Marmara Lake (762)
Turkey, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2016
National site name: Marmara Gölü
Central coordinates: Latitude: 38.6167, Longitude: 28.0167
Elevation (m): 79 to 79
Area of KBA (km2): 69.16012
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: An 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 Gediz valley to the south and Akhisar valley to the north-west. Flood-plains are used for growing cotton, and cattle-grazing is widespread on the marshes.
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. 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 area for breeding and wintering waterbirds. Pelecanus crispus is thought to breed.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (10%) | fisheries/aquaculture (15%) | hunting (10%) | water management (100%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 50 | |
| Forest | 21 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 27 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The lake virtually dried up in 1993 following a dry period and excessive abstraction. Further expansion of the irrigation network has led to a new channel being constructed to bring in more water from the Gediz river. Industrial and urban pollution entering the lake will increase as a result. DSÝ also plans to construct a hydroelectric power-station on the existing channel connecting the Gediz river and the site. Local farmers temporarily convert ecologically valuable mudflats to arable land during periods of low water-level. Out-of-season fishing is common.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Agro-industry farming | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Motivation Unknown/Unrecorded | Ongoing |