New species found in Gediz Delta

İZMİR - Anadolu Agency

Within the scope of works conducted by the Nature Association to observe the biological variety in the Gediz Delta of the Aegean province of İzmir, the common eider species was detected as the 297th bird species in the region.

Eyüp Fatih Şimşek, an association project official, said that during their May observations, they detected the common eider species in the Gediz Delta, which is home to thousands of species.

He said that the eider birds are living in the North America, European coasts and the eastern coasts of Siberia in crowded groups and are very rare in Turkey.

Şimşek also asked for support for the protection of the new bird species, which is under the risk of extinction.

He said that Gediz Delta is the only wetland in a big city like İzmir with a population of over 4 million, adding that the region met all the UNESCO World Heritage criteria.

The delta, Şimşek said, is home to some 10 percent of flamingo population in the world along with the endangered Dalmatian pelican, Mediterranean monk seal and caretta caretta sea turtles.

“We have initiated a campaign for the Gediz Delta to get the world heritage status,” he added.

Nature Association General Coordinator Dicle Tuba Kılıç said that the scientific report prepared by academics mentioned that the Gediz Delta was a significant world heritage, adding, “We ask the General Directorate of Cultural and Natural Heritage and the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality to apply to the UNESCO for the Gediz Delta to get the world heritage status. Such a precious field should survive without getting any damage. This is why we invite everyone to join the signature campaign on the website gedizmirasimizdir.org.”