Historic Step for Endangered Birds in Tekirdağ: Imperial Eagle and Stork Chicks Placed Under Scientific Monitoring
Report: Özge Zeki
A unique conservation project has been launched in the region as part of the “Imperial Eagle and Stork Species Action Plan,” implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks (DKMP) 1st Regional Directorate and Trakya Elektrik Dağıtım AŞ (TREDAŞ). In the first phase of the project, 100 stork and 15 imperial eagle chicks were meticulously ringed.
Critical Data Being Collected for the Scientific World
Through ringing efforts:
✔️ The birds’ migration routes and stopover sites
✔️ Average lifespans and breeding success
✔️ Anthropogenic threats (electrocution, habitat loss, etc.)
will be scientifically recorded.
The project’s 5-year goals include:
🔹 Ringing 500 storks and 100 imperial eagles
🔹 Attaching satellite-transmitter GPS trackers to 15 imperial eagles and 5 storks.
Striking Statements from Fikret Can, the “Stork Grandfather”
Fikret Can, known as “Leylek Dede” (Stork Grandfather), who has been fighting for stork conservation for 20 years, made important statements in Tekirdağ, where the project is taking place: “Tens of Thousands of Storks Fall Victim to Electricity in Turkey Every Year”
“The biggest threat to storks is electricity poles. They used to nest on chimneys or in trees; now, their only alternative is electricity poles. However, these are turning into death traps. The special platforms (2 meters high) installed by TREDAŞ are very valuable in this regard. But the real solution is to bury the power lines underground.”
“Turkey is Far Ahead of Europe in Stork Population”
“There are 52,000 stork pairs in Poland and 35,000 in Spain. According to official data, Turkey is said to have 35,000 pairs, but the real number is likely around 65,000 because no systematic census is conducted. In the Samsun Kızılırmak Delta alone, there are 2,400 active nests!”
“TREDAŞ’s 1,000 Nests are a Start, But Not Enough”
“TREDAŞ has installed 1,000 safe nesting platforms so far. This is a commendable step, but the need is much greater. We are talking about 35,000 nests. Other distribution companies need to follow this project’s example.”
“Storks are a Tourism Opportunity for Turkey”
“There are 50 million birdwatchers in Europe. If stork migration routes are properly protected, Turkey can capture a significant potential in ecotourism. For example, the stork forests in Samsun could become a major attraction in themselves.”
Concrete Outcomes of the Project
✅ Bird-Friendly Infrastructure: By installing special nesting platforms on electricity poles throughout Thrace, TREDAŞ has reduced stork mortality by 70%.
✅ Education Campaign: Nature conservation training will be provided in schools and villages.
✅ Global Data Network: The collected information will be shared with organizations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Experts Warn: “Imperial Eagles are on the Brink of Extinction”
DKMP teams stated that they have taken urgent measures to protect the last breeding grounds of imperial eagles in Thrace. For the imperial eagles, with an estimated population of fewer than 50 pairs in Turkey:
🔸 Special protection for nesting areas
🔸 Increased inspections against illegal hunting
🔸 Mapping of migration routes through GPS tracking is planned.
As Fikret Can said, “This project is a beginning. Our goal is to build a safe future for birds and people throughout all of Turkey.”
