More than 110 bird species live in the wetlands in the mountainous regions of Igdir.
The mountains of Igdir, which is one of the haunt points of various bird species, is home to birds like its plains.
According to AA, the wetlands above 2 thousand metres altitude in Mount Ararat and Aras Mountains are habitats for many native and migratory species.
In the studies carried out by the Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks, KuzeyDoğa Association, Igdir University and volunteers, 100 species were observed in Tekelti Mountain, 41 in Uğruca Lake, 40 in Canderviş Lake, 31 in Kandilli Wetland, 41 in Üçkaya Lake, 9 in Bağlan Forest, 32 in Bendemurat Dam Pond, 26 in Çilli Lake Wetland and 18 in Korhan Plateau. These numbers include the same species observed at different locations.
Among the species observed are the little vulture (Neophron percnopterus), the barn owl (Vanellus vanellus) and the black vulture (Aegypius monachus), which are on the red list of endangered species created by the World Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.
Dr. Emrah Çelik, Director of Iğdır University Ornithology Application and Research Centre (KUŞMER), told AA correspondent that the mountains of Iğdır, like its plain, host many species.
Explaining that the city is home to many species due to its location and geographical structure, Çelik said, ‘Iğdır is located on the Northeast Migration Route, which is one of Turkey's 2 important bird migration routes. With the arrival of spring and the warming of the weather, many different migratory bird species visit Iğdır's wetlands.’
Pointing out that the number of species in the region is increasing day by day with the ongoing studies, Çelik said, ‘We have identified more than 110 bird species with the latest studies we have carried out in the high-cut wetlands. In this sense, Iğdır's wetlands both in the plain and in the mountainous region are very important in terms of bird diversity.
'I INVITE BIRD WATCHERS HERE'
Emphasising that the region is extremely rich in terms of bird watching, Çelik said:
‘The wetlands in the lowland part of Iğdır are an important centre for bird watching. In addition, Üçkaya Lake, Tekelti Mountain, Çilli Lake and Korhan Plateau in the high parts of Iğdır are also important places for bird watching. I invite birdwatchers to these regions, which are rich in both natural beauty and bird diversity.