelake is a popular fishing ground for locals.

Habitats Wetland (100%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Water management (100%)

■■■■■ Birds

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None3,400 ha of IBA covered by Drinking Water Reservoir (Balýk Gölü,3,400 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issuesNo serious threats are known at the site.

Doðubeyazýt marshes B3 092Admin region AðrýCoordinates 39°38’N 44°06’EAltitude 1,520–1,520 m Area 8,750 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionThe IBA comprises two lakes separated by an extensive marshwith reedbeds (Phragmites) and wet meadows, situated at the footof Büyük Ađrý mountain (Mount Ararat). Saz or Kurtkapan lake

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria1 Tadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck N — — 6,000 — A4i, B1iOxyura leucocephala B — 2 2 — B2

White-headed Duck

1. Post-breeding.

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Melanitta fusca Velvet Scoter B — — — — B1i

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Important Bird Areas in Europe – Turkey

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Circus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier B — 10 10 — B3

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Melanitta fusca Velvet Scoter B 1989 19 19 — B1iAquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle B — 1 1 — B2

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Anas strepera Gadwall B — 10 10 — B2Netta rufina Red-crested Pochard B — 30 30 — B2Oxyura leucocephala B — 30 30 — A1, B2

White-headed DuckOxyura leucocephala N 1990 101 750 — A1, A4i, B1i

White-headed DuckHimantopus himantopus B 1995 440 440 — A4i, B1i

Black-winged StiltLarus armenicus Armenian Gull B 1995 310 310 — A4i, B1i

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Podiceps nigricollis P 1989 4,430 4,430 — A4i, B1iBlack-necked Grebe

Tadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck B 1986 2,000 5,600 — A4i, B1i, B2Oxyura leucocephala B — 2 2 — B2

White-headed DuckRecurvirostra avosetta Avocet B — 50 50 — B3Charadrius leschenaultii B — 1 — — B2

Greater Sand Plover

is fed mainly by surface run-off whilst Gölyüzü or Șeyhli lake is fedby Balýk lake (site 091). The lakes are covered mainly by reed, withlarge parts drying up in summer. The plains surrounding the wetlandare grazed, and reed-cutting takes place (‘Other’ land-use).

Habitats Grassland (30%; steppe/dry calcareous grassland), Wetland (70%; mudflat/sandflat; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Not utilized (80%), Other (10%)

■■■■■ Birds

The site is also important for breeding waterbirds. Breeding speciesof global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aythyanyroca. According to the limited information available, the site wasmore important in the past.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issuesNo serious threats are known at the site.

Nemrut lake B1i, B2 093Admin region BitlisCoordinates 38°37’N 42°14’EAltitude 2,247–2,247 m Area 4,500 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA 10 km wide volcanic crater situated west of Lake Van (site 096).Three crater lakes are surrounded by low scrub; the cliffs of the craterwalls reach 690 m above the crater floor. Nemrut lake (1,250 ha; 150 mdeep) is largely unvegetated, is fed by springs and snowmelt, and freezesin winter. Ilýca lake (30 ha; 8 m deep) is fed by hot springs and supportsreedbeds (Phragmites). Domestic stock graze the flatter parts of thecrater.

Habitats Grassland (60%; alpine/subalpine/boreal grassland), Wetland (40%; standingfresh water)Land-use Agriculture (5%), Not utilized (95%)

■■■■■ Birds

Gyps fulvus also breeds.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issuesNo serious threats are known at the site.

Sodalýgöl A1, A4i, B1i, B2 094Admin region BitlisCoordinates 38°49’N 42°59’EAltitude 1,650–1,650 m Area 1,500 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA shallow, spring-fed saline lake separated from Lake Van (site 096)by an alluvial ridge. There is no outlet and up to 50% of the lake driesout during summer. Some marshland is present at the fringes wherefreshwater seepage occurs. Low hills and non-irrigated arableland surround the lake. Limited stock-grazing occurs along theshoreline.

Habitats Grassland (10%; steppe/dry calcareous grassland), Wetland (90%; mudflat/sandflat; standing brackish and salt water; water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Hunting (5%), Not utilized (85%)

■■■■■ Birds

The area is important for breeding waterbirds.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issuesNo serious threats are known at the site.

Erçek lake A4i, B1i, B2, B3 095Admin region VanCoordinates 38°40’N 43°35’EAltitude 1,803–1,803 m Area 9,520 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA highly alkaline lake (max. depth 30 m) situated in a tectonicdepression 20 km east of Lake Van (site 096). It has steep rocky shoreson the northern and western sides; in the east and south the shores areshallow with mudflats. The Memedik river enters the lake in the east,forming a small delta with reedbeds (Phragmites) and wet meadows.Human activities include stock-grazing.

Habitats Wetland (100%; mudflat/sandflat; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Agriculture (5%), Not utilized (95%)

■■■■■ Birds

This site is important for breeding and passage waterbirds.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Industrialization/urbanization (A)

The water-level has risen dramatically in recent years, inundatinga village, 1,000 ha of arable land and meadows, and the Turkey–Iran railway. DSÝ plans to construct a hydroelectric power-station west of the lake—the ecological impacts of this proposal areunknown.

Lake Van A1, A4i, B1i, B2 096Admin region Bitlis, VanCoordinates 38°40’N 42°55’EAltitude 1,650–1,650 m Area 390,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA soda lake of tectonic origin and the largest lake (371,700 ha, max.depth 451 m) in Turkey. It is fed by several streams and remainsice-free. Annual inflow is higher than evaporation, and the lakelevel is continuously rising as a result. The four islands are populartourist destinations. Extensive meadows and arable land coverthe flat ground between the lake and the surrounding mountains.

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Important Bird Areas in Europe – Turkey

AKGT (1995) Preliminary avifauna survey of the Bodrum peninsula. A reportfor the Turkish National Committee on Coastal Zone Management.Ankara, Turkey: Ankara Bird Watching Group Report.

ANON. (1993) Sultansazlýđý Tabiatý Koruma Alaný Master Planý Raporu. Ankara,Turkey: Milli Parklar ve Av-Yaban Hayatý Genel Müdürlüđü.

ANSTEY, S. (1989) The status and conservation of the White-headed Duck Oxyuraleucocephala. Slimbridge, UK: International Waterfowl and WetlandResearch Bureau (Spec. Publ. No. 10).

AYVAZ, Y. (1991) Çýldýr Gölü Kuţlarý. Dođa-Turkish J. Zool. 15: 53–58.BALÝK, S. AND USTAOĐLU, M. R. (1989) Bafa Gölü’ndeki Ulubat Balýđý’nýn

Biyoekolojik ve Ekonomik Yönden Ýncelenmesi. Dođa-Turkish J. Zool.13(3): 141.

BARÝȘ, Y. S., AKÇAKAYA, R. AND BILGIN, C. (1984) Kýzýlcahamam. Birds ofTurkey 3. Heidelberg, Germany: Max Kasparek Verlag.

BARÝȘ, Y. S. (1989) Turkey’s bird habitats and ornithological importance.Sandgrouse 11: 42–52.

BERK, VAN DEN, V. M., VAN DORP, D., VAN HOORN, O. AND VOS, R. (1985)Cranes and waterfowl counts of some Turkish wetlands. Zeist, Netherlands:Foundation Working Group International Waterbird and WetlandResearch (WIWO Report 10).

BERK, VAN DEN, V. M., CRONAU, J. P. AND VAN DER HAVE, T. M. (1993)Waterbirds in the Van Province. Zeist, Netherlands: Foundation WorkingGroup International Waterbird and Wetland Research (WIWO Report 34).

BIJLSMA, R. G. (1987) Bottleneck areas for migratory birds in the Mediterraneanregion. Cambridge, UK: International Council for Bird Preservation (StudyReport 18).

BIJLSMA, R. G. AND DE RODER, F. E. (1986) Notes on the birds of some wetlandsin Turkey. Zeist, Netherlands: Foundation Working Group InternationalWaterbird and Wetland Research (WIWO Report 12).

BRADSHAW, C. G. AND KIRWAN, G. (1994) The ornithological importanceof the Akșehir Gölü wetlands, Central Plateau, Turkey. Sandgrouse 16(2):118–139.

BRINKMANN, R., KÖHLER, B., HEINS, J. U. AND RÖSLER, S. (1991) MenderesDelta—Zustand und Gefaehrdung eines ostmediterranen Flussdeltas.Germany: Gesamthochschule Kassel.

Human activities include intensive grazing. This area includes sixsites that were treated as separate IBAs in the previous internationalIBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989): ‘Ahtamar Adasý’ (formersite TR065), ‘Bendimahi Deltasý’ (former site TR067), ‘ÇelebidađSazlýđý’ (former site TR069), ‘Edremit Sazlýđý’ (former site TR070),‘Horkum Gölü’ (former site TR072) and ‘Van Sazlýđý’ (former siteTR077).

Habitats Wetland (95%; standing brackish and salt water), Artificial landscape (5%;arable land)Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture (5%), Not utilized (90%), Urban/industrial/transport (5%)

■■■■■ Birds

The site is important for breeding waterbirds and for Otis tardabreeding on the peninsula east of Sodalýgöl (site 094), where up to 32birds have been seen during the breeding season.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Partial International NoneThe islands are designated as a SÝT.

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Dredging/canalization (B),Industrialization/urbanization (C), Recreation/tourism (B), Unsustainableexploitation (U)

Visitors to the islands cause disturbance to breeding birds, includingthe taking of gull (Laridae) eggs. Further tourist developments areplanned. Untreated urban waste and agricultural run-off enters thelake.

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Circus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier B — 15 15 — B3

REFERENCES

DHKD (1991) Akyatan Gölü. Istanbul: Dođal Hayatý Koruma Derneđi (BirdSection Report No. 4).

DHKD (1993) Uluslararasý Göksu Deltasý Çevresel Kalkýnma Semineri BildiriMetinleri. Istanbul: Dođal Hayatý Koruma Derneđi.

DHKD (1993) Towards the conservation and management of Istanbul’sgreenspace. Istanbul: Dođal Hayatý Koruma Derneđi.

DHKD (1995) The old growth forests of north-east Turkey: a survey of the oldgrowth Colchic Forests of Artvin, Rize and Trabzon provinces in north-easternTurkey. Istanbul: Dođal Hayatý Koruma Derneđi.

DIJKSEN, L. J. AND KASPAREK, M. (1985) Kýzýlýrmak Deltasý. Birds of Turkey4. Heidelberg, Germany: Max Kasparek Verlag.

DIJKSEN, L. J. AND KASPAREK, M (1988) Acýgöl. Birds of Turkey 7. Heidelberg,Germany: Max Kasparek Verlag.

DSÝ (1995) Dams and hydroelectric power plants in Turkey. Ankara, Turkey:General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works.

EKEN, G. (1997) The breeding populations of some species of waterbirds atGediz Delta, western Turkey. Zool. Middle East 14: 53–68.

EKEN, G. AND MAGNIN, G. (in press) A preliminary biodiversity atlas ofthe Konya Basin, central Turkey. Istanbul: Dođal Hayatý KorumaDerneđi.

ERDEM, O. (1995) Turkey’s bird paradises. Ankara, Turkey: Turkish Ministryof Environment.

ERTAN, A., KÝLÝÇ, A. AND KASPAREK, M. (1989) Türkiye’nin Önemli KuţAlanlarý. Istanbul: Dođal Hayatý Koruma Derneđi.

ERTAN, K. T. (1996) Kocaçay delta. Birds of Turkey 12. Heidelberg, Germany:Max Kasparek Verlag.

FALDBORG, J. (1994) Birds in Çamlýhemţin-Ardeţen area, north-eastTurkey, April–May 1993. Copenhagen: Dansk Ornithologisk Förening(DOF).

GÖRGÜN, E. O. (1994) Mogan Gölü Avifaunasý. Ankara: Gazi ÜniversitesiFen Bilimleri Enstitüsü (MSc. thesis).

GREEN, A. J. (1996) The summer ecology of the Marbled Teal Marmaronettaangustirostris, Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca and other ducks in theGöksu Delta, Turkey in 1995. Spain: Donaña Biological Station.

Yüksekova B3 097Admin region HakkariCoordinates 37°30’N 44°18’EAltitude 1,925–1,925 m Area 24,900 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA large plain enclosed by high mountains and traversed by the Nehilstream. A large permanent marsh is located in the south-east;temporary marshes and grasslands are found along the river. Largeareas are subject to spring flooding. Human activities include extensivegrazing and reed-cutting (‘Other’ land-use).

Habitats Grassland (50%; humid grassland), Wetland (15%; water-fringe vegetation),Artificial landscape (35%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture (80%), Other (20%)

■■■■■ Birds

Pre-1989 data indicate that Ardea purpurea, Circus aeruginosus, Grusgrus and Otis tarda bred, and it is likely that they continue to do so.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A), Drainage (A), Industrialization/urbanization (B)

In 1993 DSÝ completed a flood-protection scheme by draining2,095 ha—marshes and wet grassland in the western and central partof the plain were largely destroyed. An irrigation reservoir is underconstruction on one of the inflowing streams, possibly leading to theloss of several thousand hectares of natural habitat. The influx ofnew settlers into Yüksekova has accelerated in recent years, increasingpressure on the wetland.

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Marmaronetta angustirostris B — 5 5 — A1, B1i, B2Marbled Duck

Otis tarda Great Bustard B — — — — A1, B2Larus armenicus Armenian Gull B 1995 3,285 3,285 — A4i, B1iChlidonias leucopterus P 1989 3,450 3,450 — A4i, B1i

White-winged Black Tern

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Important Bird Areas in Europe – Turkey

LANGEVELD, M. J. AND RUITERS, P. S. (1995) Breeding bird census at EberGölü, Akţehir Gölü and Karamýk Gölü 1994. Istanbul: Dođal Hayatý KorumaDerneđi (Bird and Wetland Section Report No.8).

MAGNIN, G. (1988) Falconry and hunting in Turkey during 1987. Cambridge,UK: International Council For Bird Preservation (Study Report 34).

MAGNIN, G. AND YARAR, M. (1994) Some notes on the breeding of GreaterFlamingo Phoenicopterus ruber and White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalusin Turkey. OSME Bull. 32: 28–31.

MAGNIN, G. AND YARAR, M. (1997) Important Bird Areas in Turkey. Istanbul:Dođal Hayatý Koruma Derneđi.

MEININGER, P. L., SCHEPERS, F. J. AND STUART, J. J. (1989) Bird observationsGöksu delta, Turkey, spring 1989. Istanbul: Dođal Hayatý Koruma Derneđi.

MERIÇ, N. (1992) Büyük Çekmece Baraj-Gölü Balýklarý Üzerine Bir Ön Çalýţma.Istanbul: Ýstanbul Üniversitesi Biyoloji Bölümü.

MRLIK, V., BOBEK, M., POJER, F., SKOPEK, J. AND FORMÁNEK, J. (1995) RaptorMigration in north-east Turkey, autumn 1994. OSME Bull. 35: 41–46.

ONGAN, T., HOSANOĐLU, A., YÜCETAȘ, N. AND YAZÝCÝ, M. (1990) Gala Gölüve Bunlarla Ýrtibatlý Lagün ve Kanallarýn Entegre Balýkçýlýk Durumu.Ankara, Turkey: TÜBÝTAK (Türkiye Bilimsel ve Teknik AraţtýrmaKurumu). Unpublished research report.

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ÖZER, A. AND SEVIM, F. (1994) Özel Çevre Koruma Bölgesi: Mogan Gölü.Ankara, Turkey: Özel Çevre Koruma Kurumu Baţkanlýđý (Özel ÇevreKoruma Bölgesi Tanýtým Serisi 12).

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M. (1995) A baseline survey of Lesser Kestrels (Falco naumanni) in centralTurkey. Biol. Conserv. 72: 45–53.

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CAN, O. (1996) A breeding survey of the White-headed Duck Oxyuraleucocephala (Oxyurini) on the Central Plateau, Turkey. Oxford, UK:Oxford University.

ROWECLIFFE, M., JOWITT, A., HUMPAGE, E., ATKINSON AND OĐURLU, Ý. (1993)UEA Kaçkar Expedition 1993. Norwich, UK: University of East Anglia(preliminary report).

SCHEKKERMAN, H. AND VAN ROOMEN, M. W. J. (1993) Migration of waterbirdsthrough wetlands in central Anatolia, spring 1988. Zeist, Netherlands:Foundation Working Group International Waterbird and WetlandResearch (WIWO Report 32).

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TÇV (1993) Wetlands of Turkey. Ankara, Turkey: Türkiye Çevre Vakfý(Environment Foundation of Turkey).

TEMPLE LANG, J. (1989) International conservation treaties and Turkey’sbirdlife. Sandgrouse 11: 67–73.

TOĐULGA, M. (1992) Kuţ Gölü’nün Deterjan Kirliliđi Yönünden Araţtýrýlmasý.Turkish J. Zool. 16: 249.

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YARAR, M. (1995) Aktaș Gölü: a new pelican breeding site on the Turkish-Georgian border. OSME Bull. 35: 46–50.

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GREEN, A. J., HILTON, G. M., HUGHES, B., FOX, A. D. AND YARAR, M. (1993)The ecology and behaviour of the White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephalaat Burdur Gölü, Turkey. Slimbridge, UK: The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.

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GREEN, I. A. (1993) Caucasian Black Grouse and Caspian Snowcock in north-east Turkey. OSME Bull. 31: 14–18.

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Important Bird Areas in Europe – Turkey