Beynam Forests (815)
Turkey, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2004
National site name: Beynam Ormanları
Central coordinates: Latitude: 39.6500, Longitude: 32.9167
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 1200 to 1521
Area of KBA (km2): 52.10175
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A small remnant of forest situated on the northern side of Kuyrukçu mountain, 30 km south of Ankara. The higher areas are cut by steep valleys and dry riverbeds. Pinus and Quercus cover 1,248 ha, the remainder is more open with low vegetation. The entire forest is fenced off to prevent grazing, and a small section is used for recreational purposes. No forestry activities are carried out although some reforestation has taken place on the south-western slopes.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Additional biodiversity: The area is important for breeding raptors.
Habitats
Land use: forestry (5%) | not utilised (85%) | tourism/recreation (10%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The rapidly increasing population of Ankara could lead to intense recreational pressure in the future; the development of a tourist management plan would be beneficial.