Biotope mapping of Belemedik Nature Park

While biotope refers to the natural habitat where certain flora, fauna and environmental conditions come together, biotope mapping is an important tool, especially in the effective management of protected areas, preservation of ecological balance and sustainable planning decisions, as a detailed analysis and mapping process of these areas. In addition, biotope maps are base data for spatial planning. This study aimed to determine and map the biotopes of Belemedik Nature Park located at the foothills of the Toros Mountains in the Pozantı district of Adana. In the study, the coding of biotope types was carried out based on the classification system of the CORINE Biotope Project and the NUTS system; as a result of field observations and analyses, 13 sub-biotope types classified under 5 main biotope categories were defined in detail. The research findings reveal that forest biotopes in particular have a dominant role in the natural structure of the park, that shrub and meadow areas make significant contributions to biodiversity, and that freshwater ecosystems are critical habitats that need to be protected. As a result, the obtained biotope maps provide a strong basis for planning and protection strategies that will support the ecological and cultural sustainability goals of Belemedik Nature Park; this study is an example of biotope-based planning approaches in the management of nature parks.