In Demirkazik development area wild goat (Capra aegagrus) spread and population size

The study aims at establishing the spread and the the population size of wild goats (Capra aegagrus) in the Demirkazık Wildlife Development Area. Before the field survies, the related literature was reviewed, and necessary information on the locations where the wild goats were detected was obtained from the officers at DKMP (Nature conservation and national parks). In the light of this information, the filed survies were directed. Throughout the whole study, at least 2 days spent on field every month periodically. Field surveys were sometimes conducted daily and as tent camps. During field studies, it was observed that female, baby, old and young male goats were observed together from November to end of April; however, from April to November it was observed that young and old male goats walked around alone away from the herd in the Demirkazık Wildlife Development Area. It was figured out that all herds migrated vertically with the snow melting in spring an summer. However, it was seen that the vertical migration of the herds formed by the males under 3 years old and babies could not rise up as high as the ones of billy goats. The size of population during December, called as mating season, was calculated with taking inventory. In counting, "Point Count Method", which is regarded as the most appropriate method for detecting diurnal animals roaming in herds, was used, and eventually 1358 individuals were counted.