Uludağ (743)
Turkey, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2016
National site name: Uludağ
Central coordinates: Latitude: 39.9667, Longitude: 29.5000
Elevation (m): 1250 to 2543
Area of KBA (km2): 1365.12861
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Situated south of Bursa, this is the highest mountain in western Anatolia. Pinus predominates at lower altitudes; Abies/Fagus forest occurs between 1,500 and 2,000 m; alpine scrub and pasture prevail at higher altitudes. Limestone fields occupy the summit areas; dry montane cliff communities occur to the north of the summit ridge. Several small alpine lakes are found below these cliffs. The area is popular for winter sports.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard. KBA identified in the CEPF Ecosystem Profile of the Mediterranean Hotspot (2017). Taxonomy, nomenclature and global threat category follow the 2016 IUCN Red List.
Additional biodiversity: This is an important site for breeding raptors. Sitta krueperi and Serinus pusillus are at the western limits of their range on Uludað; this is one of the few known Turkish sites for Aegolius funereus.
Habitats
Land use: forestry (40%) | not utilised (10%) | tourism/recreation (50%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 10 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 20 | |
| Forest | 70 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: 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 hotel demand. No study of the consequences of these developments has been carried out. Uludað is affected by acid rain and industrial pollution. No grazing or forest management takes place within the National Park.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pollution | Domestic & urban waste water | Sewage | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Dams (size unknown) | Ongoing |
| Energy production & mining | Mining & quarrying | Only in the past and unlikely to return | |
| Residential & commercial development | Tourism & recreation areas | Ongoing |