The effect of micro topographic features on the site selection of European ground squirrels (Spermophilus citellus): A case study from Tekirdag province, Thrace Peninsula (Türkiye)

Abstract

The European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) is a small mammal that inhabits the grasslands of central and southeastern Europe and is adapted to the Mediterranean climate. It is a group-living, semifossorial and mostly herbivorous rodent, and is considered an ecosystem engineer and a cornerstone of rangelands due to the benefits it provides to the ecosystem. The scientific determination of the habitat selection of European ground squirrels, whose population has decreased significantly in recent years due to various human activities, is essential for the survival of this endangered species. Micro topography is one of the main factors affecting the habitat selection of this creature, which hibernates in its individual caves for a long period of time from early fall to early spring. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of micro topographic features on the nest selection of European ground squirrels. The study was shaped according to the results of a sample area in Tekirdag province in the Thracian Peninsula of Türkiye, one of the southernmost distribution areas of European ground squirrels in Europe. The main data of the study consisted of high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM) and ortho-photo images obtained using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during field studies. These data were processed with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques using an ecological niche modeling (ENM) approach. As a result of the study, it was determined that among the micro topography features in the sample area, the aspect factor was more important (56.412%) in the nest preference of the species. The results of the study shed light on the plans to be made for the maintenance and protection of potential and existing habitats, as well as supporting specific measures to be taken to strengthen the population of the species, which is under threat of extinction, and to improve habitat characteristics. It can also be used to expand areas important for the conservation of the species and improve the success of future reintroduction or introduction programs.

Keywords

• Zoogeography
• GIS
• UAV
• DEM
• Thracian peninsula

Thanks

Çalışmaya teknik desteğinden dolayı Doç. Dr. Hüseyin SARI’ya teşekkür ederiz.

The effect of micro topographic features on the site selection of European ground squirrels (Spermophilus citellus): A case study from Tekirdağ province, Thrace Peninsula (Türkiye)

Abstract

Çeşitli insan aktivitelerine bağlı olarak son yıllarda popülasyonunda ciddi bir azalma görülen Avrupa yer sincaplarının (Spermophilus citellus) habitat seçiminin bilimsel bir şekilde belirlenmesi, nesli tükenme tehlikesi altında olan bu canlının hayatta kalması açısından çok önemlidir. Sonbaharın başlarından ilkbaharın başlarına kadar uzun bir süre boyunca bireysel yuvalarında kış uykusuna yatan bu canlının habitat seçiminde etkili temel faktörlerden birisi de mikro topografya özellikleridir. Dolayısıyla bu çalışmada Avrupa yer sincaplarının yuva seçiminde mikro topografya özelliklerin etkisinin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Çalışma, Avrupa yer sincapların Avrupa’nın en güneyindeki dağılım alanlarından birisi olan Türkiye’nin Trakya Yarımadasındaki (Türkiye Trakyası) Tekirdağ ilinden örnek bir alan üzerinden yapılmış sonuçlara göre şekillendirilmiştir. Çalışmanın temel verilerini, arazi çalışmaları sırasında insansız hava aracı (İHA) kullanılarak elde edilmiş yüksek çözünürlüklü sayısal yükselti modeli (SYM) ve orto-foto görüntüleri oluşturmaktadır. Bu veriler Ekolojik Niş Modelleme (ENM) yaklaşımıyla Coğrafi Bilgi Sistemleri (CBS) teknikleriyle işlenmiştir. Çalışma sonucunda örneklem alanındaki mikro topografya özelliklerinden bakı faktörünün türün yuva tercihinde daha önemli (%56.412) olduğu belirlenmiştir. Çalışmanın sonuçları yok olma tehdidi altında bulunan türün popülasyonunun güçlendirilmesi ve habitat özelliklerinin iyileştirilmesine yönelik spesifik önlemlerin alınmasına destek olmasının yanında potansiyel ve mevcut habitatların bakımı ve korunması için yapılacak planlamalara ışık tutmaktadır. Ayrıca türün korunması için önemli alanların genişletilmesi ve gelecekteki yeniden yerleştirme veya tanıtım programlarının başarısının artırılması için kullanılabilir.

Keywords

• Zoocoğrafya
• CBS
• İHA
• SYM
• Trakya yarımadası.

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