Evaluation of some factors nest site selection and affecting nest si̇ze of natural formica rufa

This study was conducted within the boundaries of Çerkeş and Kurtçimeni Forest Planning Units in the Çerkeş Forest Enterprise between the years 2020-2022. Habitat preferences of Formica rufa nests naturally found in these forests were revealed according to stand (productivit, stand structure, crown closure, site class, age class), topographic (slope, aspect, elevation) and climatic (temperature, precipitation, solar radiation) characteristics. In addition, the effects of these features on the nest volume were also evaluated. It was determined that the nests are mixed, medium and fully coverage, over-mature age class, II and III site class and productive stands according to the stand characteristics. According to the topographical characteristics, the nests were found more in shaded aspects, in low-slope, and high-altitude stands. According to the climatic characteristics, it was idendifed that the nests were more common in the stands with less than 11 °C temperature, less precipitation and 800000-900000 WH/m2 solar radiation. The characteristics that affect Formica rufa nest volumes were crown closure, age class, productivity and elevation. It is very important to monitor this species in its habitats in large periods in terms of its protection. At the same time, the habitats where they are found should be improved and these areas should be protected.