Relationship between some wild mammals and forest structural diversity parameters

Abstract

Aim: The forests are most crucial ecosystems that provide opportunities for wildlife species in terms of nutrition and harboring properties. Theoretically, structural heterogeneity of plants in a field assosiated with number of living organisims in there. The main objective of the study was to investigate relationships between distribution of wild animals and variables including height of leafy branches from ground, thickness and density of litter layer, height and density of herb and shrub layer and height and density of tree layer. Methodology: Sign of wild mammals were inventoried using indirect inventory techniques in seventy sampling plots in Aglasun (Burdur, Turkey). Height leafy branches from the ground and thickness and density of litter layer, height and density of herb and shrub layers, stone, soil, rock covering landform were measured. To determine relationships between this variables, regression and classification tree technique was applied. Results: No relationship was found between European hare and Beech marten with forest structural diversity parameters. Distribution of Wild boar (AUC; 0.85), Badger (AUC; 0.81) and Red fox (AUC; 0.85) were affected by s o m e f o r e s t structural diversity parameters such as tree densiy, herb density and rock density. Interpretation: The results revealed that t h e a r e a s w i t h structural diversity became rich in biodiversity. The increase in fruit trees and plant species diversity contributes to support wildlife, as well. This study is s i g n i f i c a n t f o r determination of relationship between wild animals and easily measured structural diversity parameters.