[REVISION HISTORY]
Turkey expands bird releases for biological pest control
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2026-07-29 14:26 UTC → 2026-08-12 16:55 UTC ·
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Turkey expands bird releases for biological pest control
In late July 2026 2026, Istanbul began a pilot program, program by releasing several hundred captive‑bred captive-bred pheasants onto the forested island of Büyükada to naturally curb ticks and brown scorpions. Within days the The Turkish Directorate General Ministry of Agricultural Agriculture and Rural Support 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 effort, announcing biological-control effort nationwide. By late September, the production program aimed to release a total of 39,250 quail and 11,750 pheasants for release across multiple 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 aim is initiative has also extended to establish a sustained, wildlife‑based method for tick suppression, protect crops, 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 enhance biodiversity, with strengthening of these wildlife populations, authorities have implemented a policy of closing all release sites closed to hunting for at least three years to ensure bird survival. The two snapshots illustrate the rapid scaling of Turkey’s biological‑control years. This multi-species strategy from a localized trial seeks to a nationwide rollout. protect agricultural lands, support biodiversity, and promote sustainable pest management throughout Turkey.
Versions
- 2026-08-12 16:55 UTC Turkey expands bird releases for biological pest control
- 2026-07-29 14:26 UTC Turkey bird releases for pest control
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