WCC 2020 Res 030 - Activity Report

In the Gediz Delta, one of the five areas in Türkiye where the near-threatened Dalmatian pelican breeds regularly, we have initiated the construction of artificial nesting platforms to support the species. The Gediz Delta is home to 3% of the global Dalmatian pelican population, but the species has faced significant declines in recent decades. From the 1950s to 1980s, Dalmatian pelicans bred in 17 wetlands across Türkiye, but habitat loss, water regime changes, and human disturbances have led to a decline in breeding areas. Major threats in the Gediz Delta include rising sea levels due to climate change, erosion from waves and currents, and human impact. To provide new breeding spaces for this critical species, we have built a wooden artificial nesting platform. These platforms are equipped with nesting materials and artificial pelican decoys, creating a safe environment for the pelicans to breed and thrive. This initiative is a crucial step in conserving and strengthening the population of Dalmatian pelicans in Türkiye.