The determination of bird diversity of Ergani district Mount Zülküf (Makam) and it's near surrounding and improving conservation proposals

THE DETERMINATION OF BIRD DIVERSITY OF ERGANI DISTRICT MOUNT ZÜLKÜF (MAKAM) AND IT'S NEAR SURROUNDING AND IMPROVING CONSERVATION PROPOSALS. M.Sc. THESIS Abdullah ATABEY DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY INSTITUTE OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES UNIVERSITY OF DICLE 2018 The avifauna of Ergani Mount Zülküf and it's near surrounding was determined by this study. Between the April 2017 and April 2018 period 26 field excursions were carried out in the study area by standard ornithological equipment. Within the scope of the studies conducted at the Zülküf Mountain and its vicinity during one year, 73 bird species that belonging to 9 order and 25 families were determined. Among the identified bird species, 53 of them are belonging to the Passeriformes while 20 belong to the Non-passeriformes group. Of the bird species identified in the study area, 19 possibly, 16 probable and 14 species are certainly breeding species for the area. In other words, 49 (67%) of the bird species that determined in the area has a breeding potential in the study area. Of the birds observed, 28 were native, 12 were winter migrants, 23 were summer migrants and 9 were transit migrant categories while one species has a vagrant category. Amongst the recorded bird species, there is one globally threatened species while 7 are threatened for Turkey without least concern, not-evaluated or data deficient species. 3 of them in ''Near Threatened'' category (Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus, Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus and Roller Coracias garrulus) while 4 of them in the ''Vulnerable'' category (Black Kite Milvus migrans, Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, House Martin Delichon urbica and Tree Sparrow Passer montanus). Due to Mount Zülküf is considered a sanctuary place; it is visited by many local and foreign people every year. The area has an important value in terms of religious tourism. The bird diversity of the area which has great importance on account of religious and cultural value, was firstly studied, comprehensively. Presenting bird diversity of Zülküf Mount, together with existing cultural importance of the area, will help to bring to light the ecotourism potential of the area. Raising awareness of the region's on bird diversity by the local people will offer nature based tourism opportunities via ornithology in the region.