Turkey releases 1,200 crested quails in Kastamonu for pest control

The Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, through the Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks, released 1,200 crested quails (kınalı keklik) in Kastamonu province as a biological measure against ticks and other insects. The birds were set free in an enclosed area of Hacımuharrem village in the central district, with additional releases in the Hanönü and İhsangazi districts. Regional director Ali Bozkurt said, "Bugün burada biyolojik mücadele kapsamında Kastamonu ilimizde bin 200 tane keklik salınımı gerçekleştireceğiz." Village head Kadir Çavdarcı thanked the authorities for the pest‑control effort. Officials including TKDK provincial coordinator Ahmet Kuyulu and Kastamonu Nature Conservation director Yalçın Uayanık joined local residents for the release.

The operation aims to reduce tick populations and protect agricultural and forested areas through natural predation.