Birds of Hasankeyf (South-eastern Anatolia, Turkey) Under the Threat of a Big Dam Project

摘要

The birds at the vicinity of the ancient town Hasankeyf (South-eastern Turkey) have been documented by a systematic survey spanning nearly one and a half years and also by casual observations afterward. A total of 133 bird species have been detected in the study area, about 60% of which were observed in spring. Nearly two-thirds of the bird species are native or summer migrants and 72 are at least potential breeders in the area. Twenty-one species of diurnal raptors were detected. Five globally and 25 regionally threatened species have been recorded. Main habitats used are the river and riparian zone, shrub, steppe, and steep rocky mountain; and around 33% of the breeding species use rocky slopes and cliffs while 11 % use riverine formations for their nesting. The area still has special natural habitats for birds, whose breeding are largely dependent on rocks which form steep walls on the river. In spite of all this richness, the wildlife in the area is strongly threatened by a highly debated big dam project, which is part of the most comprehensive regional development project of Turkey.