Effects of Habitat Change on Breeding Waterbirds in Arin (Sodali) Lake, Turkey

Abstract

Defining the response of waterbirds to habitat change is of great importance for providing useful inputs for conservation studies of wetland ecosystems. However, little is known about the effects of water level fluctuation and habitat change on waterbirds. Therefore, it is urgent to analyze the relationship between them. Arin Lake being one of the Important Bird Areas in Van Lake Basin of Turkey is a very significant area in terms of birds. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between the changes in the abundance and distribution of waterbirds and the changes in their habitat structure using GIS (Geographical Information Systems) Analysis methods. Between 2013-2015, 51 waterbird species were observed in the research area. Significant increases were detected in swamp, sandy areas and wet grasslands while the total area of clear water surface and reed beds decreased. Changes in the population densities of Anatidae, Podicipedidae and Rallidae were positively correlated with the changes in the clear water surface and reed bed habitats while Ardeidae, Haematopodidae, Recurvirostridae, Charadriidae, Scolopacidae, Laridae and Sternidae were significantly negatively correlated with. The most commonly represented families were Anatidae and Scolopacidae, with 15 and 11 species. Our results demonstrated that water level fluctuation and habitat change affected the habitat quality, population size, distribution and habitat preferences in feeding and breeding areas of waterbirds resting and breeding in the area. Consequently, we recommend that urgent conservation measures should be taken to protect sensitive habitats of Arin Lake and bird species dependent on the wetland.