Distribution, habitat use and group size of chamois in Eastern Karadeniz mountains

Distribution, Habitat Use and Group Size of Chamois in Eastern Karadeniz Mountains This thesis investigates and presents the results of a study dealing with the distribution, habitat use and group size of chamois [Rupicapra rupicapra (L.)] in Eastern Karadeniz Mountains. Throughout the study period from February 1995 to September 1998 observations were made in a total of 48 field trips. Study observation sites were selected in such a way as to represent the whole range of Eastern Karadeniz Mountains. As a result, 13 points were selected for the observations. In addition, Karçal Mountains, adjacent to Eastern Karadeniz Mountain chains, were also included in the research area. Field observations were carried out over 2 to 9 day study periods near the top of mountains. During each field camp, 3 to 5 thousand hectares of land area was screened on foot. In addition to direct observations, various traces and signs of animals were also used as evidence of the presence of the animals. During the observations, each social unit, grazing in the same direction and having a maximum distance of 100 m among individuals, is considered a group. Assesments of field profiles showed that there are 4 habitat types - forest, subalpine, alpine meadows and alpine rockies. Habitat use of chamois was examined in four different seasons determined by their ecological and biological characteristics in a year. The results of the study revealed that chamois could be observed on all Eastern Karadeniz Mountains, except the western mountain chains from Sürmene / Trabzon in the north to Arpah / Bayburt in the south. A total of 129 groups were observed, 58 percent of which preferred alpine meadows, 25 % alpine rockies, 14 % subalpine, and 3 % forest. Group sizes varied from 1 to 28. The group sizes equal and longer than 8 were observed on Kaçkar Mountain, Altıparmak Mountain, Verçenik Mountain and Çapans Mountains. However, small groups having only 1, 2 and 3 individuals were observed on Soğanlı Mountains, Haldizan Mountains, Başkaya Mountain and Kurt Mountain. KeyWords: Chamois, Rupicapra rupicapra, Eastern Karadeniz Mountains, Distribution, Habitat, Group Size WU 'EC YtiKSM&C? *r<-;&. imZJIM