Although Ahlat has apparently been known for some years as a regular 
site for the last of these species, it appears underwatched and under- 
recorded. This note is intended to alert others to Ahlat's potential and 
encourage more frequent coverage. 
The site comprises an area of open freshwater around a small Phragmites 
reedbed. To the northeast and southwest of these are larger stretches of 
damp grassland. The limits of the marsh are marked by two roughly 
northwest to southeast flowing watercourses, of which the more easterly 
has been artificially embanked. The marsh is cut off from Lake Van, 
which lies immediately to the southeast, by the raised Ercis-Tatvan road. 
On the opposite (northwesterly) side, it is bordered by a steep slope, 
which rises to approximately 20 metres above the marsh. Almost the 
entire length of this slope is broken by small rivulets that flow into the 
marsh, which is also fed by natural springs. 
Most of the site can easily be observed from the top of this steep ridge, 
including an area of open water (possibly the site of a large spring) in the 
middle of the reedbed. This is inaccessible and also invisible, except from 
the ridge above. It appears to be a valuable area for loafing ducks, notably 
White-headed Duck, which may also breed here. 
The site seems to be used extensively by the local population. Cattle and 
other livestock graze all the accessible areas of suitable vegetation, and 
the reed is apparently harvested. The marsh would be difficult to drain, 
and there is at present no obvious conservation problem. 
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