Mapping of the biotopes in the Kurucasile (Bartin) coastline and its surrounding areas

Conservation of nature and efficient use of resources can be possible with ecological planning. For continuation of biodiversity, ecological knowledge has to be integrate with management decisions and planning stages. Nowadays, in the ecosystem approaches a long-term success depends on the development of sustainable usage mentality of natural resource. In this concept, biotope mapping studies are needed.In this study, biotopes of Kurucasile (Bartin) coastline and its immediate surroundings were mapped. Also, data about the present flora and their habitats was collected. Kurucasile, comprises important habitats on the Blacksea coast and behind the coastal zone. Because of the altitude changes in the area, temperature, rainfall, soil type and vegetation period show differences from coastal zone through forest. In some areas, these conditions, creating the microclimates, cause Pseudomaquis elements to occur in some areas with Euxine, a floristic zone that generally prevail in the area. Variation of topography, climate, geology, geomorphologic features of Kurucasile, increases the habitat diversity and enriches the area from the point of ecological and biological.While, research area was evaluated in terms of natural structure and ecological factors, it was also studied in two parts as rural and urban area. It was classified according to the EUNIS (European Union Nature Information System) habitat classification system (Davies et al., 2004). Selective mapping (Sukopp and Weiler 1988) and representation mapping (Sukopp and Weiler 1986) the two biotope mapping methods were used.Habitats were classified in the concept of this study as coastal habitats, surface waters, grasslands, scrub areas, forests and other woody lands, non vegetated or sparsely vegetated areas (cliffs), regularly or recently cultivated agricultural, horticultural habitats, constructed, industrial and other artificial habitats. Furthermore, controls of biotope types and analysis ofeach biotope type were done. 508 plant taxon were determined within 143 biotope area while, 439 of them were natural and 69 exotic. Seven of these plants are endemic and classified in the ?VU? (Vulnerable) and ?LR? (Low Risk) according to IUCN categories. In addition, Dianthus kastembeluensis , an endemic herbaceous taxon, is new record in the area.With mapping the biotopes? of Kurucasile (Bartın) coastline and its vicinity natural potential, the basis of ecological planning, and stress factors on the ecological structure were also determined. In this concept; unsustainable use of land in urban and coastal areas and potential threats to the natural forest such as deforestation in rural areas that due to economic pressures and lack of legislation were identified. For our thought, it will contribute to the reduction of environmental pressure and will increase the sustainable natural resources with the usage of our results by planning authorities.