- As part of the “Mediterranean Wetlands Conservation and Restoration Project” carried out by the Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Ornithology Research Center, a 17-hectare area in the delta was cleared of sharp-pointed reeds to create suitable breeding grounds for lapwings and other waterbirds

- Director of OMU Ornithology Research Center Prof. Dr. Kiraz Erciyas Yavuz: “We need such areas both to support the breeding of shorebirds and to ensure sustainable grazing”

Within the scope of the “Mediterranean Wetlands Conservation and Restoration Project,” a 17-hectare area in the Kızılırmak Delta Bird Paradise, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, was cleared of sharp-pointed reeds (Juncus acutus) by the Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Ornithology Research Center, making it suitable for lapwing breeding.

Lapwings, which prefer open fields, rice paddies, moist meadows, and muddy areas along lakes and rivers, lay their eggs in shallow depressions they create during the breeding season.

In the Kızılırmak Delta, which spans approximately 56,000 hectares, grazing by around 6,000 buffalo has also affected bird breeding areas.

To increase breeding opportunities for waterbirds, the OMU Ornithology Research Center conducted this initiative within the scope of the “Mediterranean Wetlands Conservation and Restoration Project.”

As part of the Project, supported by the French Development Agency and with contributions from the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ) 7th Regional Directorate and delta area management, a 17-hectare area in the Kızılırmak Delta Bird Paradise was cleared of sharp-pointed reeds to create suitable breeding habitats for lapwings and other waterbirds. Lapwing nests were also fenced off to prevent damage by buffalo.

Director of OMU Ornithology Research Center Prof. Dr. Kiraz Erciyas Yavuz stated that sharp-pointed reeds had become dominant in certain parts of the delta.

Pointing out that wet meadows in the Kızılırmak Delta are often submerged during the breeding season, Yavuz explained that waterbirds are therefore forced to nest in rice cultivation areas.

Stating that they developed the project to protect lapwing habitats in the Kızılırmak Delta, Yavuz said:

“Within this scope, we located and marked lapwing nests. Farmers engaged in rice cultivation avoided these marked areas and refrained from working there until the chicks hatched. However, since this approach is not sustainable in the long term, we considered expanding our wet meadow areas.”

Yavuz noted that areas previously covered with reeds were reorganized into wet meadows:

“We also arranged the area to allow buffalo grazing after the breeding period in order to ensure sustainable grazing. Through this project, we primarily created suitable habitats for lapwings, and subsequently for other shorebirds. We received strong support from public institutions, and it became a priority project for our university.”

Expansion to other areas planned

Highlighting that the 17-hectare area has also become a suitable habitat for different migratory bird species, Yavuz added:

“We need such areas both to support the breeding of shorebirds and to ensure sustainable grazing. If we can establish rotational grazing in the delta, everyone benefits, the environment, farmers, and migratory birds. In this way, we can build a sustainable future. If we achieve good results, we plan to expand this practice to other areas as well.”