threatened birds and habitats to fight for - this is a source of great 
frustration: if only birdwatchers could be persuaded to visit little known 
areas or imminently threatened sites instead of always following the 
same circuit; if only scientists wishing to carry out detailed research 
consulted DHKD on where work was needed; if only all birdwatchers 
provided DHKD with a copy of their results. If only all data were 
collected and presented in a standardised way... 
The meeting spent one and a half days discussing solutions to these 
problems. Many ideas were exchanged on how bird research in Turkey 
might be better stimulated and co-ordinated, and the results then made 
more widely available. Although there were differences of opinion over 
what form the research might take, all agreed that the conservation of 
Turkey's birds and habitats had to be the principal aim. 
Out of these discussions, the idea of the Kuslar International project was 
born. Run by a project officer working from DHKD, but guided by an 
advisory board, it is envisaged that Kuslar International will be a 
framework through which all existing and future work can be co- 
ordinated; a framework which also encourages and initiates further 
work in a systematic way. Kuslar International aims to establish national 
representatives in European countries through whom the project can be 
promoted to potential visiting birdwatchers. These national 
representatives may, at a later date, help to co-ordinate the gathering of 
data for a Turkish breeding bird atlas. 
Specific research will be encouraged by awarding annual grants, available 
to both individuals and teams of birdwatchers. To provide the project 
with an action plan, a Projects Register will be drawn up in consultation 
with bodies such as ICBP and IWRB (two international organisations 
already involved in Turkey). Turkey has long needed a prioritised list of 
what needs doing where, and by when. Kuslar International still has 
some way to go before it becomes a reality - there is still some fine tuning 
to do and the first major hurdle is going to be finding the £140,000 needed 
to run it for the first five years. 
In the meantime, if you visit Turkey - even if only for casual birdwatching 
- please do send OSME and DHKD copies of anything you write-up 
afterwards. Ifyou are thinking of more serious study, consider contacting 
DHKD before you formulate your plans; they may be able to direct you 
to areas and species desperately in need of work, and you will be able to 
make a real contribution to conserving Turkey's natural heritage. 
Hilary V^elch 
38 
