Kızılcahamam Forests (745)
Turkey, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1c
Year of last assessment: 2004
National site name: Kızılcahamam Ormanları
Central coordinates: Latitude: 40.4667, Longitude: 32.5500
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 900 to 1849
Area of KBA (km2): 146.87932
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A forested area situated at the northern edge of the barren Central Anatolian plateau, dominated by Pinus nigra with P. sylvestris at higher 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.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs.
Additional biodiversity: This is an important site for a number of species of raptor.
Habitats
Land use: forestry (50%) | nature conservation and research (25%) | tourism/recreation (25%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 10 | |
| Forest | 90 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: A dense network of roads and tracks means that disturbance from tourists and foresters is high. Forestry activities should take account of the distribution of breeding raptors and old pine trees should not be felled. A reduction in forestry activities within the National Park (hence maintaining the availability of tall nesting trees) is thought to be the main reason behind increasing numbers of Aegypius monachus.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Abstraction of ground water (commercial use) | Ongoing |