Birds of Mount Nemrut National Park Area, Turkey

Bird species diversity at Mount Nemrut (Adiyaman province, south-eastern Turkey) and in the surrounding areas was studied during the period 2009-2010. Data was collected using the point-count method at predefined observation sites. Birds of 107 different species were recorded, of which 20 were certainly breeding, 17 were probably breeding, and 29 were possibly breeding in the study area. Including species reported by other sources, a total of 160 bird species has so far been detected in the Mount Nemrut area, while the white-throated dipper was recorded for the first time. Diversity was calculated by using the Shannon-Wiener diversity index. Highest diversities were detected in woodland habitats (including oak groves), rocky areas and woodland habitats. Bird diversity showed peaks corresponding to spring and autumn passage migrations, and bird numbers were highest in mid-winter. Although part of Mount Nemrut has been declared one of Turkey's key biodiversity areas and has already been given the status of a National Park, threats occur, notably the harmful effects of mass tourism and illegal hunting, because of ineffective protection measures. Better knowledge of local avifauna and its habitat requirements may help to ensure better protection of this unique area.