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No Flamingos At The Wetlands In Bodrum
Flamingos failed to flock to the Tuzla wetlands near the resort town of Bodrum this year, marking the latest blow to an ecosystem that faces the risk of disappearing completely. The area was declared a special protection zone five years ago, but industrialization & urbanization in the region is putting the wetlands at risk. Marble plants & carpet washing factories have continued to operate in the area their wastewater reaching the wetlands through the Mazı River.
More than 5,000 summerhouses were also built near the Tuzla wetlands, & all their wastewater is released into the lake.
Once home to 120 species of birds & 50 species of fish, the wetlands now struggle to survive.
One of the most important wetlands in the Aegean region is the victim of “a murder of nature & environment”, according to Süha Umar, deputy president of the Foundation for Preserving Wildlife & Game.
Umar said the foundation filed complaints to the prosecutor’s office & the Muğla Governor’s Office against the industrial facilities that are destroying the area.
“The Tuzla wetlands are a unique asset that offers both historical & natural beauties,” he said. “While we are making plans to promote Tuzla & turn this spot into a popular tourist destination, some irresponsible people are turning the heaven into hell. I will do everything possible not to let them.”
Cüneyt Karaoğlu, a member of the Bodrum Volunteers Association, said flamingos did not come to the Tuzla wetlands this year for the first time. Karaoğlu noted that construction in the area has damaged the stability of the wetlands.
“The regulations regarding the protected areas have changed a few times in the last couple of years,” he said. “As a result of our inspections in the Tuzla wetlands, we found out that the number of animals in the area was decreasing, & we sent our reports to officials underlining the reasons for the decrease. ”Karaoğlu said precautions should be taken immediately; otherwise, he said, no animals will be left in the wetlands.
Bahattin Atçı, local governor of Milas, said the factories near Tuzla were warned last year not to release their wastewater into the Mazı River. “I will immediately send teams to the area to check the factories,” said Atçı. “We will severely punish anyone who poisons or damages the wetlands; no one should doubt that.” The local governor added the former salt plant in the area would be converted into a cafeteria & bird watching house.
The deep inlet from the Gulf of Güllük & Mandalya Bay forms Tuzla Lake. Home to a host of ancient ruins, the lake is surrounded by mountains covered with olive groves, pines & tamarisk trees.
Designated an Important Bird Area, or IBA in 2001 Tuzla Lake, dissected by a causeway, is particularly special as a bird sanctuary. Throughout the year, a large variety of rare birds including pelicans, flamingos & white storks can be seen flocking to the wetlands.
The IBA also covers the Güllük Delta, leading up to the Hamza Valley & following the Akyol River into Uyku Vadisi, or Sleepy Valley. Sleepy Valley is a natural preservation area among steep rocks, a forest of rich fauna & the Hamzabey River. It is called this because one feels sleepy as a result of the fresh, clean air in the region. This valley is now an official National Park.
The brackish waters of Tuzla Lake, less than a meter deep, provide vital nourishment for birds “refuelling” on their long journey to & from Russia, Scandinavia, and parts of Europe & Africa. It is rich in fish, algae & tiny creatures & fed by three fresh water streams. The lake attracts flamingos, grey heron, egret & numerous species of duck & goose. Although rare, 45 Dalmatian pelicans have been sighted here, as well as white pelicans, pygmy cormorants, spoonbills, & ospreys.
The varied nature of the lake’s surroundings also makes it an important habitat for birds & other wildlife. Mud flats are alive with waders, including the rare terek sandpiper. The surrounding farmland, forest & hedgerows attract even more rarities such as the booted eagle & the saker & lanner falcons.
The area also benefits from an especially mild microclimate so booted eagle & swallows were spotted there in December when they would usually be in Africa at this time. The Cyprus warbler, rarely seen this far west, is another visitor benefiting from the warmer temperatures.
Apart from the myriad bird life of Tuzla Lake that numbers into the thousands & thousands in winter, permanent inhabitants also include terrapins, snakes, wild boar, badger, fox & porcupine.
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October 8th, 2011 at 7:23 pm
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