Prof. Dr. Urhan: "Changes in Bird Species and Number Show Urgent Measures Should Be Taken for Our Wetlands"
30.01.2023
Within the scope of the protocol between Pamukkale University Faculty of Science, Department of Biology and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry 5th Region Denizli Provincial Branch Directorate, mid-winter waterfowl counting (KOSKS) was carried out in Denizli on January 12-13.
Prof. Dr. Raşit Urhan, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Karaca and Dr. Esat Kızılkaya and the personnel of Denizli Provincial Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks took part in the count in Işıklı Lake, Acıgöl and Beylerli Lake for two days. As a result of the count, 29794 birds of 33 different species were counted. The data obtained as a result of the counts were sent to the Ministry. The data obtained throughout Turkey will be collected and reported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
Prof. Dr. Urhan: "The change in bird species and numbers in the census results we have obtained in the long term tells us that we need to take urgent measures for our wetlands."
Pamukkale University Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Raşit Urhan gave the following information about the study: "We have been conducting the Denizli section of the mid-winter waterfowl counts, which are regularly conducted in our country every year, together with our university and Denizli Provincial Branch Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks for many years. With the counts, which are one of the basic methods used for monitoring waterfowl populations and wetland ecosystems, we get an idea about the past and future of the wetlands in our province. The change in bird species and numbers in the census results we have obtained in the long term tells us that we need to take urgent measures for our wetlands. Our lakes are getting smaller and polluted. Many wetlands have dried up in our country. All institutions and organizations should join hands to prevent the lakes in our province from entering the list of "Drying Lakes in Turkey". Beylerli Lake has already dried up in recent years and does not hold water in any way. This lake, which was once fished by boat and the cane harvested was exported abroad, is unfortunately dying. Our other lakes are approaching this bitter end."
Prof. Dr. Urhan: "The change in bird species and numbers in the census results we have obtained in the long term tells us that we need to take urgent measures for our wetlands."
Pamukkale University Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Raşit Urhan gave the following information about the study: "We have been conducting the Denizli section of the mid-winter waterfowl counts, which are regularly conducted in our country every year, together with our university and Denizli Provincial Branch Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks for many years. With the counts, which are one of the basic methods used for monitoring waterfowl populations and wetland ecosystems, we get an idea about the past and future of the wetlands in our province. The change in bird species and numbers in the census results we have obtained in the long term tells us that we need to take urgent measures for our wetlands. Our lakes are getting smaller and polluted. Many wetlands have dried up in our country. All institutions and organizations should join hands to prevent the lakes in our province from entering the list of "Drying Lakes in Turkey". Beylerli Lake has already dried up in recent years and does not hold water in any way. This lake, which was once fished by boat and the cane harvested was exported abroad, is unfortunately dying. Our other lakes are approaching this bitter end."
