Diversity and abundance of some mammal species in the Ballıdağ and Kurtgirmez regions of Kastamonu

Authors : Abdullah Ugış, Erol Akkuzu

Pages : 345-351

Doi:10.53516/ajfr.1790582

View : 32 | Download : 67

Publication Date : 2025-12-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Background and Aims This study aims to reveal the diversity and abundance of mammal species identified in the Ballıdağ and Kurtgirmez regions of Kastamonu. Methods In the study, a total of 180 camera traps, 90 for each study area, were systematically installed within grids of 1000×1000 m into which the study sites were divided. The research was conducted between September 2019 and October 2020. Data from the camera traps were collected every 60 days, and species records were used to calculate the relative abundance index. The number of individuals belonging to each species was counted from the camera trap images, and the Shannon diversity index values were calculated for both study areas. Additionally, dominance values, the Sørensen similarity index, and the Simpson diversity index were calculated for the species. Results The relative abundance values of the species were calculated for both study sites. In the Ballıdağ region, the three species with the highest relative abundance were Capreolus capreolus, Lepus europaeus, and Vulpes vulpes, while the species with the lowest relative abundance was the Meles meles. In the Kurtgirmez region, the three species with the highest relative abundance were C. capreolus, Canis lupus, and V. vulpes, while the species with the lowest relative abundance was the Cervus elaphus. Shannon diversity index was calculated as H\\\'=2.007 for the Ballıdağ region and H\\\'=1.817 for the Kurtgirmez region. Based on the dominance values, the most dominant species in the Ballıdağ region were C. capreolus, Sus scrofa, and L. europaeus, whereas in the Kurtgirmez region, dominance was highest for S. scrofa, C. capreolus, and C. lupus. The Sørensen similarity index was found to be 0.92 for both study sites. The Simpson diversity index values were calculated as 0.836 for the Ballıdağ region and 0.776 for the Kurtgirmez region. Conclusions This study provides scientific data on the diversity and abundance of mammal species in the Ballıdağ and Kurtgirmez regions of Kastamonu, offering significant ecological contributions. The data obtained are valuable for assessing the ecological quality of habitats in the area, monitoring mammal species, and determining conservation priorities. In particular, identifying species with low abundance values will guide developing specific strategies aimed at their protection. Furthermore, the diversity and similarity indices provide a comparative reference point for future long-term ecological monitoring studies.
Keywords : Biodiversity, index, Kastamonu, relative abundance, wildlife

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