Counting Results of Great Bustard (Otis tarda, Linnaeus, 1758) Between 2013-2020 in Eskişehir, Kütahya and Afyonkarahisar provinces

Abstract

The Great Bustard (Otis tarda, Linneaus 1758) is a bird species categorized as “Least Concern” in Europe and “Vulnerable” in the world by the IUCN and listed in both CITES and the Bern Convention Annex II. According to the latest estimates, Turkey’s population makes up only 1-2% of the global population, which is represented by 44.000-57.000 individuals. This population study was carried out in 7 different locations in Eskişehir, Kütahya, and Afyonkarahisar provinces between March 2013 and January 2020. In summary, the surveyed areas were recorded as having a total wintering population of 205 individuals, a total breeding population of 100 individuals, and a total summering population of 70 individuals. The surveyed areas represent an average of 17-29% of Turkey’s population in wintering period, an average of 8-14% of Turkey’s population in breeding period, and an average of 6-10% of Turkey’s population in summering period. Urgent implementation of protective measures is required to prevent the population decline of the Great Bustard within the study areas. Detailed ethological studies on the species are recommended as a means of creating new measures to not only stop population decline but to promote population growth to healthy levels.