# Turkey expands bird releases for biological pest control

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-bird-releases-for-pest-control
> Updated: 2026-08-12T15:31:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 3.

In late July 2026, Istanbul began a pilot program by releasing several hundred captive-bred pheasants onto the forested island of Büyükada to naturally curb ticks and brown scorpions. The Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s Nature Conservation and National Parks General Directorate (DKMP) managed the process, which involved incubating eggs for approximately 24 days and rearing chicks under controlled conditions. Istanbul Governor Davut Gül noted that the birds “have great benefit for nature,” specifically in reducing harmful insects while enhancing the ecosystem.

Following this trial, the DKMP expanded the biological-control effort nationwide. By late September, the program aimed to release a total of 39,250 quail and 11,750 pheasants across various districts, including Kızılcahamam (Ankara) and Yıldızeli (Sivas). These releases target habitats with water sources and seed-bearing vegetation to provide an ecological alternative to chemical acaricides.

The initiative has also extended to the release of partridges. In Kırıkkale, 400 chukar partridges from the Yozgat Partridge Production Station were released in the Yahşihan district to strengthen the natural balance. To ensure the survival and strengthening of these wildlife populations, authorities have implemented a policy of closing all release sites to hunting for at least three years. This multi-species strategy seeks to protect agricultural lands, support biodiversity, and promote sustainable pest management throughout Turkey.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-12: Kırıkkale releases partridges to control tick populations

Partridges from the Yozgat Production Station were released in Kırıkkale, Turkey, to naturally reduce tick populations and enhance local biodiversity.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/krkkale-releases-partridges-to-control-tick-populations

### 2026-07-27: Turkey releases 51,000 quail and pheasants to curb tick infestations

Turkey’s wildlife agency released about 51,000 quail and pheasants in Ankara and Sivas to biologically control ticks, protect biodiversity, and reduce chemical pesticide use.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-releases-51000-quail-and-pheasants-to-curb-tick-infestations

### 2026-07-22: Istanbul releases hundreds of pheasants on Büyükada to curb ticks and brown scorpions

Turkey’s Istanbul agency released hundreds of pheasants on Büyükada to boost biodiversity and naturally curb ticks and brown scorpions, with officials citing ecological benefits.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/istanbul-releases-hundreds-of-pheasants-on-bykada-to-curb-ticks-and-brown-scorpions

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Cite as: Turkey expands bird releases for biological pest control. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-bird-releases-for-pest-control