Ahmet İLKTAÇ

In our Cyprus, famous for its natural beauties, a total of 385 bird species have been identified from past to present, which is described as an important wealth. Cyprus, which is also very rich in endemic bird species, is also the only one within the borders of the European Union (EU) from "Endemic Bird Areas", which is only 218 in the world.

Many migratory birds pass through our country and they are staying for a while, and these birds are staying in our country for a while for storing oil in their bodies for use on their long journeys.

Cyprus, which has more and more attractions like this, attracts a great deal of interest from crowds of bird watching.

 

We are rich in bird species

Birds and Nature Conservation Society (KUŞKOR) Board Member Dr. Damla Beton spoke to our newspaper NORTH CYPRUS UK and noted that bird watching is an enjoyable event that can be held anywhere in the world, from the desert to the rainforest, and it reinforces the relationship between the nature and the humankind and even supports nature conservation efforts. Dr. Damla Beton, therefore, said bird watching takes the interest of crowded masses and Cyprus has a special status for bird watchers. As it can be understood from the names, Cyprus Warbler (Sylvia melanothorax) and Cyprus Wheatear (Oenanthe cypriaca) are only breeds in Cyprus in the World and these species are endemic to Cyprus. Dr. Damla Beton underlined that Cyprus is the only European example of "Endemic Bird Areas", which is only 218 in the world.

Beton, indicates that in addition to these two special species, approximately 70 species of birds can be found in different areas. She stated that species that are under danger in the world scale such as Roller (Coracias garrulus) breeds in creek beds, Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca) in the wetlands and Audouin's Gull (Larus audouinii) reported on the islets in the sea.

"Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciata) which are endangered in Europe prefers the cliffs. In addition, in its noble posture, Spur-winged Plover (Vanellus spinosus) breeds in wetlands, black-headed Bunting (Emberiza melanocephala), which is native to the Mediterranean, prefers bushes and Masked Shrike (Lanius nubicus) breeds within tree/bushes. Birds such as Turaç (Black Francolin, Francolinus francolinus), which are not found in Europe and are widely breeding in the island, are among the species attracts the birdwatchers," said

Dr. Damla Beton.

 

Important migrating species coming to island

Beton, tells that some species have come to Cyprus to benefit from temperate climatic conditions and to spend the winter, around 90 species including Blue Gerrod (Blue Throat, Luscinia svecica), Kaşıkgaga (Shoveller, Anas clypeata), Elmabaş Patka (Pochard, Aythya ferina) , Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria), and (Moustached Warbler) are stop over in and around wetlands.

Species such as Stonechat (Saxicola torquatus), Finsch's Wheatear (Oenanthe finschii) can be observed in the open platos, and species such as Blackbird (Turdus merula), Bullwinkle Juniper (Ring Ouzel, Turdus torquatus) and Forest Toygar (Woodlark, Lullula arborea) prefers woodlands. Beton explained that in addition to all these species, there are more than 200 different species of birds, they were able to take a break in Cyprus and store some fat to continue their journey to complete the challenging journey between Africa and Europe.

Damla Beton said that all of these are immigrant species makes lay overs in our island and she added the fact that so many of them are in the middle of the migration path between Cyprus and Africa and Europe.

Dr. Damla Beton said; "There are many different species of birds. For example, there are many bird of prey species such as Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus), Hobby (Falco subbuteo), Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus), Falcon (Common Buzzard, Buteo buteo), Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus). There are also other aquatic birds such as Balaban (Bittern, (Botaurus stellaris), Bıldırcın Klavuzu (Corn Crake, Crex crex), Küçük Balaban (Little Bittern,(Ixobrychus minutus), Taş Çeviren (Ruddy Turnstone, Arenaria interpres), Halkalı Cılıbıt (Ringed Plover, Charadrius hiaticula) pass our country, ".

Referring to the fact that there are 385 species of birds recorded in Cyprus from the past to the present day, Beton said, "If we say that this number is about 465 for Turkey, I think it is better to understand how big variety we are talking about for a small island."

She emphasized that Cyprus is a very suitable region for bird watching and that it is unique in many aspects. Damla Beton said that a company under the name of Cyprus Wildlife Ecology is serving to help and service those who are interested. Dr. Damla Beton concluded by saying that this team is composed of scientists who are interested in birds and who are trying to increase the value given to bird watching by both associations and scientific studies and to work on many environmental protection projects.