Ecological land classification and mapping of Eşen river basin

This thesis study was carried out to provide basic ecological information needed for all kinds of planning and implementation in the forest ecosystems of the Eşen River Basin, which has a rich diversity of flora and fauna, where intensive forestry activities are carried out. For this purpose, ecological land classification and mapping of the basin was obtained as a result of examining and controlling the matrices of woody vegetation and environmental variables with an analytical-hierarchical approach. A total of 97 different woody plant species (in the form of trees and shrubs) were identified as a result of the inventory made in 233 sample areas in the Eşen River Basin, together with the field studies carried out within the scope of this study. Cluster analysis was applied on the basis of dual hierarchical classification in the classification of vegetation societies. Cluster analysis groups were modeled with environmental variables using the Classification Tree Technique. The compatibility of vegetation groups obtained as a result of cluster analysis and modeling was tested with Chi-square and Kappa analysis at each separation stage. Model groups with significant results (p<0.05) were disseminated on numerical bases in terms of their predictive values and maps were created. Distinctive species for vegetation groups were determined by indicator analysis. As a result of the study, Eşen Stream Basin was divided into 5 different vegetation groups. Altitude and climate were the most effective environmental variables in the separation of vegetation groups. In addition, hillshade index, peridotite bedrock and brown forest soil were determined as other important environmental variables that are effective in the differentiation of vegetation societies in the region. As a result, with this study, forest habitat classes have been revealed for the protection, sustainability, development and future planning of the Eşen Stream Basin.