Işıklı Lake (790)
Turkey, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1d
Year of last assessment: 2016
National site name: Işıklı Gölü
Central coordinates: Latitude: 38.2333, Longitude: 29.9333
Elevation (m): 821 to 821
Area of KBA (km2): 97.31072
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Situated at the head of the Büyük Menderes river south of Akdað (IBA 019), this freshwater lake (max. depth 7 m) is fed by streams and springs. The lake stores irrigation water for the surrounding agricultural plains, and high water-levels mean that marsh vegetation is only present where the Kufi channel deposits silt into the lake. The IBA includes Gökgöl marshes (including a max. 300 ha lake) 3 km east of Iþýklý Gölü.
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 site is important for breeding waterbirds and large numbers of wintering wildfowl. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Haliaeetus albicilla (seen throughout the year).
Habitats
Land use: fisheries/aquaculture (50%) | hunting (40%) | water management (90%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 10 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 90 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Poor water management has led to the lake being emptied on several occasions. High spring water-levels do not permit the development of suitable breeding habitat, and mudflats, important as feeding areas for birds during winter and spring, have been largely eliminated (`Other' threat). Fisheries are uncontrolled, with out-of-season fishing widespread. Hunting is a significant problem, with shooting taking place throughout the winter.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Persecution/control | Ongoing |