72 Water Bird Species Recorded in Island Census
Birdlife Conservation Association (Kuşkor) and Birdlife Cyprus recently conducted a water bird count in 72 wetlands in Cyprus between 17-20 January. The results revealed the presence of 72 different species and a total of 21,592 water birds were counted during this period.
In the past two years, there has been a noticeable decrease in the number of water birds in the region, which is concerning for conservation efforts. However, the recent count showed some positive signs, with an increase in the population of certain species.
The highest number of individuals was observed in Kaşıkgaga, with 6,217 individuals, followed by spoongaga and mudman. It was noted that some species, like Suna and golden rainders, have shown significant increases in population compared to previous years. However, the number of Flamingos has been decreasing steadily over the past three years, posing a conservation challenge.
One of the notable findings from the count was the presence of endangered species such as girls and Elmabaş Patka in the Haspolat area. These species are listed on the IUCN Red List, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to protect them.
The data collected from these water bird counts are essential for understanding the impact of global issues like climate change, agriculture, hunting, and urbanization on bird populations. This information is crucial for making informed decisions about conservation and resource management to preserve biodiversity and combat climate change.
The efforts of organizations like Kuşkor and Birdlife Cyprus, along with the support of the Cyprus Environment Foundation, are instrumental in monitoring and protecting wetlands in Cyprus. By prioritizing conservation measures and raising awareness about the importance of preserving these habitats, we can ensure the survival of water birds and other wildlife for future generations.
