FAUNISTIC STUDY ON TWO SISTER PLAIN (BAFRA AND ÇARŞAMBA) AQUATIC COLEOPTERA FAUNA IN TURKEY: TWO SIMILAR GEOGRAPHY BUT RATHER DIFFERENT FAUNA, WITH A NEW RECORD

Abstract

species of aquatic Coleoptera belonging to five families and 24 genera, were collected from the Bafra and Carsamba plain (Samsun province) in the North part of Turkey, between May 2007-June 2008 have been established and compared faunistically. Rather different fauna have been found in both plain respectively. Helophorus strigifrons Thomson, 1868 is recorded from Turkey for the first time. All species are newly recorded from the research area. In this study, we identified and compared the fauna of two big plains (lowlands; Bafra and Carsamba) which are situated closely each other (100 kms) and which have similar climatic and geographic structure. Kizilirmak river is the longest running water in Turkey which runs down to Bafra district, leaves behind wide and alluvial soil while falling down onto the sea from Bafra bay. This way, Bafra plains of 47727 hectares took shape. Northern parts of the plains are arid land. The Lakes being basic habitat of water beetles in Bafra plains took shape after the hollows filled up. Among these Lakes are Karabogaz Liman, Dutdibi, Uzungol, Hayirli, Incegol, Cernek, Tombul and Balik Lakes are noteworthy. Most of these Lakes are quite rich in water products and are economically important. Liman Lake is at a distance of 20 kms to Bafra. The Lake of 3 km size opens up to sea through several branches. Length of such branches is 2 km at some points. Liman Lake is neighboured by Balik Lake to the south and neighboured by Karabogaz Lake to the north. Yesilirmak River runs down to Carsamba district and falls down onto Black Sea from Civa Bay and, thus, gives birth to Carsamba plains, while, at the same time, dividing up the plains in two parts. Surface area of Carsamba plains is 89.500 hectares. 70% of the land has been rendered fit for agriculture. The remaining 30% is composed of forests, reed-beds and quicksands. There are many Lakes in the plains, both small and large. Two large Lakes are Simenit and Akgol. Both Lakes are used for commercial fishing.