Seasonal Habitat Suitability Model of Bezoar Goat (Capra aegagrus) in Artvin, Türkiye
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/jwc.v2i1.7123Keywords:
Bezoar Goat, Habitat Suitability Model, Inventory, MaxEnt MethodAbstract
Habitat suitability models are frequently used in wildlife to predict suitable areas for species. Bezoar goat (Capra aegagrus) is an important species with a relatively wide distribution and is found in different habitats in Türkiye. Artvin-Meydancık game reserve is an important area for the bezoar goat with different habitat structures. Habitat suitability modeling is essential for the effective conservation and management of the species. Habitat suitability modeling was performed with the MaxEnt method using bio-climate data, environmental data, slope, elevation, ruggedness, land cover data, and presence data obtained through regular inventory and field observations. Based on the model results, the most suitable areas for the mating season of the Bezoar goat were identified as high-slope areas with altitudes between 400 and 1100 m and coniferous forests with openings. The mean bezoar goat population size was estimated as 248 individuals. The study is crucial for bringing a different approach to the practitioners in terms of using habitat suitability models in the planning of game reserves.
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