We couldn't even protect the birds: '60 percent of species are in decline'

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has revealed a serious decline in the populations of migratory shorebirds, indicating that many ecosystems are also not in good condition. It announced that one in every 8 bird species is facing the risk of extinction. Doğa Derneği Conservation Program Coordinator Şafak Arslan made statements to 12punto regarding the issue. Arslan explained the reasons for the disappearance of birds one by one.

“60 PERCENT OF BIRD SPECIES ARE IN DECLINE”

Stating that we can gain insight into what is happening in nature by studying birds, Arslan said, “Birds are already among the leading groups of living things that are quickly affected by changes occurring in ecosystems. That is why the number of birds worldwide is decreasing day by day. Globally, 60 percent of bird species are in decline. Consequently, changes in habitats, in particular, affect the bird species in that habitat. That is why birds are among the primary indicator groups. By studying birds, we can see what is happening in nature.”

“REASONS FOR EXTINCTION: HABITAT LOSS”

Expressing the reasons for the extinction of birds in Turkey, Arslan stated, “The main reason is habitat loss. In particular, electrocution, activities occurring in wetlands and forests, and threats occurring in every ecosystem directly affect these bird species. At the very foundation, there is habitat loss.” 

“INTERVENTION IN NATURE HAS A NEGATIVE IMPACT”

Speaking about the holding company that cut down trees as part of the gold mine project in the Kaz Mountains, which drew great reaction, Arslan said, “Every intervention in nature negatively affects the groups of living things that live there. When this is large-scale, it affects a larger area. Every living thing here has a right to life. When we look at this from a human-centered perspective, companies or decision-makers say ‘our priority is humans,’ but that is not the case. This is one of the main reasons for the climate change and changing weather conditions that are always talked about: the destruction of the ecosystem. This is the reason why we are talking about ‘how to live without water’ and ‘how sea water can be used’ in the future. If things continue this way, humans will disappear before the birds. The lack of water, clean air, and food will affect everything,” he warned.

“ECOSYSTEMS SHOULD BE PRIORITIZED IN PLANNING”

Explaining what needs to be done for the process to proceed positively, Arslan concluded his words by saying, “All planning must be done by prioritizing the ecosystem, protecting areas that are rich in biodiversity, and restoring areas that have been worn down by previous threats or have in a sense lost their habitat characteristics. These areas will likely recover quickly.”