The Lakes Region's Cry 4: Wetlands and Birds Under the Microscope

The Lakes Region's Cry 4: Wetlands and Birds Under the Microscope

Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) Wildlife Protection, Rehabilitation Practice and Research Center provided scientific contributions to the project “The Lakes Region's Cry 4” conducted within the scope of TÜBİTAK 4004 – Nature Education and Science Schools Support Program this year as well.

The project, carried out between August 24–28, 2026, under the leadership of Isparta Şehit Polis Mehmet Karacatilki Science and Art Center, aims to raise awareness about the effects of increasingly evident drought, water loss in lakes, changes occurring in aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity, pollution, and climate change on natural life in the Lakes Region. The project summary by TÜBİTAK also mentions the effects of drought on water and aquatic products, as well as the reflections of changes in lakes on economic activities such as agriculture and tourism.

Birds and Wetland Ecosystems Were Examined On-Site

Dr. Lecturer Yasemin Özdemir, Director of MAKÜ Wildlife Protection, Rehabilitation Practice and Research Center, contributed to the project by participating in field activities conducted on August 26, 2026, at Kovada Lake and on August 27, 2026, at Burdur Lake.

During the field studies, participants were informed about the importance of wetland ecosystems in terms of biodiversity, the relationships of birds with wetlands, the habitats of migratory and resident bird species, and the possible effects of changes occurring in these ecosystems on bird populations.

In the events where bird observations were also conducted, participants had the opportunity to observe birds in their natural habitats using binoculars, telescopes, and photography equipment. Thus, the theoretical knowledge was directly supported by field experience, allowing participants to evaluate the relationship between wetlands and wildlife on-site.

Field Training from Kovada Lake to Burdur Lake

In the Kovada Lake study on August 26, the importance of different habitats around the lake for birds was emphasized. Participants had the opportunity to examine the living spaces of birds, the components of the wetland ecosystem, and the importance of protecting natural areas through observations conducted around the lake.

In the study conducted at Burdur Lake on August 27, evaluations were made regarding the current ecological status of the lake and the effects of changes in water levels on wetland habitats. The relationships between wetland loss, habitat change, drought, and the conservation of biodiversity were discussed alongside bird observations.

In this respect, the field studies conducted in two different wetlands allowed participants to comparatively observe the ecosystems in the Lakes Region and directly evaluate environmental changes in the field.