Current Status of Nationally Important Wetlands in Sivas Province, Turkey

Abstract

This study is about the current status of nationally important wetlands in Sivas province. As a result of the study, it was determined that there are two nationally important wetlands in Sivas province. These are Tödürge Lake and Ulaş Lake are nationally important wetlands. Tödürge Lake and Ulaş Lake wetlands in Sivas are usually covered with a thick snow cover in winter. An intense bird activity begins in the spring. Many bird species prefer Tödürge Lake and Ulaş Lake wetlands to perform their breeding, resting, feeding and daily displacement activities. The wetland area of national importance in Sivas is 12334 hectares. Wetlands of national importance constitute 0.45 percent of Sivas province's surface area. Considering that the nationally important wetlands in Turkey are 1.12% of the total surface area, it has been determined that the size of the nationally important wetlands throughout the province of Sivas is insufficient. Wetlands are habitats at the lowest point of the basin in which they are located. Therefore, it is affected by all activities in the basin. In order to minimize these effects, rational and efficient use of Tödürge Lake and Ulaş Lake nationally important wetlands in Sivas province should be ensured.