Data Zone
Country/territory: Türkiye
IBA criteria met: A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3 (2004)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 15,280 hectares (152.80 km2)
| IBA conservation status | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of assessment (most recent) | State (condition) | Pressure (threat) | Response (action) |
| 2016 | moderate | high | low |
| For more information about IBA monitoring, please click here | |||
Site description (2000 baseline)
The delta is situated on the Turkish-Greek border where the Meriç river flows into the Aegean Sea (adjacent to Greek site 006). The IBA comprises a complex of freshwater lakes, extensive reedbeds (Phragmites), lagoons and 3,400 ha of former flood-plain that has largely been converted to farmland. The lakes and marshes are surrounded by irrigated rice-fields. Sheep- and cattle-grazing is widespread.
Key biodiversity
An important site for both breeding and wintering waterbirds. Large numbers of Pelecanus onocrotalus roost on the lakes during migration.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Meriç Delta (Türkiye). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/meriç-delta-iba-türkiye on 23/12/2024.