Bulanık and Malazgirt Plains (824)
Turkey, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1a, A1c, A1d
Year of last assessment: 2004
National site name: Bulanık ve Malazgirt Ovaları
Central coordinates: Latitude: 39.1833, Longitude: 42.1500
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 1450 to 1650
Area of KBA (km2): 333.36579
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The valley and flood-plains of the Murat river, which here is fast-flowing with islands and gravel spits. One island complex lies to the north of the town of Bulanýk, whilst another large vegetated island is situated to the west. To the north, the plain is bordered by hills; to the south of the river are large tracts of arable land and hay-meadows. Cattle graze on the flood-plain.
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: The site is important for breeding waterbirds and raptors. Otis tarda occurs regularly in significant numbers and is thought to breed in the surrounding area. The IBA is the best-known Turkish locality for Anthropoides virgo˜several pairs breed (max. 21 individuals).
Delineation rationale: Area changed from 8000 ha [in 1997/2000 IBA inventory] to 33,310 ha (Kilic & Eken 2004). Area changed from 33310ha to 33353ha (Eken et al. 2006).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (20%) | not utilised (80%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 30 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 65 | |
| Grassland | 5 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: DSÝ plans to construct a large reservoir (Alpaslan 1) that will flood the western part of the IBA up to the point where the Hýnýs and Murat rivers unite. Agriculture in the remainder of the area will be intensified.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Abstraction of surface water (agricultural use) | Ongoing |
| Transportation & service corridors | Roads & railroads | Ongoing |