Determination of dispersal corridors used by large mammal wild animals between close habitats using geographical information systems: The example of Daday and Azdavay forests

The research conducted in the Ballıdağ and Kurtgirmez regions aimed to identify the movement corridors of large mammal species in the area. A total of 11 different species were identified, including brown bear (Ursus arctos), jackal (Canis aureus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), red deer (Cervus elaphus), wolf (Canis lupus), marten (Martes sp.), badger (Meles meles), fox (Vulpes vulpes), wild boar (Sus scrofa), wildcat (Felis silvestris), and European hare (Lepus europaeus). Among these species, brown bear (Ursus arctos), roe deer (Cervus elaphus), red deer (Cervus elaphus), wolf (Canis lupus), and wild boar (Sus scrofa), were selected as the target species for the study. The research utilized both direct and indirect observation methods to obtain data on the target species. The analysis of the data was performed using the MaxEnt software, which is based on a presence-only approach. In the final stage, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Circuit Theory approach based Circuitscape software were used to create ecological corridor maps. Connection maps were generated for each species, and node points and resistance surface areas were identified within these maps. Consequently, significant ecological corridors for the target species, including brown bear, roe deer, red deer, wolf, and wild boar, between the Ballıdağ and Kurtgirmez regions were determined. This thesis is the first detailed research conducted on corridor ecology in Turkey and is expected to serve as a precursor for future similar studies. Moreover, it is anticipated to contribute significantly to wildlife research and wildlife management efforts in our country.