Ramsar Sites of Turkey - Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

ufinus), golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), saker falcon (Falco cherrug), black-winged
stilt (Himantopus himantopus) are recorded. According to the information obtained from
the local people, the site reportedly supported almost 100 bird species until 2003, which,
however, degraded recently. Most <strong>of</strong> the birds do not frequent the lake anymore.
Mammals
European hare (Lepus europaeus), red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and various mouse species
are the mammals observed in the site.
CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ASPECTS
Archeology
Meke Maar was formed after an initial crater by a volcanic eruption 400 million years ago
had been filled in with water transforming into a lake and a second volcanic cone by a
second volcanic eruption 9000 years ago was outcropped in the middle <strong>of</strong> the initial
crater lake filled with water yet again, transforming into a secondary lake.
Past and Present Land use
Almost whole <strong>of</strong> the local people live on agricultural and livestock production activities.
Despite the area is on Konya-Adana highway, described as the old Silk-Road,
industrialization is rare today. Domestic and foreign tourists visit the lake during the
year.
NATURAL RESOURCE USE
Agriculture
The lake water cannot be used for agricultural purposes since the highest conductivity
rate <strong>of</strong> irrigation water should be2.250ec at the highest;; the electric conductivity <strong>of</strong> the
lake is 65.000ec. However from almost 10 wells within 10km2 around the lake, water is
pumped for irrigational uses.
Livestock
There are no livestock production activities in the area.
WETLAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
Wetland Management Plan is not prepared since human activities in the area are rare.
References
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