Bird population increases around Lake Erçek in Van

VAN – Anadolu Agency

The number of birds in eastern Turkey’s Van lake basin have increased following heavy rains in the region, according to a biology professor. 

Atilla Durmuş, a professor at Yüzüncü Yıl University’s Department of Biology in Van, told state-run Anadolu Agency that the birds enjoy easy nourishment and breeding due to rainfall this year. 

Visitors in the region can observe around 213 bird types among hundreds of other birds in the Van lake basin, which is home to one five of wetlands in Turkey. Different bird species in the basin offer unique beauties to visitors. 

The basin, which is also one of the places preferred by scientists for their research, is home to birds like flamingoes, swans, white-headed ducks, black-winged stilts, avocets, herons, ringed plovers, wild geese and others. 

As the region is on the migratory route, various bird species can be seen in every season. Festivals are organized to promote the region to the world. 

The Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks takes the necessary measures in the wetlands for the birds to find food and breed easily. 

Durmuş said the number of local and migratory birds increased especially around Lake Erçek. 

“A short time ago, we made an observation with our students in the region. Due to heavy rain, this year the flora is more vivid and the amount of fresh water is higher. That is why the number of species and population was very good. They can easily find food and breed,” said the professor. 

“It is possible to see animals even in water holes on the lower and upper side of the road. They can also be fed there. There were no stress and danger factors. This year, one can see the increase in the number of species in the region. The factors that threaten the birds in Erçek are decreasing every year and it allows the birds to breed without stress,” he said.