Hürmetçi Reedbed is an important wetland located 13 kilometers southwest of the center of Kayseri province, within the borders of the Kocasinan, Hacılar, and İncesu districts. The ecosystem, positioned at an altitude of approximately 1073 meters above sea level, is surrounded by Mount Erciyes to the south and Sultan Marshes (Sultan Sazlığı) to the southwest. The region consists of different wetland habitats such as reedbeds, marshes (bataklıklar), and wet meadows. The reedbed is also known as "Karasaz" among the local people.
Hürmetçi Reedbed (T.C. Hacılar Kaymakamlığı)
International Importance
Hürmetçi Reedbed was defined as an "Internationally Important Wetland" in 2004 by the former Ministry of Environment and Forestry (Mülga Çevre ve Orman Bakanlığı) as it meets one of the Ramsar criteria. Its location on the bird migration route passing through the European, Asian, and African continents makes the region globally important.
The wetland hosts some of the species that are endangered according to the "Birds of European Conservation Concern" (Avrupa Ölçeğinde Korumada Öncelikli Kuşlar) classification by BirdLife International and the IUCN "Red Data Book". Thanks to this feature, it is included in the Important Bird Area (Önemli Kuş Alanı) list of Turkey, updated by BirdLife International and Doğa Derneği (Nature Association), and in the "Important Nature Areas of Turkey" ("Türkiye’nin Önemli Doğa Alanları") list determined in 2003.
Ecological Characteristics and Wildlife
The ecosystem of Hürmetçi Reedbed is examined under two main headings: terrestrial and wetland habitats. The wetland habitat consists of a shallow freshwater lake that seasonally shrinks and expands, wet meadows, and reedbeds. Additionally, salt steppes (tuzcul bozkırlar), which are estimated to have formed with the receding water surface, are also present in the area.
Fauna
Hürmetçi Reedbed is a critical staging (konaklama) and breeding area for many bird species during migration and breeding periods. Among the observed bird species are; the great egret (büyük ak balıkçıl), grey heron (gri balıkçıl), tundra swan (küçük kuğu), whooper swan (ötücü kuğu), ruddy shelduck (angıt), common shelduck (suna), mallard (yeşilbaş ördek), pintail (kılkuyruk), common moorhen (saz tavuğu), eurasian coot (sakarmeke), marsh harrier (saz delicesi), black-winged stilt (uzun bacak), little bittern (küçük balaban), spoonbill (kaşıkçı), stork (leylek), starling (sığırcık), swallow (kırlangıç), crested lark (tepeli toygar), hoopoe (ibibik), European bee-eater (Avrupa arı kuşu), white wagtail (akkuyruk sallayan), kingfisher (yalıçapkını), sparrow (serçe), and magpie (saksağan).
Additionally, the region hosts some of the endangered and priority conservation species, such as the great bustard (toy), crane (turna), black stork (karaleylek), ruddy shelduck (angıt), spoonbill (kaşıkçı), whiskered tern (bıyıklı sumru), spur-winged lapwing (mahmuzlu kız kuşu) and sociable lapwing (sürmeli kız kuşu), during the migration period or as a breeding area.
In terms of mammal wildlife, the region is important for the breeding and sheltering of species such as; feral horses (yılkı atı), ground squirrel (gelengi), wolf (kurt), fox (tilki), badger (porsuk), weasel (gelincik), and brown hare (kır tavşanı).
Hürmetçi Reedbed and Birds (T.C. Hacılar Kaymakamlığı)
Flora
The plant species located in and around the wetland show diversity. Some of these species can be listed as; kişkiş (Scandix stellata), uzun dercikotu (Torilis japonica), zilasun (Vincetoxicum tmoleum), dyer's chamomile (Anthemis tinctoria), özge civanperçemi (Achillea kotschyi), common club-rush (Schoenoplectus lacustris), bird's-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), duckweed (Lemna popül), Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), Syrian bean-caper (Zygophyllum fabago), and Syrian rue (Peganum harmala).
Local Use and Economy
In addition to the biological and ecological importance of the area, the wet meadows and soil structure support the development of animal husbandry in the region. Wide pasture areas are used for grazing large and small livestock (büyük ve küçükbaş hayvanlar), especially water buffalo (manda (camız)). The feral horses (yılkı atları) seen in the region are captured and domesticated during certain periods. Furthermore, there are also agricultural lands on the hills around the area and around the village settlements where grain products such as wheat and barley are grown.
Feral Horses (T.C. Hacılar Kaymakamlığı)
Visitors and Transportation
Hürmetçi Reedbed is visited by local and foreign bird and butterfly watchers, scientists, and nature lovers due to its wildlife, natural features, and the recreational opportunities it offers. Transportation to the region is provided by bus line number 420 from the Kayseri city center.
