Activity pattern of large mammal species in the Research Forest of Çankırı Karatekin University Forest Faculty and its reflection on forest management plan

In this study, it was investigated what kind of studies should be carried out for the detection of large mammal species, determination of their daily and monthly activities and reflection of the data obtained on forest management plans by taking into account the records obtained by the phototrap method between 30.11.2021-30.11.2022 in Çankrı Karatekin University Forest Faculty Research Forest. Within the scope of the study, recordings were taken from 11 different stations using a total of 9 photo traps. The recordings were evaluated in terms of video duration and number of photographs. A total of 8 large mammal species recorded in the study: brown bear (Ursus arctos), rock marten (Martes foina), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), wolf (Canis lupus), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), lynx (Lynx lynx), wild boar (Sus scrofa) and wild hare (Lepus europaeus). In the study area, the most recorded species according to video duration were hare (46.1%), wolf (29.6%) and wild boar (20.9%), while wolf (44%), hare (36%) and wild boar (13%) were the most recorded species according to the number of photographs. The most active times of the detected large mammal species were: brown bear; 00:00-02:00 in November, roe deer; 08:00-10:00 in July and August, rock marten; 00:00-02:00 in April, red fox; 14:00-16: 00:00-16:00 in January, wolf; 06:00-08:00 in August, lynx; 00:00-02:00 in August, wild boar; 00:00-02:00 in May, October and November and hare; 00:00-02:00 in April, May and July. Within the scope of the study, human, grazing and vehicle mobility activities peaked in July and it was observed that large mammal activities decreased in this month. In addition, wood production activities were carried out in some compartments in the study area in September, October and November, and it was observed that large mammal activities decreased in the photo traps located near the production activities. As a result of the study, it can be said that the research forest has an important potential for the activities of large mammals and this area should be taken under protection by taking this potential into consideration and ensuring that it is reflected in forest management plans.