Status and development of the population of the globally threatened Dalmatian Pelican, Pelecanus crispus, in Turkey

The Dalmatian Pelican, Pelecanus crispus (Bruch, 1832), used to be a widespread breeding species in Turkey in the past. Until the 1990s, approximately 473-763 pairs were breeding at 20-25 sites. Of these, 53-59% have been lost due to drainage of wetlands, 17-19% due to direct persecution, 16-22% due to both drainage and persecution, and 6-8% due to water level increase. Currently there are only five active breeding colonies: Gediz Delta, Manyas Lake, Buyuk Menderes Delta, Aktas Lake and Isikli Lake. The colony at Isikli Lake was discovered in 2010 and comprises 6 pairs. Since 2000, the total breeding population of Dalmatian Pelicans increased moderately from 220-250 to 277-341 pairs. Likewise, the wintering population has also increased from 352 up to 2,344 individuals, which seems to be linked with the increase in the breeding population in the region. Nevertheless, the population size still renders the species susceptible to the risks affecting small populations.