The short-term effect of stand maintenance in oak forests on wildlife in Bolu-Saricam Forest Chiefdom

This study examines the effect on wildlife of wood-cutting practices that were carried out in pure oak forests for maintenance purposes. The site selected for the study was section 28 (1000 square meters) in the Bolu Forest Sub-district Directorate. The study was conducted between September 2013 and August 2015, including site and office studies. This study acquired data about the habitat (type of trees, canopy closure, trunk diameter, tree height, trees per hectare, percentage of living ground cover and the percentage of clearcut surface) for the last growing season before production as well as the first one after production. The researcher tested whether these values changed. The researcher also calculated the ratio of wild animals viewed ([RBV] number of images/number of days being viewed x 100) using images obtained from camera trap points. The study classified the number of types at each point as well as the RBV belonging to each type by month and the times of forestry practices. Furthermore, the study tested whether there was any difference by season between the general RBVs of the wild animals in the relevant site and the RBVs of their dominant types. Any effect of the forestry practices on the wild animals and dominant types was also tested. The intervention made by this study did not result in any considerable changes in the qualities of the stand, including number of trees, canopy closure, average trunk diameter, average tree height, percentage of living ground cover and the percentage of clearcut surface. The production practices did not change the use of the site by wild animals, but certain types of them withdrew from the site during the practices. The presence of wild animals during the first growing season after the forestry practices was similar to the situation beforehand. The intensive use of the site by humans during the forestry practices as well as noise and visual pollution caused animals to evacuate the area. It is possible to enable the wild animals to live in forests that suits their needs by maintaining and improving these sites. Keywords: Forestry practices, Habitat, Wildlife.