Akkaya Dam Lake in Niğde is Home to 225 Bird Species
Akkaya Dam Lake in Niğde draws attention as an area where 225 of the 500 bird species observed in Turkey have been photographed. The reservoir is also home to duck species such as the steep tail, diamondback, and the patka, which are also preferred by flamingos as accommodation areas. Niğde Governor Cahit Çelik emphasized the natural beauties and bird diversity of the region and invited everyone to see these beautiful birds.
Akkaya Dam lake in Niğde, where 225 of the 500 bird species observed in Turkey have been photographed, also hosts flamingos.Akkaya Dam lake near Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University campus hosts about half of the bird species observed in Turkey.Bird activity in the dam, where 225 species have been observed by birdwatchers, has increased again thanks to the Advanced Biological Treatment Plant built by Niğde Municipality. At the same time, the dam, which is home to duck species such as steep tail, elmabaş, patka, which are on the red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is also preferred by flamingos as an accommodation area.Governor Cahit Çelik told AA correspondent that Niğde is one of the most beautiful provinces in Turkey in terms of natural beauty. Stating that he described Niğde as “the capital of mountains and lakes”, Çelik said, “Aladağlar, Bolkar Mountains, as well as crater lakes in these mountains are worth seeing. In the city center, Akkaya Dam on the campus of our university is a home and a place for birds. In total, there are 500 different bird species identified so far in Turkey. So far, 225 different bird species have been photographed at Akkaya Dam. Flamingos are the most important of these. The number is especially high in June, but we can see a lot of flamingos in this season.”
Çelik pointed out that bird species on the IUCN’s red list were also photographed in the reservoir, noting that species such as spiky tail, diamondback, and patka were the most important ones.Çelik pointed out that Akkaya should be protected and said that they organized various activities to promote the region and instill nature awareness in children.Çelik emphasized that according to the data of the World Bird Conservation Organization, there is a decrease in bird species every year, and said: “One out of every 8 bird species is in danger of extinction. This reservoir creates a beautiful ecosystem for birds to continue their lives. This place is a beautiful destination not only for local birdwatchers but also for international birdwatchers. We invite everyone to see and watch these beautiful birds in every season. Especially in the early morning, the sounds of birds make people incredibly happy. It is the same in the evening. The natural potential of this place is very good. At the same time, there are ur partridge and mountain rooster in Aladağlar, which are in the red list of IUCN. We invite all nature lovers here.”
