“…The distribution of Persian squirrels is known to be affected by the extent and spatial patterns of forested areas (Demirtaş, 2022 ; Etemad, 1978 ; İbiş et al, 2022 ; Karami et al, 2016 ; Masseti, 2005 ; Oshida et al, 2009 ). Specifically, this species occurs in forested areas dominated by oak, olive, pine, and pistachio (Amr et al, 2006 ; Arslan et al, 2008 ; Harrison & Bates, 1991 ; Hatt, 1959 ; Khalyani & Mayer, 2013 ; Koprowski et al, 2016 ; Malekian & Sadeghi, 2020 ; Osborn, 1964 ; Özkurt et al, 1999 ; Thorington Jr et al, 2012 ; Yiğit et al, 2006 ). The species tends to build nests in cavities of oak trees and derives nutrition from the seeds of oak trees; in return, the Persian squirrel buries oak seeds into the soil, and this food caching activity contributes to seed germination and forest regeneration (Karami et al, 2016 ).…”