Erçek Lake (773)
Turkey, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1c, D1a
Year of last assessment: 2004
National site name: Erçek Gölü
Central coordinates: Latitude: 38.6500, Longitude: 43.6167
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 1890 to 1890
Area of KBA (km2): 203.9546
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A highly alkaline lake (max. depth 30 m) situated in a tectonic depression 20 km east of Lake Van (site 096). It has steep rocky shores on the northern and western sides; in the east and south the shores are shallow with mudflats. The Memedik river enters the lake in the east, forming a small delta with reedbeds (Phragmites) and wet meadows. Human activities include stock-grazing.
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 site is important for breeding and passage waterbirds.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (5%) | not utilised (95%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The water-level has risen dramatically in recent years, inundating a village, 1,000 ha of arable land and meadows, and the Turkey- Iran railway. DSÝ plans to construct a hydroelectric power- station west of the lake˜the ecological impacts of this proposal are unknown.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Abstraction of ground water (agricultural use) | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Domestic & urban waste water | Run-off | Ongoing |