THERMIT IBIS (KEÇELAYNAK) BIRDS
 From
old hand writing documents, it has been determined that Thermit Ibis birds used to live in
Europe since 1504. This bird, which was living in Central Europe near the Alps, was first
defined by C. Gessner as Corvus Sylvaticus in 1555 in Historia Animalium
and some information was given about the birds' life style. Later, it was determined that
those birds, which disappeared in Europe, emigrated to Middle East countries and Africa
and they still live in these countries.
Thermit Ibis that come to Birecik in the middle of
February settle down at rocks in the middle of March. After their procreation, they grow
up their youngs and in the middle of July they leave Birecik with their youngs. The reason
for these birds to come to Birecik for procreation is thought to be that the calcite
mineral in those rocks increased the procreation energy of birds. Thermit Ibis birds are
single mate and every year they build their nest and lash out with the same couple. Mature
birds are the ones that show their energy to build up a nest. It is necessary to be 5
years old, to become a mature bird. Their average life period is 25-30 years.
In the beginning of 1950, the number of Thermit Ibis was more than 1000, there had been
a specific decrease in the number of birds since 1954. Destruction of natural feeding
environment of these birds with overuse of agricultural insecticide chemicals, hunting of
these birds by the hunters in their long immigration period and cold weather conditions
are the main reasons for the decrease of Thermit Ibis birds. Thermit Ibis birds follow the
Lebanon - Israel way and the River Nil or Red Sea coast and can not be observed at those
places.
 In
order to prevent the decrease in number and disappearing of the generation, Thermit Ibis
Procreation Station was established in Birecik by the Generate Directorate of Forestry of
the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Affairs in 1972. In this station, first of
all two mature and nine young Thermit Ibis birds were captured by net and put into a cage,
and then production started in 1977. The birds under protection are fed with meat without
fat, planed carrot, boiled egg and mixture of fodder.
In February 1996, 52 Hermit Ibis birds set free from procreation station to
reproduction in nature. After the reproduction season, the total number reached to 75 with
23 young birds. 4 of them are given to Istanbul Bayramoğlu Zoo, 5 of them are given to
Atatürk Orman Çiftliği, 13 of them immigrated and 45 of them are still living in
procreation station.
Birecik people consider Thermit Ibis birds which they regionally call Keçelaynak
holy. Arrival of Hermit Ibis birds to Birecik in the middle of February is interpreted by
Birecik people as a sign of spring. In recent years, "Hermit Ibis Festival" is
being organized in Birecik for these birds. |
