Investigation of Wild Mammals in the Kurupelit Main Campus of Ondokuz Mayıs University Using Camera Trapping: The First Record of Grey Wolf (Canis lupus) at Low Altitude (180 Meters Above Sea Level) in Türkiye
Abstract
Rapid urbanisation and environmental threats to wildlife habitats present significant global challenges for biodiversity conservation. Depending on their geographical positioning, extensive university campuses situated at the wildlife interface can offer critical refugia for local biodiversity within urban green matrices. This study aimed to assess the species richness and population status of wild mammals within the Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Kurupelit Campus in Samsun, employing a "One Health" framework. A systematic survey was conducted between 1 October 2025 and 10 February 2026, utilising three passive infrared (PIR) camera traps. The equipment was periodically monitored for battery status, field of view, storage capacity, structural stability, and connectivity. Additionally, external tracking devices were employed to provide real-time and daily verification of the equipment's coordinates. The study identified the Golden jackal (Canis aureus, n=8), Grey wolf (Canis lupus, n=2), Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus, n=2), and a marten species (Martes sp., n=1). The most significant finding was the detection of the Grey wolf (Canis lupus) at an elevation of only 180 metres above sea level. This represents the first scientific record of the species at such a low altitude in Türkiye. Furthermore, the presence of a resident jackal pack indicates the successful adaptation of the species to peri-urban environments. These findings suggest that the OMÜ campus functions as both a biodiversity hotspot and an ecological corridor. To mitigate potential human-wildlife conflicts, effective management strategies and continuous monitoring within a "One Health" framework are essential. Expanding the scope of future research and fostering ecological awareness within the university community could contribute significantly to the long-term conservation of wildlife and the success of urban biodiversity management.
Keywords
Biodiversity, Camera trap, Campus fauna, Canis lupus, Urban ecology
Supporting Institution
The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TUBITAK)
Project Number
Başvuru Numarası: 1919B012425991 (Tübitak 2209-A)
Ethical Statement
All procedures were approved by the Ondokuz Mayıs University Animal Experiments and Local Ethics Committee (Approval No: 2025-27). This study was conducted with the permission of the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks (Ref. No: E-72784983-288.04-19044554, Date: 29.04.2025) and Republic of Türkiye Samsun Governorate (Ref. No: E34266607605109597, Date: 02.06.2025).
Thanks
This study was supported by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TUBITAK) under the 2209-A Undergraduate Research Projects Support Program.
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