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Investigation of some factors affecting habitat selection and nest size of Formica rufa      
Yazarlar
Mustafa Yılmaz
Doç. Dr. Gonca Ece ÖZCAN Doç. Dr. Gonca Ece ÖZCAN
Kastamonu Üniversitesi, Türkiye
Prof. Dr. Fatih SİVRİKAYA Prof. Dr. Fatih SİVRİKAYA
Kastamonu Üniversitesi, Türkiye
Prof. Dr. Korhan ENEZ Prof. Dr. Korhan ENEZ
Kastamonu Üniversitesi, Türkiye
Özet
The study aimed to assess the habitat preferences and nest volumes of Formica rufa in coniferous stands, taking into account various stand, topographic, and climatic variables. The variables that impact the habitat of F. rufa in the Western Black Sea region were identified through the utilization of climate data, stand map, DEM data, and field data. Ten different variables were analyzed separately for F. rufa nests using the Geographic Information System (GIS). Based on the stand variables, it can be inferred that F. rufa were predominantly preferred as over-mature, full canopy cover, medium and poor site class, and productive stands. Based on the analysis of topographical variables, the ants exhibit a preference for areas that have low slopes, high elevations, and shady aspects. Additionally, the investigation of climatic variables revealed a higher incidence of ants in regions with an average temperature below 12 °C, and low levels of precipitation. It was determined that nest volumes are larger in high site index, productive stands, young stands, low crown closure stands and high elevation. Based on the findings, it is crucial to monitor the habitat preferences of F. rufa over extended periods and large geographical areas. The protection and enhancement of their habitats are imperative for the sustainability and health of the ecosystem.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Climate variables | Formica rufa | Habitat preferences | Nest volume | Stand | Topography
Makale Türü Özgün Makale
Makale Alt Türü SSCI, AHCI, SCI, SCI-Exp dergilerinde yayımlanan tam makale
Dergi Adı FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
Dergi ISSN 0378-1127
Dergi Tarandığı Indeksler SCI-Expanded
Dergi Grubu Q1
Makale Dili İngilizce
Basım Tarihi 10-2023
Cilt No 545
Sayı 1
Sayfalar 1 / 11
Doi Numarası 10.1016/j.foreco.2023.121244
Makale Linki http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2023.121244