Kuyucuk Lake (828)
Turkey, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1c, D1a
Year of last assessment: 2004
National site name: Kuyucuk Gölü
Central coordinates: Latitude: 40.7333, Longitude: 43.4500
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 1627 to 1627
Area of KBA (km2): 3.89826
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A stream- and spring-fed freshwater lake (max. depth 13 m) situated on the high Kars-Akyaka plateau, in the centre of an open, undulating landscape. Emergent vegetation is sparse, although Phragmites does occur in more sheltered bays. Human activities include cereal production and stock-grazing. The Kar-Akyaka road bisects the north end of the lake.
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: The area is important for breeding waterbirds.
Habitats
Land use: nature conservation and research (100%) | urban/industrial/transport
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The IBA is no longer an integral part of any major irrigation or drainage scheme, according to current DSÝ plans. However, several thousand hectares of land in the vicinity of Kuyucuk lake are to be irrigated with water from the Kars reservoir, to be constructed on the Kars stream. Agricultural run-off is then likely to become a problem.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Dams (size unknown) | Ongoing |