NEW RECORD OF THE ASIATIC WILDCAT (FELLS SILVESTRIS ORNATA GRAY 1830) IN NORTHEASTERN ANATOLIA

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Gundogdu E., Sarı A., Arpacık A., Başkaya Ş.

APPLIED ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH, vol.16, no.5, pp.6779-6785, 2018 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 16 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 2018
  • Doi Number: 10.15666/aeer/1605_67796785
  • Journal Name: APPLIED ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.6779-6785
  • Keywords: distribution, camera trap, wildcat, Bingol, Turkey, FELIS-SILVESTRIS, DOMESTIC CAT, POPULATIONS
  • Karadeniz Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine new distribution records of Asiatic wildcat in Northeastern Turkey. Latest distribution and status of this elusive cat was uncertain due to limited wildlife research in Turkey. This study was conducted in 2015 and 2016. Field studies were carried out based on direct and indirect observations. Besides obtaining camera trap photos, direct observations were conducted by one or two teams, each of which consisting of two wildlife experts. In indirect observations, all tracks, feces, spaw, scrape, urine and food remains were benefited from. As a result of the study, 6 camera trap video records belonging to Asiatic wildcat were obtained. Asiatic wildcat, once regarded as least concern species, is declining rapidly in its natural habitat because of habitat fragmentation followed by the pressure of large predators and excessive use of agricultural pesticides. This present study is an update on current distribution of Asiatic wildcat in Northeastern Anatolia of Turkey.