The ecosystem is in danger

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The recent drought caused by falling rainfall and rising temperatures has continued to lower the level of lakes in Bitlis this year. The shores of Lake Van, home to numerous bird species, as well as Lakes Aygır and Arin in the Adilcevaz district, Nazik in the Ahlat district, and Nemrut Crater in the Tatvan district are experiencing water loss due to the drought. As a result, microbialites are emerging along the shores of Lake Van, where significant retreat has occurred, and extensive areas previously submerged along the shores of other lakes.

Cattle breeders in the region graze their animals on the greening coastal lands that have reemerged after meters of retreat. Bitlis Eren University Rector Prof. Dr. Necmettin Elmastaş said, "There has been a steady decrease in rainfall for the last four or five years. Because there has been no change in the upward trend, the severity of the drought continues. There is a significant drop in the level of Lake Van, as well as Lakes Arin, Nemrut Crater, Nazik, and Aygır in the basin. When aquatic environments are diminished and these areas shrink, an imbalance occurs in the ecosystem."