Analysis of Bird Populations in the Wetland Areas Surrounding the Çanakkale/Dardanelles Strait

Öz

Given the rapid loss of wetland ecosystems today, monitoring bird species and populations that can respond quickly to environmental changes is crucial for the effective tracking of wetland ecosystems. Additionally, wetland ecosystems are of critical importance for the life cycles and migratory movements of bird species. The aim of the study is to examine the monthly variations in bird species diversity in the wetland areas (Kavak Delta, Çardak Lagoon, Kumkale Delta, Suvla Salt Lake, and Umurbey Delta) surrounding the Çanakkale/Dardanelles Strait, located in the northeastern part of the Mediterranean basin, which plays a significant role in migration strategies for numerous bird species. Additionally, correlations between the habitat types and areas of these wetlands and their diversity indices were analyzed and updated species lists for the studied wetlands were compiled. The field studies were conducted monthly in 2023 using point and transect observation methods to assess species and population counts. Diversity indices were calculated using the number of species and individuals recorded monthly for each area. The relationship between the habitat types and the areas they cover in wetlands and the diversity indices was tested using Spearman’s rho correlation analysis. A total of 184.068 birds belonging to 279 species, encompassing 22 orders and 61 families, were counted across all areas. In the wetland areas, species richness (Margalef index - M) ranged from 15.417 to 22.718 and species diversity (Shannon-Wiener Index - H') ranged from 1.819 to 2.416. The fact that the research areas lie along a significant migration route enhances species diversity and richness during migration periods. In Deltas where shallow surface waters predominate, more pronounced differences in diversity indices have been observed due to variations in seasonal water levels. A strong positive correlation was found between species richness and the size of wetlands, particularly Salt Marshes and Permanently Irrigated Lands, indicating the critical role of habitat size in supporting biodiversity. Seasonal water level fluctuations also significantly impacted diversity in delta regions. Given the global loss of wetlands, long-term research with standardized methods is crucial for understanding and protecting these vital ecosystems.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Diversity index
• ornitofauna
• wetland ecosystems
• correlation

Çanakkale Boğazı Çevresindeki Sulak Alanlardaki Kuş Popülasyonlarının Analizi

Öz

Günümüzde sulak alan ekosistemlerinde yaşanan hızlı yok oluş göz önüne alındığında, yaşanan değişimlere hızlı tepki verebilen kuş türlerinin ve popülasyonlarının izlenmesi sulak alan ekosistemlerinin takibi açısından önem arz etmektedir. Aynı zamanda, sulak alan ekosistemleri de kuş türlerinin yaşam döngüsü ve göç hareketlilikleri açısından kritik öneme sahiptir. Çalışmanın amacı, çok sayıda kuş türünün göç stratejilerinde önemli rol oynayan Akdeniz havzasının kuzeydoğu kesiminde yer alan Çanakkale Boğazı çevresindeki sulak alanlardaki (Kavak Deltası, Çardak Lagünü, Kumkale Deltası, Suvla Tuz Gölü, Umurbey Deltası) kuş türü çeşitliliğindeki aylık değişimleri incelemektir. Ayrıca, bu sulak alanların habitat tipleri ve alanları ile çeşitlilik endeksleri arasındaki korelasyonlar analiz edilmiş ve incelenen sulak alanlar için güncellenmiş tür listeleri derlenmiştir. Saha çalışmaları, nokta ve transekt gözlem metodları kullanılarak 2023 yılında aylık olarak yürütülmüştür. Çeşitlilik endeksleri, her alan için aylık olarak kaydedilen tür ve birey sayıları kullanılarak hesaplanmıştır. Sulak alan alanlarındaki habitat tipleri ve kapsadıkları alanlar ile çeşitlilik indeksleri arasındaki ilişki, Spearman korelasyon analizi ile sınanmıştır. Tüm alanlarda 22 takım ve 61 familyayı kapsayan 279 kuş türüne ait toplam 184.068 birey sayılmıştır. Sulak alanlarda tür zenginliği (Margalef indeksi- M) 15.417 ile 22.718 arasında, tür çeşitliliği (Shannon-Wiener İndeksi- H') ise 1.819 ile 2.416 arasında değişmiştir. Araştırma alanlarının önemli bir göç yolu üzerinde yer alması, göç dönemlerinde tür çeşitliliğini ve zenginliğini artırmaktadır. Sığ yüzey sularının baskın olduğu deltalarda, mevsimsel su seviyelerindeki değişiklikler nedeniyle çeşitlilik indekslerinde daha belirgin farklılıklar gözlenmiştir. Tür zenginliği ile sulak alanların, özellikle tuzcul bataklıklar ve sürekli sulanan tarım alanlarının büyüklüğü arasında güçlü pozitif korelasyon bulunmuş olup, bu da biyolojik çeşitliliği desteklemede habitat büyüklüğünün kritik rolüne işaret etmektedir. Mevsimsel su seviyesi dalgalanmaları da delta bölgelerindeki çeşitliliği önemli ölçüde etkilemiştir. Sulak alanların küresel çapta kaybı göz önüne alındığında, bu hayatî ekosistemleri anlamak ve korumak için standart yöntemlerle uzun vadeli araştırmalar yapılması büyük önem taşıyor.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Çeşitlilik indeksi
• ornitofauna
• sulak alan ekosistemi
• korelasyon

Kaynakça

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