Salda Lake (770)
Turkey, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2016
National site name: Salda Gölü
Central coordinates: Latitude: 37.5500, Longitude: 29.6833
Elevation (m): 1135 to 1250
Area of KBA (km2): 62.24042
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A slightly saline, stream- and spring-fed lake (max. depth 184 m) of tectonic origin surrounded by forested hills, rocky terrain and alluvial plains. There are several sandbanks and limited fringe vegetation. Hotels, restaurants and campsites are present on the southern and south-western shores.
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: The site is important for wintering wildfowl.
Habitats
Land use: not utilised (95%) | tourism/recreation (5%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 27 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 73 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Inflow water is used to irrigate fields around the lake; a DSÝ scheme will see the construction of a small reservoir on one of the inflow streams, allowing for the irrigation of a further 182 ha via a 3 km long channel. No assessment of the possible impacts has been made. Some hotels discharge untreated sewage into the lake, and more tourist facilities are planned. The SÝT designation permits limited construction activity.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Abstraction of ground water (agricultural use) | Ongoing |