The status and distribution of Gazella gazella (Artiodactyla: Mammalia), and other mammals of the Hatay province in southern Turkey

Abstract

Gazella gazellawas discovered recently in a restricted area in the Hatay province, Southern Turkey, which constitutes the northern most point of the distribution of this species in the world. To determine the distribution of the population of mountain gazelles in the Hatay region, 17 camera-traps were set along 45 km, on a line from the south to north along the Syrian border. The traps were in the field for about five months from late May to mid-October in 2016. Field observations and conversations with local people, wildlife officers and researchers were performed to gain more information about the habits and distribution of the gazelles. Two isolated sub-populations were found: The northern one in the Kırıkhan region; about 520 gazelles in an area of about 100 km2, and separated by 18 km to the south, and some 20 gazelles in an area of about 25 km2in the Reyhanlı region. This southern sub-population was first discovered in this research. Fourteen species of mammals were recorded with photo-traps.Hemiechinus auritusis a new record for the Hatay region. The conservation efforts after the discovery of the northern mountain gazelle sub-population, assisted an increasing trend in its size, and resulted in finding the additional sub-population in the Reyhanlı region.

Diet and wild ungulate preferences of wolves in northwestern Anatolia during winter

“…The gray wolf ( Canis lupus ) is one of the most common predator species (6,000–8,000 individuals: Ambarli, Ertürk & Soyumert, 2016) occupying Anatolia (Asian part of Turkey), Turkey. It inhabits almost all type of habitats, ranging from deciduous Black sea forests to open steppes of middle and semi-deserts of south-eastern Anatolia (Ambarli, Ertürk & Soyumert, 2016; Çoğal & Sözen, 2017). As an apex predator, the wolf plays a crucial role in the ecosystems by regulating large ungulate and meso-predator numbers (Ripple et al, 2014).…”

Helminths of captive and free‐ranging populations of the mountain gazelle (Gazella gazella): Evidence from faecal examination

“…The study site has a rich mammal community, as 23 mammal species were recorded in this area, including Canis aureus (golden jackal), Canis lupus (wolf) and Vulpes vulpes (red fox), which are classified as natural predators of mountain gazelle, and some others such as Hyaena hyaena (striped hyena), Felis chaus (jungle cat), Felis silvestris (wildcat), Hystrix indica (Indian porcupine), Lepus europaeus (wild rabbit) and Meles meles (European badger) (Akay et al., 2011 ; Çoğal & Sözen, 2017 ). In the study area, domestic sheep herds are also frequently observed throughout the year.…”

Effects of season and sex on the concentrations of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites in captive and free-ranging endangered mountain gazelles (Gazella gazella)

“…At the microenvironmental level, gazelle populations are faced with predation risk, species-specific infections, parasite infestations, and cohabitation and competition with domestic livestock. Despite some studies on genetics ( 4 , 17 ), parasite infestation ( 18 , 19 ), population status and distribution ( 20 ), and appropriate conservation planning ( 21 ), mountain gazelles are attractive and endangered mammal species and remain one of the least studied species in Türkiye. Therefore, studies addressing metabolic, endocrine and reproductive characteristics are essential to ensure the survival of this species in Türkiye.…”