Çıldır Lake (827)
Turkey, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2004
National site name: Çıldır Gölü
Central coordinates: Latitude: 41.0167, Longitude: 43.2333
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 1961 to 1961
Area of KBA (km2): 208.33643
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A freshwater lake (max. 12,350 ha, max. depth 22 m) situated in a volcanic depression between Kýsýr and Akbaba mountains. Extensive marshes and damp pastures border the lake to the north-west, otherwise it is surrounded by hill pasture and has very little fringe vegetation. Four islands are vegetated with low shrub. Human activities include stock-grazing; water is used for hydroelectric power generation and irrigation.
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 Caucasus Hotspot (2003, updated 2004). Taxonomy, nomenclature and threat category follow the 2002 IUCN Red List.
Additional biodiversity: Pelecanus sp. formerly bred on the islands. There are recent records of P. onocrotalus and occasional records of P. crispus, but breeding has not been proven for either species. Melanitta fusca is also thought to breed.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (5%) | fisheries/aquaculture (5%) | urban/industrial/transport (95%) | water management (95%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 5 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 95 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: DSÝ plans to increase the lake volume by means of stream diversion. A second power-station will then be constructed, and the area of irrigated land will be increased. It is unclear what implications these works will have for the wetland system. Disturbance by visitors to the breeding islands may account for the disappearance of Pelecanus sp. which formerly bred. Further tourism development of the Akçakale area should be carefully planned.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Agro-industry farming | Only in the future |
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Dams (size unknown) | Only in the future |