Evaluating the Wintering Distribution of the Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus) in Türkiye Using Citizen Science Data

Abstract

Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus) is globally classified as Vulnerable and one of the rarest goose species recorded in Türkiye. Despite its status as a regular but scarce winter visitor, systematic monitoring is absent, and knowledge relies mainly on citizen science observations and limited telemetry data. To assess the species’ wintering distribution and threats in Türkiye, records from citizen science portals were compiled and filtered for duplicates. Confirmed observations were obtained for 26 wetlands. Lake Erçek in Eastern Anatolia was identified as the only regular wintering site, while Lake Haçlı was identified as a potential regular wintering site; other wetlands hosted only irregular records. The largest flock—1,234 individuals—was reported from Lake Haçlı in 2021; however, insufficient monitoring prevents classification of the site as a regular wintering area. Poaching may represent the most severe threat. As both major Western Palearctic flyways intersect Türkiye, the conservation of key eastern wetlands, particularly Erçek and Haçlı are essential. The study underscores the need for systematic monitoring and targeted conservation measures for wintering goose species.

Keywords

• Lesser White-fronted Goose
• Wintering
• Wildfowl
• Threatened species
• Türkiye

Küçük Sakarcanın (Anser erythropus) Türkiye’deki Kışlama Dağılımının Vatandaş Bilimi Verileriyle Değerlendirilmesi

Abstract

Küçük sakarca (Anser erythropus), küresel ölçekte “Hassas” olarak sınıflandırılmıştır ve Türkiye’de kaydedilen en nadir kaz türlerindedir. Düzenli ancak sayıca az bir kış ziyaretçisi olmasına rağmen, türle ilgili sistematik izleme çalışması bulunmamaktadır ve mevcut bilgi ağırlıklı olarak vatandaş bilimi gözlemleri ve sınırlı telemetri verisine dayanmaktadır. Türün Türkiye’deki kışlama dağılımı ve tehditlerini değerlendirmek için vatandaş bilimi portallarındaki kayıtlar derlenmiş ve mükerrer veriler elenmiştir. Doğrulanmış gözlemler 26 sulak alan için tespit edilmiştir. Doğu Anadolu’da yer alan Erçek Gölü, Türkiye’deki tek düzenli kışlama alanı; Haçlı Gölü ise potansiyel düzenli kışlama alanı olarak belirlenirken, diğer sulak alanlarda düzensiz kayıtlar belirlenmiştir. En büyük sürü, 2021 yılında Haçlı Gölü’nden 1.234 birey olarak bildirilmiş olmasına rağmen yetersiz izleme, bu alanın düzenli bir kışlama alanı olarak sınıflandırılmasını engellemektedir. Kaçak avcılık türü etkileyen en ciddi tehdit olarak değerlendirilmiştir. İki ana Batı Palearktik göç yolu Türkiye ile ilişkili olduğu için, özellikle Erçek ve potansiyel olarak Haçlı gölleri gibi önemli doğu sulak alanlarının korunması gereklidir. Çalışma, kışlayan kaz türleri için sistematik izleme ve hedefe yönelik koruma önlemlerine duyulan ihtiyacı vurgulamaktadır.

Keywords

• Küçük Sakarca
• Kışlama
• Su Kuşu
• Tehlikedeki Türler
• Türkiye

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