Determination of the ornithological potential and usage areas of Istanbul Terkos (Durusu) Lake using geographic information systems (GIS)

This study was carried out in Lake Terkos (Durusu) between 2015-2017. The aim of the study is to reveal the ornithological potential of the area using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). As a result of the study, 197 species and 2 subspecies belonging to 51 families consisting of 19 teams were identified. 56 of these species were given the "Definite" and "Probable" code for reproduction. Of the 56 bird species, 31 were coded as definitive breeding and 25 as probable breeding. According to the immigration status of the area, it was observed that 32 (16.1 %) were seen in winter only, Winter Visitor (WV) and 55 (27.6 %) were using the area very shortly,Transit Migrant (TM), 38 (19.1 %) were constantly seen in the field Residant (R) and 74 (37.2 %) were seen in summer only in the area, Summer Visitor (SV) status. In addition, according to IUCN conservation status, 185 of species (93.0 %) were classified as LC (Least Concern), 7 (3.5 %) were classified as NT (Near Threatened) ), 4 (2.0 %) were classified as VU (Vulnerable), 1 (0.5 %) was classified as EN (Endangered) and 2 (1.0 %) species were not included in the coverage. According to the BERN agreement, it was determined that 134 (67,3 %) were excluded from Annex II, 54 (27.1 %) were Annex III and 11 (5.7 %) were out of scope. According to CITES, 3 (1.5 %) of the mentioned species were found to be excluded from Annex I, 26 (13.1 %) Annex-II and 170 (85.4 %) were out of scope. It has been observed that the coastal and water birds prefer habitats of reeds, swamps, forests, meadows, lakes and agricultural land. It has been observed that coastal and water birds preferred mostly grassland and reeds to breed, and lake habitat to feed. It was seen that the habitats were affected by the irregular water fluctuations that resulted from human intervention in the lake. It was observed that during the spring incubation period when the rain was excessive, the hatchings were destroyed as a result of floods and many birds had left the area for this reason. During the spring and autumn migration periods, 25 species migrating through the study area were observed. A total of 6795 individuals were counted for 629 times of these species. It was found that the most common species in the field were 3595 (52.9 %) individuals and Ciconia ciconia (White Stork). It was observed that the study area was under intense human pressures such as hunting, irregular settlement, habitat destruction. Keywords: Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Habitat, Birds, Ornitofauna, Terkos (Durusu) Lake