The short-term effect of thinning treatment in beech forests on large mammals in Golyaka Forest Planning unit

The aim of the current study is to investigate the effects of thinning treatment in beech forests on large mammals. The study was carried out in KnGncd3 stand type (39. and 40. unit) in Gölyaka Forest Planning Unit - Düzce Province between September 2013 and August 2015. We measured the habitat variable (tree species, canopy closure, diameter at breast height, tree height, number of trees of individual per hectare, percentage of under story, percentage of openness) before the thinning treatment, and after first vegetation period. The number of tree per hectare and canopy closure was decreased, but diameter at breast height was increased after silvicultural process. The others habitat variable were not varied significantly. We established 7 trap cameras fixed point for the identification of large mammals. Images of species from per sampling plots were classified the number of species and number of individual according to temporally and periods of silvicultural process (Before, during process, after). a total of 10 species and 766 images were identified in the study. We tested with ANOVA whether the sivicultural process affects species. The numbers of species and numbers of individual were affected negatively from the thinning treatment. Carnivores mammals were affected more than the others. Although the wood product process period is limited, totally period takes a longer time. Therefore, the species are affected more. It would be beneficial to complete the forestry activities in the stands as soon as possible for large mammals.