Migratory bird populations are declining worldwide, and Turkey plays a critical role
According to a BirdLife International report, the population of 45 percent of migratory bird species is declining, while the Africa-Eurasia flyway, which includes Turkey, constitutes the largest migration system.
The State of the World's Birds report, published by BirdLife International, revealed that 45 percent of migratory bird species globally are experiencing population declines. While the Africa-Eurasia Migratory Flyway System, which includes Turkey, constitutes the world's largest bird migration system, a total of 200 migratory bird species face the threat of extinction.
State of the World's Birds Report
The report published by BirdLife International revealed that the population of 45 percent of the 1,843 migratory bird species worldwide is declining. In this context, numerous major flyways have been identified globally for landbirds, waterbirds, and seabirds.
The report pointed out that migration routes and flyways span across oceans and continents, connecting all countries in the world.
Africa-Eurasia Migratory Flyway System
The Africa-Eurasia Migratory Flyway System, which covers the geography where Turkey is also located, consists of the East Atlantic, Black Sea-Mediterranean, and East Asian-East African flyways.
More than 2 billion passerine birds migrate along these routes, which form the world's largest bird migration system, from breeding grounds in Europe and Asia to wintering grounds in Africa.
Threats Faced by Migratory Birds
During their long and dangerous journeys, migratory birds struggle with many threats such as habitat loss, illegal hunting, infrastructure development, climate change, and diseases.
The fact that birds depend on areas in multiple countries throughout their annual life cycles makes their protection a shared responsibility at the international level.
Endangered Species Found in Turkey
The migration system in which Turkey is located hosts many migratory bird species that are globally endangered.
Species seen in the country include vulnerable and endangered species under protection, such as the sociable lapwing, Egyptian vulture, white-headed duck, common pochard, and lesser white-fronted goose.
Antalya's Bird Diversity
According to the Avibase database hosted by Birds Canada, 384 different bird species are recorded on the Antalya checklist.
While 18 of the species recorded in this city are globally threatened, species such as the white-headed duck, red-breasted goose, and common pochard stand out on the list.
Steps to Be Taken for Conservation
For the effective conservation of migratory birds, not only breeding areas but the entire migration route must be managed in a coordinated manner.
Protecting critical areas, restoring habitats, and preventing illegal hunting are listed among the measures of vital importance by experts.