Samsam Lake (833)
Turkey, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2004
National site name: Samsam Gölü
Central coordinates: Latitude: 39.1000, Longitude: 32.7333
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 980 to 980
Area of KBA (km2): 42.2811
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A shallow freshwater lake fed mainly by surface run-off, and surrounded by grassy plains and arable land. When the water-level drops, the entire lake is gradually colonized by temporary vegetation˜in late summer it is practically dry. Human activities include cattle-grazing.
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 also important for wintering waterbirds. No information is available on the ornithological importance of the lake prior to drainage.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (10%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The IBA is situated on a route frequently used by low-flying military jets, which can cause considerable disturbance to birds. It is over 25 years since the lake was partly drained˜the soils created are still largely saline and not utilized by farmers, and it is unclear whether they will ever be of sufficient quality to justify the drainage scheme. Restoration would be technically feasible.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Abstraction of ground water (agricultural use) | Only in the past and unlikely to return |