Research on the population of Ciconia nigra Linnaeus, 1758 (black stork) species distributed in Eskişehir province and surrounding

Black stork (Ciconia nigra) is one of the two stork species breeding in our country. Although a lot of studies have been carried out on the black stork in many countries of the world, there is no detailed research on the population in our country. For this reason, in this study, it is aimed to have more information about the species in our country. Within the scope of the thesis, it is aimed to conduct research on the population, breeding success, nest and nest site selection of black stork individuals breeding in rocky areas in the study area. In 2021 and 2022, a total of 63 days of field work was carried out in the 17,750 km2 research area. Five different nest characteristics and 15 different nest site criteria were monitored. In 2021, a total of 12 active black stork nests were investigated, 6 in Eskişehir and 6 in Ankara. In 2022, a total of 31 active black stork nests were evaluated, 11 in Eskişehir and 20 in Ankara region. The population density of black stork individuals breeding in the study area was 0,17 pairs per 100 km2. The nest success ratio of the pairs was 66,6% in 2021 and 45,1% in 2022. The total productivity of the population was 1,88, the reproductive success was 1,25 in 2021. The total productivity was 2,79 and the reproductive success was 1,26 in 2022. The mean height of the black stork nests from the ground was 10,3 m. As a result of the comparison of nest areas with randomly selected areas, it was determined that 11 criteria were significant in the selection of nesting areas. The reproductive success of the species in the study area was lower than the reproductive success in many European populations. For this reason, it is considered extremely important to carry out detailed studies on the black stork population in our country.