Ramsar Sites of Turkey - Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

The site supports a high variety <strong>of</strong> bird species due to being situated on the African-
Eurasian migration route. The site is very important for rich bird communities <strong>of</strong> the
greatest nature tourism potential, particularly for the symbolic species <strong>of</strong> ruddy shelducks
(Tadorna ferruginea). In September 2004, almost 12 percent <strong>of</strong> the world ruddy shelduck
population (over 20.000 individuals) was observed on the lake just in one day. Including
globally endangered white-headed duck (Oxyura leucocephala) and red-breasted goose
(Branta ruficollis), velvet scoter (Melanitta fusca), western marsh-herrier (Circus
aeruginosus) and common crane (Grus grus), 214 bird species are recorded in the site.
Mammals
Fox (Vulpes vulpes), southern vole (Microtus rossiaemeridionalis),
rat (Nannospalax nehringi) and marbled polecat (Vormela peregusna) are the mammals
recorded in the site.
CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ASPECTS
Archeology
Kuyucuk Village used to be the Molokan Village before, however Molokans have left after
1920. Later on, Karapapaks settled in the village that was deserted coming from regions,
which are currently within Georgian and Armenian borders.
Since Kuyucuk was a Molokan village, early constructions were built by them. The most
remarkable ones are the village school built in 1907 and the mosque in 1909. The village
school has remained unchanged. The village mosque meaning the church <strong>of</strong> Molokans,
- however, used to be a three-story building. Having been damaged and torn down in
time there remained only one story. A church bell <strong>of</strong> three tons at the top story was
demounted and damaged.
Other Molokan constructions are the village chambers. These works could preserve their
beauty on the outside.
Past and Present Land Use
Livestock production and agricultural activities shape the past and present land use in
Lake Kuyucuk.
NATURAL RESOURCE USE
The most important human activities in the environment <strong>of</strong> the lake are agriculture and
livestock production. Mostly fodder plants are cultivated and cattle farming is also one <strong>of</strong>
the most important means <strong>of</strong> living.
Bird ringing and wetland restoration works are conducted in Lake Kuyucuk. Birdwatchers
and nature tourists visit the site from the first moths <strong>of</strong> spring till the end <strong>of</strong> fall.
Students attending local schools and colleges celebrate special days such as World
Biodiversity Day, Environment Day, Migratory Birds Day, Birdwatching Day in the site.
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