Current view: Text account
Site description (2000 baseline):
Site location and context
A large reservoir (max. depth 70 m) on the Kýzýlýrmak river, north-east of Tuz lake (site 072). Up to 7,000 ha of mudflats appear during periods of low water-levels. The area is surrounded by arable land. The dam provides hydroelectric power and serves flood-control purposes.
The site is very important for wintering waterbirds, with counts of up to 134,000 birds recorded in recent years. Terns (Sterninae) breed in small numbers on the islands.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Proposals are being developed to irrigate 13,500 ha adjacent to the IBA with water from the reservoir. This may lead to agricultural run-off flowing back into the reservoir. Hunting causes disturbance.
National None
International None
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Hirfanlı Reservoir (Türkiye). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/hirfanlı-reservoir-iba-türkiye on 23/12/2024.
