Altitudinal Distribution and Habitat Use of the Golden Jackal (Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758) in Trabzon, Arsin- Yanbolu Valley in Turkey
Altitudinal Distribution and Habitat Use of the Golden Jackal (Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758) in Trabzon, Arsin- Yanbolu Valley in Turkey
Tarık Bugra Saruhan and Alptug Sarı*
ABSTRACT
In this study, altitudinal distribution and habitat use of the golden jackal (Canis aureus) in Trabzon, Arsin, Yanbolu Valley were tried to be determined starting from September 2019 to February 2021. In the study area with a total area of 158 km2, 62–days fieldwork was carried out. Direct and indirect observation methods were used in field studies. Direct observations were made by one or two-person using point and line observations, as well as using camera traps. In indirect observations, signs such as the jackal’s footprints, scats, etc. were used. As a result of the research, data such as 253 camera trap images of the jackal, direct observation in one area, 16 jackal howling sounds in three areas, and footprints in one area were obtained from 40 meters the upper limit of the forest at an altitude up to 1514 meters. It is also the highest altitude at which the jackal has been recorded in Europe. It is seen that the jackal is distributed in areas close to agricultural and residential areas at low altitudes whereas, it is generally distributed in forest areas at higher elevations. In forest areas, it has been observed that it can easily use forests with high closure as well as forest areas with low closure. The elements that threaten the jackal are lack of information about the species, poaching, predator pressure, stray dogs, roads, agricultural drugs, and environmental pollution.
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