Investigation about population biology of cinereous vulture Aegypius monachus L. in Türkmenbaba Mountains

11 ABSTRACT PhD Thesis INVESTIGATION ABOUT POPULATION BIOLOGY OF CINEREOUS VULTURE AEGYPIUS MONACHUS L. IN TÜRKMENBABA MOUNTAINS ELİF YAMAÇ Anadolu University Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences Biology Program Supervisor: PROF.DR.A. YAVUZ KILIÇ Supervisor: DOÇ. DR. C. CAN BİLGİN 2004, 107 pages The Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus L. ) is a globally threatened raptor species with gradually declining numbers. After Spain, Turkey has the second largest population in Europe. This study was carried out at Tûrkmenbaba Mountains, near Eskişehir (northwestern Turkey), where the largest Cinereous Vulture colony in the country exists. Individual nest sites preferences were identified and breeding success monitored throughout 2001-2003 by systematic searches and observations. A total of 74 nests were recorded in 9.900 hectares. 11 nests were found to be occupied in 2001 (%32 of all known nests), 26 nests in 2002 (% 43,5), and 26 nests in 2003 (%37). Breeding success (nests where young fledged/occupied nests) was %90, %80,7, and %76,9 for the three consecutive years, respectively. Breeding success is very high (up to 90%) in areas with low human disturbance. But, because of the human disturbance, breeding success of Black vulture in Turkmenbaba Mountain is low. 21 nest, nest tree and site characteristics were recorded. Any preferences for nest tree and site properties were statistically tested against randomly selected tree and sites. The species invariably nests on flat-topped Black Pine (Pinus nigra) trees with a height of 11,47±3,87 m. (mean±SD) and dbh of 42,91±7,36 cm. Roads were recorded as close as 2 m. to an active nest. Statistical tests revealed a significant preference for the middle sides of valley and same or upper level of canopy. The nearest occupied nest tree is 140m. The preservation ofolder, mature trees is essential for the survival of the species andshould be incorporated into management plans. Keywords: Aegypius monachus, Turkmenbaba Mountain, Conservation, Population biology, Nest site selection