by Dr. Mustafa SÖZEN and Dr. Ahmet KARATAŞ

Transkript

1 No.4: F No.4: FAUNA OF YILDIZ MOUNTAINS Mustafa SÖZEN and Ahmet KARATAŞ June 2010 YIILDIIZ MOUNTAIINS BIIOSPHERE PROJECT REPORT SERIIES

2 CONTRIBUTORS Lepidoptera Odonata Freshwater fishes Marine fishes Herpetofauna Tree-dwelling bats Tree-dwelling rodents Small mammals Large mammals by Dr. Ahmet KARATAŞ and Dr. Mustafa SÖZEN by Dr. Ahmet KARATAŞ and Dr. Mustafa SÖZEN by Dr. Hasan M. SARI and Dr. Ali ILHAN by Dr. Murat BILCENOĞLU and MsC student Nilay AKÇA. by Dr. Beytullah ÖZKAN and Dr. Serbülent PAKSÜZ by Dr. Beytullah ÖZKAN and Dr. Serbülent PAKSÜZ by Dr. Beytullah ÖZKAN and Dr. Serbülent PAKSÜZ by Dr. Mustafa SÖZEN and Dr. Ahmet KARATAŞ by Dr. Mustafa SÖZEN and Dr. Ahmet KARATAŞ Dr Ferhat Matur, PhD student Faruk Çolak and MSc student Sercan Irmak also contributed to the collection of small and large mammal data in the field. Dr Michael J. B. Green reviewed and edited this report. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 4 i

3 This document may be cited as: YMBP (2010). Fauna of Yildiz Mountains. A report prepared on behalf of AGRER-Agriconsulting-AGRIN by M. Sözen and A. Karataş for the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Ankara. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 4. Other documents in this series of reports prepared by the Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project are as follows: Land and vegetation cover, habitat and landscape mapping of the Yildliz Mountains, using satellite remote sensing and GIS techniques. A report prepared on behalf of AGRER-Agriconsulting-AGRIN by S. Berberoğlu, C. Donmez, O. Şatir for the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Ankara. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 1. Eco-hydrology of Yıldız Mountains. A report prepared on behalf of AGRER-Agriconsulting-AGRIN by Yusuf Serengil for the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Ankara. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 2 Flora of Yildiz Mountains. A report prepared on behalf of AGRER-Agriconsulting-AGRIN by N. Özhatay, E. Akalin, Y. Yeşil, S. Demirci, N. Güler, and H. Ersoy for the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Ankara. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 3. Caves of the Yildiz Mountains and their fauna. Report prepared on behalf AGRER-Agriconsulting-AGRIN by BUMAD (E. Çoraman, Y. Özakin, Y. Çelik, M. Döker, K. Kunt, and E. Özel) for the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Ankara. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5. Diversity and distribution of birds in the Yildiz Mountains. Report prepared on behalf of AGRER-Agriconsulting- AGRIN by Korhan Özkan for the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Ankara. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 6. A participatory approach to planning the management of the proposed Yildiz Mountains Biosphere. Report prepared on behalf of AGRER-Agriconsulting-AGRIN by S. Alpan Atamer, Sevgi Gül and Okan Can for the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Ankara. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 7. Resource management in the proposed Yildiz Mountains: a community-based approach. Report prepared on behalf of AGRER-Agriconsulting-AGRIN by Francis Hurst for the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Ankara. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 8. Identification and valuation of ecosystem goods and services in the Yildiz Mountains. A report prepared on behalf of AGRER-Agriconsulting-AGRIN by Dominic Moran for the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Ankara. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 9. Social profiling of villages in the Yildiz Mountains. A report prepared on behalf of AGRER-Agriconsulting-AGRIN by Dominic Moran and Axel Tarisse for the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Ankara. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 10. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 4 ii

4 CONTENTS CONTRIBUTORS...I EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...1 ÖZET INTRODUCTION ODONATA LEPIDOPTERA FRESHWATER FISHES MARINE FISHES TREE DWELLING BATS AND DORMICE HERPETOFAUNA OTHER SMALL AND LARGE MAMMALS MATERIALS AND METHODS ODONATA AND LEPIDOPTERA FRESHWATER FISHES MARINE FISHES AMPHIBIANS TREE-DWELLING BATS DORMICE SMALL AND LARGE MAMMALS SURVEY RESULTS OVERVIEW FRESHWATER FISHES MARINE FISHES HERPETOFAUNA, DORMICE AND TREE-DWELLING BATS LARGE AND OTHER SMALL MAMMALS DISCUSSION ODONATA AND LEPIDOPTERA FRESHWATER FISHES MARINE FISHES HERPETOFAUNA, DORMICE AND TREE-DWELLING BATS SMALL MAMMALS LARGE MAMMALS REFERENCES ANNEXES ANNEX 1: FAUNAL RESEARCH UNDERTAKEN IN YILDIZ MOUNTAINS PRIOR TO ANNEX 2: METHODOLOGY -DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION OF SURVEY SITES ANNEX 3: INVENTORY OF FAUNA RECORDED IN PROPOSED YILDIZ MOUNTAINS BIOSPHERE ANNEX 4: ODONATA - DISTRIBUTION, HABITATS AND IMAGES TAKEN IN YILDIZ MOUNTAINS ANNEX 5: LEPIDOPTERA - DISTRIBUTION, HABITATS, THREATENED STATUS AND IMAGES TAKEN IN YILDIZ MOUNTAINS ANNEX 6: MARINE FISHES - THREATENED STATUS, COMMERCIAL CATCH RECORDS AND IMAGES FROM COASTAL REGION OF YILDIZ MOUNTAINS ANNEX 8: HERPETOFAUNA, DORMICE AND BATS: THREATENED STATUS, COMMERCIAL CATCH RECORDS AND IMAGES FROM COASTAL REGION OF YILDIZ MOUNTAINS ANNEX 9: SMALL AND LARGE MAMMALS - TRAP RECORDS, THREATENED STATUS, AND IMAGES Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 4 iii

5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Thrace is the only region of Turkey that lies geographically in Europe, which is why some faunal elements in Turkey occur only in Thrace. The Yildiz Mountains are among the most important natural areas in Thrace because of their unique ecological features, such as longos (swamp) forests and undisturbed mixed forests. Due to the lack of comprehensive data concerning the diversity of Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians, Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) and Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) in the forests and coastal areas of Yıldız Mountains, a field survey is essential for inventory and management planning purposes. Thus, the aim of this survey was to examine fauna diversity (except avifauna) in support of Biosphere management planning. Field trips were undertaken between June and August The main focus of the fauna survey was to cover different habitat types representative of the area proposed for the establishment of the Yildiz Mountains Biosphere. Lepidoptera, odonata, fresh water fishes, marine fishes, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, tree-dwelling rodents, large mammals and tree-dwelling bats were included in this survey. Six main habitat types were surveyed for mammals and Lepidoptera, as follows: 1.) Longos forests, 2.) agricultural fields, 3.) open areas inside forests, 4.) mixed forests, 5.) shrubs along streams, and 6.) pine plantations. In addition, suitable habitats such as water courses, way sides and grass areas were opportunistically checked for Lepidoptera. Small mammals were surveyed in each of these habitats using approximately 100 traps, each set for 3-4 consecutive days and checked daily. Transects within each of the habitat types were also walked in order to search for mammals and their signs (droppings, tracks etc.). During the survey, habitats seen as suitable for Odonata were searched and, as for Lepidoptera, specimens sampled were photographed. Herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles), tree-dwelling bats and tree-dwelling rodents were sampled within 36 locations within the main habitat types. Nets were used to catch amphibians in aquatic systems. In the case of tree-dwelling bats and dormice, live traps and mist nets were used, respectively. Freshwater fish were sampled at 28 sites (6 lakes and 16 streams) in each of the seven river basins of the Project area, using a variety of nets and electro-fishing. Marine fish were sampled by means of bottom-trawling in three locations offshore and also by skin diving. A full list of species recorded within the proposed Yıldız Mountains Biosphere, based on the results of this survey and previous studies, is summarised in the Table below for the main taxonomic groups, together with details of their threatened status. Key findings and recommendations are given in following sections for each taxonomic group. Odonata Two species of damselfly and five species of dragonfly were newly recorded. None of the damselflies and only a small number of dragonflies has been assessed with respect to their conservation status. None is threatened but the Bulgarian Emerald (Somatochlora borisi =Corduliochlora borisi), which is endemic to the Balkans, is Near Threatened. No species is listed in Appendix-II or Appendix-III of the Bern Convention. Odonata prefer aquatic habitats such as creeks, lakes, streams and wetlands. To protect such habitats irrigation activities and dam building activities must be carefully planned and managed. Also water bodies must be protected from pollutants such as sewage effluents and pesticides. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 4 1

6 Table Summary of species inventoried in the proposed Yıldız Mountains Biosphere, based on pre-2009 studies (see Kaya et al., 2009) and the results of the 2009 surveys. Class Order Family Species Turkey s fauna species Vertebrates Threatened species 1 Bern Convention 2 General Hunting Commission 3 Total Yildiz CR EN VU Annex 2 Annex 3 Annex 1 Annex 2 Mammals % Birds % Reptiles % 7 8 Amphibians % 5 3 Freshwater fish % 2 7 Marine fish *170 71% Total Invertebrates Lepidoptera ,182 2% - Butterflies % - Moths ,777 1% Odonata % - Damselflies % - Dragonflies % *This is an approximate total number of marine fish species occurring within the Black Sea. Lepidoptera In the absence of any previous inventory for the Project area, a total of 42 species of moth and 75 species of butterfly have been recorded for the first time in the current study. The latter total represents 66% of butterfly species recorded in Kirklareli Province. None of the 117 species of Lepidoptera has been evaluated with respect to their conservation status, with the exception of the Large Copper (Lycena dispar), which is at Lower Risk. No species is listed in Appendix-II or Appendix-III of the Bern Convention. Lepidoptera especially prefer open areas inside the forest, meadows and open areas along the ways, creeks and streams. Such areas should be protected and, in particular, open areas inside forests should not be re-afforested. Freshwater fishes Six species were newly recorded for the first time as follows: Alosa caspia, Knipowitschia caucasica, Lepomis gibbosus, Liza aurata, Neogobius eurycephalus and Oncorhynchus mykiss. Of the 35 species inventoried, two species are Vulnerable, Crimea barbel (Barbus tauricus escherichi) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio), and seven species are listed in Appendix III of the Bern Convention. Key findings from the survey of 28 sites are as follows: Cyprinidae is the most diverse family with 14 taxa, followed by Gobiidae with 7 taxa. Species diversity within the 7 stream basins surveyed, in order of importance, is Bulanık Stream (with 18 species), Yavuz Stream (17), Rezve River (15), Pabuç Stream (13) Çavuşköprü Stream (12), Kazan Stream (7) and Şahin Stream (5). Barbus tauricus escherichi is the most widely distributed species (recorded at 16 stations), followed by Phoxinus phoxinus (15), Alburnus chalcoides and Squalius cephalus (10), Alburnoides bipunctatus and Gobio gobio (9) and Salmo trutta (7 stations). Other species exist in one or a few stations. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 4 2

7 The main threats to freshwater fish are water transfer schemes, domestic sewage (especially in tourist areas) and alien species (e.g. Oncorhynchus mykiss, Carassius gibelio, Gambusia affinis and Lepomis gibbosus) entering aquatic systems. Marine fishes Kirklareli Province has 60 km of coastline, all of which lies within the proposed Yildiz Mountains Biosphere. Although it constitutes only 4.3% of the entire Turkish Black Sea coast, the local ichthyofauna is rich and requires appropriate management measures to protect biodiversity and sustain its utilisation as a fishery. Three species were recorded for the first time within the coastal waters just offshore from the Project area, namely Parablennius incognitus, P. zvonimiri and Salaria pavo, all of which are considered to be nationally Vulnerable (Fricke, 2007). They have not been previously recorded from Turkish Thrace. Of the 121 species of marine fish recorded during this survey, one species is Critically Endangered (angel shark, Squatina squatina), four are Endangered (three sturgeon fishes, Acipenser nudiventris, A. gueldenstaedtii, A. stellatus and beluga, Huso huso) and three are Vulnerable (piked dogfish, Squalus acanthias, Gymnura altavela and Alosa immaculate) at global level; and 54 species are nationally threatened. Eleven species are listed in Annexes II and III of the Bern Convention. The only non-indigenous species recorded off the Kirklareli coast is the Pacific mullet (Liza haematocheila). This species feeds on small bottom-living organisms and, thus, does not appear to compete with native grey mullet. It is caught by local fishermen from Kirklareli but has low/moderate commercial value. Commercial fishery activities off the Kirklareli coast are concentrated on a few species: turbot, red mullet and whiting are fished by bottom trawlers; and Atlantic bonito, bluefish and anchovy are main species caught in purse-seine nets. Since several schooling fish species migrate (in counter-clockwise direction) from the northern Black Sea to Turkish coasts, huge numbers of fishery vessels equipped with hi-tech instruments congregate around the ports of Kirklareli at the beginning of the fishing season. Signs of overfishing are evident, with sharp declines in the population of highly esteemed turbot and Atlantic bonito reported by fishermen and substantiated by the official fishery statistics. For example, Atlantic bonito production decreased almost 20-fold from 30,000 tonnes in 2005 to 1,500 tonnes in The coastal waters of Kirklareli have been overlooked with respect to ichthyological research. Concrete data are required to regulate local fisheries and the population dynamics of highly commercial species should be studied, in order to determine maximum sustainable yields and permissible off takes. The minimum landing sizes given in the official Fishery Bulletin should also be revised accordingly in the light of scientific research results. Special emphasis should be given to research on threatened species, especially for those commercially exploited, to inform the development of appropriate conservation policies and other measures. Amphibians and Reptiles No species of amphibian or reptile was newly recorded from within the Project area; and none is threatened, although four reptile species are Near Threatened. Eight and 13 species of amphibians and reptiles, respectively, are listed in Annexes II and III of the Bern Convention. The main threats that need to be addressed are as follows: Removal of old, especially hole-bearing trees, negatively impacts all faunal elements. In particular, some snakes and lizards reside or shelter in or under fallen, rotting trees. Thus, places where forestry activities are not taking place should be protected from disturbance. Both spur-thighed and Herman tortoises (Testuda greaca and T. hermanni), as well as marsh frog (Rana ridibunda) are collected from the region and exported, despite their protection under the provisions of the Bern Convention (Annexes II and III). Proper enforcement measures are required to control such illegal activities. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 4 3

8 Damming of streams that flow into the Black Sea in order to provide drinking water for Istanbul not only negatively affects Longos forests fed by these streams but also the reduced water flows in these streams threatens aquatic life, including amphibians, water snakes and fishes. Mammals One mammal, Gunther s vole (Microtus guentheri) was recorded for the first time within the Project area. Four of the 66 mammal species are Vulnerable: marbled polecat (Vormela peregusna) and three species of bats, Rhinolophus euryale, Rhinolophus mehelyi, and Myotis capaccinii. The otter (Lutra lutra) is Near Threatened. Seven species are listed in Annexes II and 13 species in Annex III of the Bern Convention. The blind mole rat, Nannospalax leucodon, was excluded from the mammal inventory for the proposed Yıldız Mountains Biosphere since no new records were obtained during the survey. It is thought that previous records may have resulted from misinterpretation of mole burrows, Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) was also excluded in the absence of any new records in recent decades. Trapping proved to be a moderately effective means of generating information on small mammal species diversity and abundance in different habitats, with an overall success rate of 19%.. Longos forest was by far the richest habitat for small mammals, based on a 46% rate of trapping, followed by open forest and streams with an understory of shrubs, and then pine plantation. Least productive in terms of small mammals is agricultural field. The higher productivity of pine plantation versus mixed forest with respect to small mammals is surprising, especially since pine forest does not occur naturally in Turkish Thrace. This warrants further investigation, especially given the small sample size. No specific threats were identified with respect to small mammals. The main threat to large mammals, such as roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus), is illegal hunting. C. elaphus sometimes crosses from the Bulgarian side of the border into Turkey but only a few ever return because of hunting on the Turkish side. Thus, protection from hunting is a prerequisite to the re-establishment of healthy breeding populations. It is also important to maintain a mosaic of open and closed canopy forest as open areas are important as grazing and rutting grounds. In summary, the proposed Yildiz Mountains Biosphere supports an important and diverse fauna, representing 40% or more of Tureky s mammal and amphibian species and 70% of the Black Sea s marine fishes. Protection from over-exploitation by hunting, fishing and collection for the wildlife trade, along with water damming and water transfer schemes, and inappropriate forest management practices are the key threats that need to be addressed. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 4 4

9 ÖZET Trakya Bölgesi Türkiye nin Avrupa daki tek parçasıdır. Bu yüzden Türkiye deki bazı fauna elemanları sadece Trakya da bulunmaktadır. Trakya daki Yıldız Dağları Bölgesi, subasar ormanları ve bozulmamış ormanları gibi eşsiz ekolojik özelliklere sahip olması bakımından Trakya daki en önemli doğal alanlardan birisidir. Yıldız Dağları ormanlık ve sahil alanlarında memeliler, sürüngenler, amfibiler, balıklar, mayısböcekleri, kelebekler hakkında ayrıntılı verilerin eksik olmasından dolayı envanter hazırlamak amacıyla ve yönetim planlaması amaçlarıyla arazi çalışmaları yapılması kaçınılmazdı. Arazi çalışmaları Temmuz ve Ağustos 2009 arasında yapıldı. Arazi çalışmalarında başlıca, Yıldız Dağları Biyosferinin oluşturulması için önerilen alanın temsilcisi olan farklı habitat tiplerine odaklanıldı. Bu çalışmada lepidopterler, odonatlar, tatlısu balıkları, deniz balıkları, amfibiler, sürüngenler, küçük memeliler, ağaçta yaşayan kemiriciler, büyük memeliler ve ağaçta yaşayan yarasalar değerlendirildi. Lepidopterler ve memelier için başlıca altı temel habitat tipi çalılışdı, bu habitat tipleri şunlardır: 1.) Longos olarak adlandırılan subasar ormanlar, 2.) Tarım alanları, 3.) orman içi açıklıklar, 4.) Karışık ormanlar, 5.) Dereler boyunca uzanan çalılıklar, 6.) Çam ekim alanları. İlave olarak, arazi çalışması süresince dere yatakları, yol kenarları ve çayırlıklar gibi alanlar da lepidopter örneklerini belirlemek için tesadüfî olarak kontrol edildi. Küçük memeliler her habitat tipinde yaklaşık 100 kapan kullanılarak çalışıldı. Kapanlar 3-4 ardışık gün kuruldu ve günlük olarak kontrol edildi. Her habitat tipi içinde belirlenen transektler boyunca yüründü ve memeliler ve bunlara ait izler (dışkılar, izler vb.) araştırıldı. Arazi çalışması boyunca Lepidoptera da olduğu gibi Odonata için uygun görülen habitatlar da araştırıldı ve gözlenen örnekler fotoğraflandı. Herpetofauna (amfibiler ve sürüngenler), ağaçlarda yaşayan yarasalar ve ağaçlarda yaşayan kemiriciler başlıca habitat tiplerindeki 36 lokaliteden örneklendi. Sucul ortamlarda amfibi örneklerini yakalamak için ağlar kullanıldı. Ağaç yarasaları ve ağaç kemiricilerini yakalamak için ise sırasıyla canlı yakalama kapanları ve yarasa ağı kullanıldı. Tatlısu balıkları, proje alanındaki 7 nehir sisteminde yer alan 28 alandan (6 göl ve 16 akarsu) çeşitli tiplerdeki ağlar ve elektroşoker ile örneklendi. Deniz balıkları ise açıkta dip tirolü ağları, sahile yakın kesimlerde ise tüpsüz dalışlarla örneklendi. Önerilen Yıldız Dağları Biyosferinden kaydedilen türlerin, bu çalışmaya ve literatür taramasına dayanarak hazırlanan, bütün bir listesi aşağıdaki tabloda büyük taksonomik gruplar altında tehlike durumlarına ait detaylar ile birlikte özetlendi. Alttaki bölümlerde anahtar niteliğindeki bulgular ve öneriler her bir taksonomik grup için verildi. Odonata Mayıs böceklerinin 2 türü ve ejder böceklerinin 5 türü ilk kez kaydedildi. Mayıs böceklerinin hiç birisi koruma statülerine göre değerlendirilmemiş, ejder böceklerinin ise sadece az sayıda türü değerlendirilmiş durumdadır. Balkanlara endemik ve Near Threatened (NT) olarak listelenmiş olan Somatochlora borisi =Corduliochlora borisi dışında hiçbir tür tehlike kategorilerinde yer almamaktadır. Hiçbir tür Bern Sözleşmesi Ek-II veya Ek-III listelerinde yer almamaktadır. Odonatlar dereler, göller, akarsular ve sulak alanlar gibi sucul ortamları tercih ederler. Bu tip habitatları korumak için sulama faaliyetleri ve baraj yapımı gibi etkinliklerin çok dikkatli bir şekilde planlanması ve yönetilmesi zorunludur. Ayrıca su kaynaklarının foseptik atıklardan ve korunması zorunludur. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 4 5

10 Tablo Yıldız Dağları Biyosferinde belirlenen türlerin özeti, bu liste 2009 öncesi çalışmalara (bkz Kaya et al., 2009) ve 2009 yılında yapılan arazi çalışmalarının sonuçlarına dayanmaktadır. Class Takım Aile Tür Türkiye faunası türleri Omurgalılar Threatened species 1 Bern Sözleşmesi 2 Merkez Av Komisyonu 3 Toplam Yildiz CR EN VU Ek 2 Ek 3 Ek 1 Ek 2 Memelier % Kuşlar % Sürüngenler % Amfibiler % Tatlısu balıkları % Deniz balıkları *170 % Toplam Omurgasızlar Lepidoptera ,182 2% - Butterflies % - Moths ,777 1% Odonata % - Damselflies % - Dragonflies % * Bu sayı Karadeniz de görülen deniz balığı türlerinin yaklaşık toplam sayısıdır. Lepidoptera Proje alanında daha önce yapılan bir çalışma bulunmaması durumunda 42 güve ve 75 kelebek türü proje alanından ilk kez bu çalışmada kaydedildi. Çalışma alanından kaydedilen toplam tür sayısı Kırklareli nden kaydedilen tür sayısının % 66 sını oluşturmaktadır. Kaydedilen 117 Lepidopter türünden, Düşük Risk kategorisinde bulunan Lycena dispar hariç, hiç birisi koruma kriterleri bakımından değerlendirilememektedir. Hiçbir tür Bern Sözleşmesi Ek-II veya Ek-III listelerinde yer almamaktadır. Lepidopterler özellikle orman içi açıklıklar, çayırlar ile yollar, dereler ve nehirler boyunca görülen açık alanları tercih eder. Bu tür alanlar korunmalı ve özellikle orman içi açıklıklar ağaçlandırılmadan bırakılmalıdır. Tatlısu balıkları Tatlusu balıkların altı tür ilk defa kaydedildi, bunlar şunlardır: Alosa caspia, Knipowitschia caucasica, Lepomis gibbosus, Liza aurata, Neogobius eurycephalus ve Oncorhynchus mykiss.. Kaydedilen 35 türden iki tür (Barbus tauricus escherichi ve Cyprinus carpio) VU kategorisindedir, ve yedi tür Bern Sözleşmesi Ek-III listesinde yer almaktadır. Alnada çalışılan 28 lokaliteye göre elde edilen anahtar bulgular şöyledir: Cyprinidae 14 takson ile en yaygın familyadır, bunu 7 takson ile Gobiidae takip etmektedir. Çalışılan 7 akarsu havzasının tür çeşitliliği önem sırasına göre şöyledir: Bulanık Deresi (18 tür), Yavuz Deresi (17), Rezve Deresi (15), Pabuç Deresi (13) Çavuşköprü Deresi (12), Kazan Deresi (7) ve Şahin Deresi (5). Barbus tauricus escherichi en yaygın türdür (16 istasyondan kaydedildi), bunu sırası ile Phoxinus phoxinus (15), Alburnus chalcoides and Squalius cephalus (10), Alburnoides bipunctatus ile Gobio gobio (9) ve Salmo trutta (7 stations) takip etmektedir. Diğer türler sadece bir veya birkaç istasyondan kaydedildi. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 4 6

11 Tatlısu balıkları için başlıca tehditler su taşıma etkinlikleri, evsel atıksular (özellikle turistik alanlarda) ve sucul sistemlere yabancı türlerdir (ör. Oncorhynchus mykiss, Carassius gibelio, Gambusia affinis ve Lepomis gibbosus). Deniz Balıkları Kırklareli ili, tamamı Yıldız Dağları Biyosfer projesi kapsamında bulunan 60 km lik kıyı şeridine sahiptir. Her ne kadar Türkiye nin Karadeniz kıyılarının sadece %4.3 lük kısmını oluşturuyor olsa da, bölgesel balık faunası oldukça zengin olup biyoçeşitliliğin korunması ve bu kaynakların balıkçılık açısından sürdürebilirliğinin sağlanması amacıyla gerekli önlemlerin alınması gereklidir. Proje alanının kıyısal sularında, hepsi ulusal ölçekte hassas olarak tanımlanan (Fricke ve diğ., 2007) üç tür (Parablennius incognitus, P. zvonimiri ve Salaria pavo) ilk defa rapor edilmiştir. Söz konusu türlerin, Türkiye nin Trakya kıyılarından daha önce kaydı bulunmamaktadır. Bu çalışma esnasında rapor edilen toplam 121 deniz balığından global ölçekte bir tür kritik (keler, Squatina squatina), dört tür tehlikede (mersin balıkları, Acipenser nudiventris, A. gueldenstaedtii, A. stellatus ve Huso huso), ve üç tür hassas (mahmuzlu camgöz, Squalus acanthias; kazıkuyruk, Gymnura altavela ve tirsi, Alosa immaculata) olarak, 54 tür ise ulusal ölçekte tehlike altında olarak tanımlanmıştır. Toplam 11 tür, Bern sözleşmesinin Ek II ve Ek III kapsamında listelenmiştir. Kırklareli kıyılarında gözlenebilen tek yabancı balık türü, Rus kefali dir (Liza haematocheila). Bu türün beslenme rejimi daha çok küçük dip omurgasızları üzerine olduğundan, yerli kefal türleriyle rekabete girdiği düşünülmemektedir. Bölge balıkçıları tarafından Kırklareli kıyılarından yakalanan Rus kefalleri sadece düşük veya orta derecede ekonomik değer arz etmektedir. Bölgedeki balıkçılık faaliyetleri az sayıda tür üzerine yoğunlaşmış olup kalkan, barbun ve mezgit dip trolü ile, palamut, lüfer ve hamsi ise gırgır ağlarıyla avlanan başlıca türlerdir. Sürü oluşturan balıkların büyük kısmı, Karadeniz deki göçleri esnasında saatin ters yönü istikamette hareket ettiklerinden, av sezonun başlamasıyla birlikte Kırklareli kyılarına başka limanlardan çok sayıda ve yüksek teknolojiye sahip tekne gelmektedir. Çalışma sahasındaki aşırı avcılık olgusu son derece belirgin olup, özellikle kalkan ve palamut gibi yüksek ekonomik değer arz eden türlerdeki ciddi azalışlar, resmi balıkçılık istatistiklerine de yansımıştır. Örneğin yıllık palamut üretim miktarı 2005 yılında 30,000 ton iken bu rakam 2007 yılında 1,500 tona kadar düşmüştür. Kırklareli kıyıları, ihtiyolojik araştırmalar açısından son derece ihmal edilmiş bir bölge konumundadır. Lokal balıkçılığın düzenlenebilmesi ve maksimum kalıcı ürünün saptanabilmesinde, özellikle yüksek ekonomik öneme sahip ticari türlerin populasyon dinamikleri hakkında somut veriye ihtiyaç duyulmaktadır. Su Ürünleri Tebliğ lerindeki en küçük avlanma boyu verilerinin, mutlaka bilimsel araştırma sonuçlarına göre düzenlenmesi gerekmektedir. Nesli tehlike altında bulunan türler (ve bunlar arasından ticari önem arz edenler) hakkındaki bilimsel çalışmalara ağırlık verilmesi, alınması gereken tedbirlerin ve koruma önlemlerinin belirlenebilmesi açısından önemlidir. Amfibiler ve Sürüngenler Proje alanında amfibilerden ve sürüngenlerden yeni kaydedilen bir tür bulunmamaktadır ve kaydedilen türlerin dört sürüngen türü tehlikeye yakın (NT) olmasına rağmen hiçbir tür tehdit altında değildir. Amfibi ve sürüngenlerden Bern Sözleşmesine göre sekiz tür Ek-II ve 13 tür Ek- III listelerinde yer almaktadır. Dikkat edilmesi gereken başlıca tehditler şunlardır: Yaşlı ve özellikle boşlukları bulunan ağaçların uzaklaştırılması bütün fauna elemanlarını olumsuz etkilemektedir. Özellikle bazı yılan ve kertenkele türleri bu tip ağaçlara sığınmaktadır. Bu yüzden ormancılık faaliyetlerinin yapılmadığı alanların rahatsız edilmeden korunması iyi olacaktır. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 4 7

12 Testuda greaca ve T. Hermanni ve ayrıca Rana ridibunda Bern sözleşmesi tarafından koruma altında olmalarına rağmen bölgede toplanmakta ve ihraç edilmektedir. Bu şekilde illegal faaliyetlerin uygun şekilde kontrol edilmesi ve önlenmesi gerekmektedir. İstanbul için içme suyu temini amacıyla Karadeniz e akan derelere baraj yapımı sadece bu sularla beslenen longos ormanlarını olumsuz etkilemekle kalmayıp ayrıca bu derelerdeki akarsuyun azalması amfibiler, su yılanları ve balıkları içeren sucul faunayı da tehdit etmektedir. Mammals Bir memeli türü, Gunther tarla faresi (Microtus guentheri) proje alanından ilk defa kaydedildi. Toplam 66 memeli türünün 4 tanesi Vulnerable kategorisindedir. Bunlar alacasansar (Vormela peregusna) ve üç yarasa türü olan Rhinolophus euryale, Rhinolophus mehelyi ve Myotis capaccinii dir. U samuru (Lutra lutra) Near Threatened (NT) kategorisindedir. Bern Sözleşmesine göre yedi tür Ek-II ve 13 tür Ek-III listelerinde yer almaktadır. Kör fare, Nannospalax leucodon, çalışma boyunca kayıtlarına rastlanamadığı için bölgenin memeli envanterinden çıkarıldı. Önceki kayıtların köstebek yuvalarının yanlış değerlendirilmesinden kaynaklandığı düşünülmektedir. Son birkaç on yıldır yeni bir kaydı bulunmadığı için Akdeniz foku (Monachus monachus) da listeden çıkartıldı. Kapanlama çalışmaları farklı habitat tiplerindeki küçük memeli tür çeşitliliği ve yoğunluğunu genel olarak ortaya koymak için kullanıldı, komple kapan başarısı % 19 olarak belirlendi. Longoz ormanı % 46 yakalama oranı ile habitatlar arasında en zengini olarak belirlendi, longozu çalılık kaplı açık orman ve akarsular ve sonra da çam plantasyonu takip etmektedir. Küçük memeliler bakımından en az üretken bulunan ortam tarım alanı oldu. Çam ormanı Trakya için doğal bir orman olmadığından çam plantasyonunun karışık ormandan daha üretken bulunması özellikle şaşırtıcıdır. Bu durum yetersiz örneklemeden kaynaklanabilir ve durumun daha uzun süreli çalışmalar ile daha geniş şekilde çalışılması yararlı olacaktır. Küçük memelilere yönelik özel bir tehdit belirlenmedi. Kızıl geyik (Cervus elaphus) ve Karaca (Capreolus capreolus) gibi büyük memelilere karşı asıl tehdit yasadışı avcılıktır. C. elaphus zaman zaman Bulgaristan tarafından Türkiye ye geçmekte, ancak kaçak avcılıktan dolayı çok azı geri dönebilmektedir. Bu yüzden sağlıklı bir üreme populasyonun alanda barınabilmesinin ön şartı yasadışı avcılığın önlenmesidir. Ayrıca ormanlık alanda açık alanlar ve yoğun kapalı alanların mozaik şeklinde varlığını sürdürmesi açık alanların karaca ve kızıl geyiklerin otlama ve kur yapma alanı olarak kullanılması açısından önemlidir. Özet olarak Yıldız Dağları Biyosferi Türkiye memeli ve amfibi türlerinin % 40, Karadeniz balık türlerinin ise % 70 veya daha fazlasını temsil eden önemli ve zengin bir faunayı desteklemektedir. Avcılık, balıkçılık ve yaban hayatı türlerinin yasadışı ticareti amaçlı toplama faaliyetlerinden dolayı alanın aşırı istismarını önlemek, bunlarla birlikte baraj yapım faaliyetleri ve suların kaynaklarından çeşitli amaçlar için taşınması faaliyetleri üzerinde durulması gereken ana tehdit unsurlarıdır. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 4 8

13 1. INTRODUCTION The Yıldız Mountains are located in the north of Thrace, within the provincial borders of Kırklareli, adjacent to the Bulgarian border and eastwards to the Black Sea. Approximately 1,218 km 2 of the Yıldız Mountains are proposed as a biosphere reserve. A review of current knowledge of the fauna was undertaken by Kaya et al. (2009) as part of the Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project in order to identify gaps in knowledge and inform priorities for further surveys to be undertaken during this study. A summary of this review in Table 1.1 indicates that 326 species of vertebrates and, among the invertebrates, 27 species of dragonflies and damselflies, and 131species of butterflies and moths had been inventoried within the Project area. The high numbers of species inhabiting the Yıldız Mountains, representing nearly 40% or more in the case of Turkey s mammals, birds and amphibians (Table 1.1), is indicative of the considerable importance of this area for faunal diversity. Table 1.1 Summary of known species recorded in the proposed Yıldız Mountains Biosphere prior to the present surveys (Kaya et al., 2009) Class Order Family Species Turkey s fauna species Vertebrates Threatened species 1 Bern Convention 2 General Hunting Commission 3 Total Yildiz CR EN VU Annex 2 Annex 3 Annex 1 Annex 2 Mammals % Birds % Reptiles % Amphibians % Freshwater fish % 1 7 Total Invertebrates Odonata % - Damselflies Dragonflies CR: Critically Endangered EN: Endangered VU: Vulnerable (IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, 2000) 2 Bern Annex2: Strictly protected fauna species; Annex 3: Protected fauna species 3 General Hunting Commission Annex 1: Species that may be hunted during specific periods; Annex 2: Mammals and birds protected from hunting in Turkey. None of these inventoried species is exclusive to Turkey, although the Bulgarian emerald dragonfly (Somatochlora borisi 1 ) is endemic to the Balkans. A significant number of species are listed as threatened in the IUCN Red List (2000), particularly among mammals and reptiles. Many species are listed in Annexes 2 and 3 for protection under the provisions of the Bern Convention and in Annex 2 of Turkey General Hunting Commission for protection from hunting (Table 1.1). Much of the faunal scientific research undertaken prior to 2009 has been concentrated in İğneada, renowned for its longos forest and other wetland habitats. This includes various studies carried out under the GEF II Biodiversity and Natural Resources Management Project. Demirköy, Dereköy, and Dupnisa are among other areas that have been surveyed for some faunal groups. Zoologists from Trakya University, Edirne have contributed substantially to recent surveys species specific studies. A summary of earlier studies is provided in Annex 1 and some further details are given below. 1 Synonymous with Corduliochlora borisi Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 4 9

14 1.1 ODONATA Dragonflies and damselflies constitute the Order Odonata, having paired wings, and are classified within the flying insects (Pterygota). Indicative of their evolutionary transition from water to land, is their habit of laying their eggs in water. Larvae leave the water after metamorphosis and become adults with wings. Thus, due to such a life cycle, they are commonly found around water bodies. Most of the Odonata data relating to Yıldız Mountains are from Dijkstra and Lewington (2006). Major studies were carried out in the area by Hacet & Aktaç (1997, 2004). Kalkman (2006) published a large-scale revision and removed some species recorded from Turkey. 1.2 LEPIDOPTERA Lepidoptera includes moths and butterflies. It is one of the most speciose orders in the class Insecta, encompassing moths and three superfamilies of butterflies, skipper butterflies, and mothbutterflies. Skippers have characteristics of both butterflies and moths. The wings are double. Lepidoptera are often highly specific with respect to the plants on which they lay their eggs. Larva emerge from the eggs as caterpillars, which are mostly herbivorous (a few are carnivorous and detritivorous). After a further phase of metamorphosis as pupa, the adult butterflies emerge from their cocoons. The majority of the butterflies feed on nectar and pollen, hence their important role in pollination of plants. Adult lifespans vary between species, from one day to one year. Approximately 180,000 Lepidoptera species have been described from all over the world. Species recorded within Turkey amount to 400 butterflies and some 4,800 moths (Koçak & Kemal, 2009). Karaca (2008) recorded 114 species of butterflies from Kırklareli Province. As part of the GEF-II Project, 61 Lepidoptera species were recorded in the vicinity of İğneada and its longos forest, some of which were included in the inventory based on previous studies (Seven, 1995; Göbekçioğlu, 1999). There are several Lepidoptera websites that feature numerous species records and photographs from the Kirklareli region, notably and In addition, amateur observations are sometimes published in the form of scientific papers with the support of butterfly experts (e.g. Karaca, 2008, Sarıgül et al., 2008), which also leads to discovery of previously unrecorded species. For example, the first record of Aphantopus hyperantus is given from Dereköy and its distribution is currently confined to Kirklareli. Two other species, Polyommatus semiargus and Polyommatus aroaniensis, are also recorded for the first time and only from Kırklareli. Further studies may reveal a wider distribution range for these species. Much less is known about moths, despite being a much more speciose group, than butterflies in the Project area. This is primarily due to a lack of experts on the subject and comparatively lower popularity of moths among nature photographers, who tend to be more attracted to the iridescent colours of butterflies. Okyar (Göbekçioğlu) & Aktaç (1999) recorded 115 species of Geometrid moths recorded from 81 localities throughout Turkish Thrace. Only five of these localities are located in the Project area, from where 34 species were recorded. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 4 10

15 1.3 FRESHWATER FISHES The ichthyofauna of Thrace has previously been investigated by Battalgil (1941, 1942), Erk akan (1983, 1984), Balık (1985), Meriç (1986a, 1986b, 1992), Erdem et al. (1994), Özuluğ (1999), Özuluğ et al. (2004), ÇOB (2004) and İlhan et al. (2005). Balık (1985) identified 26 species (5 species from streams, 8 from lakes and 13 from both habitats) from the Yildiz mountains, out of 40 taxa reported from eastern Thrace. Erdem et al. (1994) investigated population ecology of Scardinius erythrophthalmus and Carassius carassius in Hamam Lake. They recorded six species in this lake. Fifteen taxa were identified from inland waters in the area covered by the GEF II Project (ÇOB, 2004). İlhan et al. (2007) reviewed the distribution of the genus Carassius, based on previously collected specimens from Thrace held in the Museum of Ege University, Fisheries Faculty Inland Water Fish Collection (ESFM-PISI). Although there is some information on fishes of western Thrace, little is known about the fish fauna of the Yildiz Mountains. Lotic and lentic habitats were not examined in detail prior to the present survey, which was aimed at sampling streams, lakes and reservoirs to assess the distribution and abundance of freshwater fish. 1.4 MARINE FISHES The Black Sea is the most isolated marine environment among all inland seas of the world, whose only tenuous link with other seas is with the Mediterranean through the narrow Turkish straits system. A relatively diverse marine fauna occurs in the Black Sea, despite its low salinity (c. 18 ) and anoxic waters below depths of 200 m (with high levels of H 2S). Of the c. 3,800 fauna and flora species identified from the Black Sea, 42.9% belongs to fungi, algae and higher plants, 52.5% to invertebrates, 4.5% to fishes and 0.1% to marine mammals (Zaitsev and Mamaev, 1997). Although marine fishes form only a small proportion of the Black Sea s biodiversity, the large stocks of species such as anchovy, bluefish and Atlantic bonito and historically and currently important due to their high commercial value. The rich sturgeon fish populations in the western Black Sea (Dnieper area) were first mentioned by Heredotus ( BC), and some priests in the Middle Ages (17 th century) recorded sardines, whitings etc. in the northern Black Sea (see Slastenenko, 1956). Scientific research dates back to the 18 th century, initiated by Russian scientists, when the majority of studies were concentrated to the northern basin including the Azov Sea. An overall picture of the Black Sea fish fauna was compiled during the late 19 th century based on the studies of Pallas, Kessler and Ostroumov (Zaitsev and Mamaev, 1997). Knowledge about fishes off the Turkish Black Sea coast is very limited. Prominent studies were carried out only after the establishment of the Hydrobiological Research Institute of Istanbul University in 1952, which was later followed in 1954 by fisheries training courses supported by FAO under various projects. Fisheries surveys were conducted under the leadership of the Norwegian fishery expert Olav Aasen, and biology of certain important commercial species was studied (e.g. Aasen and Akyüz, 1955; 1956). During this same period, detailed descriptions of Black Sea fish were provided by Slastenenko (1956), including brief information on the occurrence of particular species along Turkish shores. Subsequently, no significant scientific work was carried out for five decades, until a series of surveys on fish stocks of the central and eastern Turkish Black Sea coast were made between December 1989 and January 1994 (Anonymous, 1996). A review of relevant literature has shown that almost all fishery studies conducted along the Turkish Black Sea coast are confined to the central and eastern basins. No data is currently available for the Thrace region. Information on local fish faunas is also scarce, except for the Sinop Samsun coastline (Bat et al., 2005). Currently, the only data on marine fish distributions along the Kirklareli coast are provided by Whitehead et al. ( ) and Fischer et al. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 4 11

16 (1987), who based their data not on actual field observations, but on results from previous publications, ichthyological museum records and educated projections (i.e. a species known from Bosphorus, Bulgaria and Romania should also exist in the Thrace region). In this Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project, the fish fauna along the Kirklareli coast was examined for the first time. 1.5 TREE DWELLING BATS AND DORMICE The world s mammals comprise some 4,809 species, representing 1,192 genera, 146 families and 28 orders. The order Chiroptera (bats) constitutes about one-quarter of all mammalian species, with its 977 modern species classified into 192 genera, 18 families and 2 orders. Chiroptera are the second most speciose order of mammals (20.3%) after Rodentia. Bats, the only flying mammals, are estimated to have first appeared million years ago, following the extinction of the dinosaurs. The biggest living bat is Pteropus vampyrus (Megachiroptera), with a body weight of 1500 g and wing length of 1700 mm; the smallest is Craseonycteris thonglongyai (Microchiroptera), weighing 2 g and with a wing length of 120 mm. There exist 38 bat species in Turkey, representing 5 families (Pteropodidae, Rhinolophidae, Emballonuridae, Vespertilionidae and Molossidae) and two suborders (Megachiroptera ve Microchiroptera). Based on the results of our recent investigations within the region, 28 of these species (73.6%) are present in Turkish Thrace and 25 (65.7%) in Yıldız Mountains. The family Gliridae (dormice) is globally represented by 28 species from 10 genera, of which seven species occur in Turkey and three of these species occur in Turkish Thrace. Just two species have been recorded from the Yıldız Mountains: Glis glis (fat or edible dormouse) and Dryomys nitedula (forest dormouse). The third species Myomimus roachi (ground or mousetailed dormouse) has a rare distributional pattern in Turkish Thrace, excluding Yıldız Mountains. According to former studies in Yildiz Mountains carried out in 2001 about the use of nestboxes by fat dormice, 46 specimens were identified in 1 hectare of a locality (Vali Mezarlığı) in Demirköy. The sounds of many Glis glis specimens were heard wandering and feeding on beech (Fagus orientalis), oak (Quercus sp.) and other trees during night-time studies in the forests. Glis glis population densities were high in all types of forests in the region. By contrast, the Forest dormice, Dryomys nitedula, is relatively rare in Yildiz Mountains. The infrequent presence of this species in nestboxes that were checked in Fidanlık, Demirköy, Çakmaktepe and Kastro confirmed the rarity of the species in these particular forests. 1.6 HERPETOFAUNA Yildiz Mountains support a rich diversity of reptiles, partly a reflection of their forests. The dominant deciduous tree species are beech (Fagus orientalis), oak (Quercus robur, Q. petraea, Q. cerris), hornbeam (Carpinus betulus, C. orientalis), ashtree (Fraxinus angustifolia, F. excelsior), alder (Alnus glutinosa), acer (Acer campestre) and linden tree (Tilia argentea). Some coniferous plantations of Pinus nigra, P. Pinea, P. brutia, P. maritime are also present. 1.7 OTHER SMALL AND LARGE MAMMALS Many scientific studies have been conducted on the mammals living in the İğneada longos forests but, with the exception of bats, elsewhere in the Project area there has been little research. A total of 65 mammalian species have been reported in the literature for this area, which constitutes more than 40% of the Turkish mammalian fauna (Table 1.1). Yıldız Mountains has many caves that host an especially rich bat fauna (8 species). These have been the subject of a separate study undertaken as part of Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project2. Many of the other bat species are found in the forests of Yıldız Mountains, such as Bechstein s bat (Myotis bechsteinii) which is a common woodland species. Sixty six percent of Turkey s bat species, all of which are nationally protected, occur within the Project area. 2 Caves of the Yildiz Mountains and their fauna. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 4 12

17 Among the small mammals, yellow-necked mice (Apodemus flavicollis) is common in the Project area, as is the fat dormouse (Glis glis) in all wooded areas. The striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius), found only in Thrace in Turkey, occurs in areas facing the Black Sea. Within forests and other wooded areas, there is some confusion about the nests of the blind mole (Talpa ceaca) and the lesser mole rat (Spalax leucodon); therefore, it would be useful to review the distribution of lesser mole rats within the Project area. More research is required to obtain robust scientific data about grey wolf (Canis lupus), red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), European otter (Lutra lutra) and other large mammals because it has been observed that population of these species have decreased in recent years due to intensive pressures from human beings, including hunting (Kaya et al., 2009). Studies on the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), seen in the rocky area on the coast around Limanköy (Mitchell-Jones, A. J. et al., 1999), is also a high priority. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 4 13

18 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS 2.1 ODONATA AND LEPIDOPTERA The main streams and lakes in the proposed Yıldız Mountains Biosphere were sampled for Odonata (damselflies and dragonflies) and Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) at 16 localities as follows: Kırklareli: Dereköy; Demirköy: Demirköy (merkez), Avcılar, Balaban (Velika), between the lakes of Deniz and Saka, between the streams of Deringeçit and Uzunalan, Dupnisa (Sarpdere), Erikli Lake, İğneada and north-west of İğneada, Limanköy, Longos, Mert Lake, between the lakes of Pedina and Hamam, Sislioba, and between the streams of Yavuz and Bulanık (Figure 2.1). Butterflies, damselflies and dragonflies were photographed during small mammal, insectivore and large mammal studies. Additionally, four extra days were devoted specifically to collecting data on these invertebrate groups. Photographs were taken of adult specimens for identification purposes and archived. Several kinds of lenses and cameras were used to photograph Odonata and Lepidoptera, mostly a Canon 40D body with a Canon 100 mm 2.8 USM macro lens. Figure 2.1 Localities surveyed specifically for Odonata and Lepidoptera. Species identified from photographs taken in field provided the basis of inventories, to which records from other published sources were added. Identification of Odonata species was determined primarily according to Dijkstra and Lewington (2006). Other literature sources included Hacet & Aktaç (1997, 2004) and Kalkman (2006). Some species recorded by Hacet & Aktaç (1997, 2004) are not included in the inventory for the proposed Yıldız Mountains Biosphere because they were excluded from Kalkman s (2006) review of Turkey s Odonata. Lepidoptera were identified primarily according to Seven (1995), Göbekçioğlu (1999), Okyar (Göbekçioğlu) & Aktaç (1999), Karaca (2008), Sarıgül et al. (2008), Koçak & Kemal (2009), and Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 4 14

19 2.2 FRESHWATER FISHES Limnological surveys were carried out during July 2009 in the eastern section of Yıldız Mountains in order to determine the freshwater fish fauna. Sampling was undertaken at 28 sites, including six lakes and 16 streams within seven stream basins. Several sites were sampled along Pabuç stream, Tarlalık stream, Velika stream and Rezve River. Sample locations are shown in Figure 2.2 and further details of each site are provided in Annex 2, including coordinates and some physico-chemical properties of the streams (Table A2.1). Figure 2.2 Localities surveyed for freshwater fishes. Site descriptions are provided in Annex 2. A number of streams were not sampled because they were found to be dry, specifically Elmalı and Panayır streams (located in the southern part of the Project area near Kıyıköy), and some streams located in the north near Beğendik Village. Fish were sampled using passive methods in lacustrine habitats and active methods in streams, as follows: Passive fishing methods: 1. Trammel net: 17 mm mesh size (knot to knot), 1 m height and 80 m length - used in lakes for periods of 3-13 hours, depending on the lake character. 2. Fyke net: 20 crayfish fyke nets were used, each net 80 cm in length and having an outer circle diameter of 30 cm. Active fishing methods: Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 4 15

20 1. Beach seine: 3mm mesh size, 1 m deep and 25 m long (cod-end length is 5 m and wing length is 10 m). 2. Electro-fishing: Electro-fishing was restricted to minutes according to site conditions, using a DC electroshocker (SAMUS 725G). 2.3 MARINE FISHES Marine fish biodiversity surveys were carried out during July 2009, along the coastline from Igneada to Kiyikoy fishing port (Figure 2.3). Sampling methods were as follows: in situ fish observations by skin divers, bottom trawling hauls by a fishery vessel, and personal communications with local fishermen. Skin dives were performed in the vicinity of Igneada harbour, at depths of up to 10 m. Although dives were also planned at Kiyikoy coasts, they had to be cancelled due to bad weather conditions. A total of four dives were made, where all fish species observed were identified to the lowest possible taxon. Underwater observations were noted on PVC plates, including information on habitat characteristics and point fish counts. Abundance of each fish species was evaluated based on a three-level scale:. rare (<10 specimens), prevalent (10 30 specimens) and common (> 30 specimens). Figure 2.3 Marine fish sampling locations by bottom trawl net (A: start point; B: finish point). Coordinates are provided in Annex 2. A bottom trawl net was used to sample fish at depths greater than 10 m at three different locations between Igneada and Kiyikoy harbours (Figure 2.3). Sampling dates are given in Annex 2 (Table A2.2), together with data on trawling depths, start and finish coordinates and surface water temperatures at each station. The trawl vessel (F/V SIKLAR) used was 14 m in Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 4 16