Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Sandgrouse, cilt.47, ss.26-37, 2025 (Hakemli Dergi)
The Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax, a key indicator of grassland health, has experienced significant population declines across its range. In Türkiye, the species was classified as Critically Endangered (CR) in 2004, and recent estimates suggest that the breeding population has nearly disappeared, with an estimated 5–30 ‘pairs’ remaining. Despite its precarious status as a breeding species and its presence during migration and winter, no systematic surveys have been conducted for Little Bustards in Türkiye for almost two decades. This study integrates published and grey literature, citizen science data and expert interviews to assess the status, distribution and movements of Little Bustards in Türkiye. We estimate a breeding population of 10–20 individuals, restricted to a few localities in eastern Türkiye, a migratory population of 250–400 individuals and a wintering population of 100–200 birds, which primarily use sites in coastal regions. The threats to these populations in Türkiye are known or inferred to include agricultural intensification and expansion, overgrazing and hunting. An exceptional influx of Little Bustards in 2024/2025 is unexplained. Urgent conservation actions and targeted surveys are needed to protect the remaining breeding and non-breeding populations, identify ongoing threats and ensure the species’ survival in Türkiye.