Türkiye aims to release a total of 51,000 birds into the wild this year, including 39,250 partridges and 11,750 pheasants, as part of efforts to strengthen wildlife populations, restore ecological balance and support biological control against ticks and the brown marmorated stink bug, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said on Sunday.
Yumakli provided details on preparations carried out by the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks (DKMP), which operates under the ministry.
He noted that thousands of partridges and pheasants are bred annually at specialized production centers and released into suitable habitats across the country. According to Yumakli, DKMP has completed preparations for this year's releases, which will take place at 156 locations in 62 provinces.
The minister said the initiative aims not only to support wildlife and strengthen wild animal populations but also to contribute to biological pest control through the birds' natural feeding habits.
“Species to be released into nature will support efforts to combat ticks and the brown marmorated stink bug through biological methods,” Yumakli said.
