Identification of Indicator Bird Species in Vize and Saray Forests of Northwestern Turkiye


Bilgin S., Arslangündoğdu Z.

FORESTIST, vol.75, no.1, 2025 (ESCI, Scopus, TRDizin) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 75 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.5152/forestist.2025.24069
  • Journal Name: FORESTIST
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, CAB Abstracts, MLA - Modern Language Association Database, Directory of Open Access Journals, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Keywords: Forest birds, indicator birds, indicator species analysis, multi-response permutation procedures
  • Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Studies of forest birds are very important for sustainable forest management and biodiversity assessment processes. The identification of indicator forest bird species is also important to provide a basis for biodiversity, species, and habitat conservation studies and the monitoring of sustainable forest management activities. This study was carried out in Vize and Saray forests, located in the northwest ofT & uuml;rkiye, to identify indicator forest bird species. A total of 24 different sample plots from 11 different stand types were surveyed using the 500 meters transect count method. Bird species and environmental factors were recorded for 15 months at each sample site. Association, cluster and TWINSPAN analyses were performed by converting species abundance values to presence/absence data. To determine the most appropriate grouping method, multi-response permutation procedure analysis was applied to the grouping analyses. As a result of the multi-response permutation procedure analysis, the two-group clustering analysis obtained using the Euclidean Ward's method was determined to be the most appropriate group. Indicator bird species were then identified for both groups using an indicator species analysis. The first group of relatively mature stands included Sitta europea, Certhia brachydactyla, Poecilepalustris, Picus canus, Certhia familiaris, and Dendrocopos major; the second group of young stands included Streptopelia turtur, Luscinia megarynchos, Oriolus oriolus, Lullula arborea, and Caprimulgus europaeus species. Structural parameters such as stand age, closure, and gap ratio, which reflect species preferences, were effective in discriminating between groups.