Alaçatı (9598)
Turkey, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2016
National site name: Alaçatı
Central coordinates: Latitude: 38.2167, Longitude: 26.5333
Elevation (m): 0 to 622
Area of KBA (km2): 567.83059
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard. KBA identified in the CEPF Ecosystem Profile of the Mediterranean Hotspot (2017). Taxonomy, nomenclature and global threat category follow the 2016 IUCN Red List.
Delineation rationale: The Alaçatı IBA includes the southern half of the Karaburun and Çeşme penisulas to the west of İzmir. The area is surrounded by the Agean Sea and Çeşme district to the west, the Uzunkuyu grove the Urla district to the eastern. To the south is the Kıran Mountain which has the highest peak of the area with 662 meters. Apart form this mountain, the area also contains many low hills. The Alaçatı Firth, to the west, is the largest wetland of the area. The remaining wetlands of the IBA stretch between the hill and the west of Firth and they are home to many rare species. The coast of Alaçatı lie between the Çeşme and Kuşadası disticts, which are completely covered by human settlement. The Alaçatı coast is the last untouched natural area of the region. The Gulf of Mersin, to the west of the coast, has small islands on open sea, which are very important of sea birds.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 40 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 20 | |
| Marine Intertidal | 20 | |
| Forest | 20 |
Threats
| 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 future |
| Residential & commercial development | Housing & urban areas | Only in the future | |
| Energy production & mining | Renewable energy | Ongoing |