Determination of Terrestrial EUNIS Habitat Types of Mount Ganos (Işıklar), Tekirdağ, Turkey

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to determine the terrestrial EUNIS habitat types of Mount Ganos (Işıklar) and its surroundings. Field studies were carried out from April to October in 2021. Reference areas were determined for Maximum Likelihood (ML) classification during the field studies. To increase the accuracy and obtain highest possible level of EUNIS habitat types, we used both reference areas observed in the field studies and processed land cover and habitat maps. These are Landsat Satellite Images classified with ML, Corine Land Cover and European ecosystem maps. Mount Ganos is one of the most important natural areas of the Tekirdağ district in terms of both biodiversity and social activities. While Mediterranean climate is seen on the southern slopes of the mountain, the northern slopes have a rainier and more humid climate compared to the southern parts. The presence of different climate types and the remarkable differences in altitude (for example, the sudden rise to 300-400 meters above sea level) have also increased the diversity of habitats in the region. Many natural areas have been degraded due to anthropogenic effects such as mineral extraction, agricultural, tourism and urbanization activities in the Mount Ganos region until today. A total of 9 ecosystems and 29 habitat types were determined for Mount Ganos according to the EUNIS classification. 21 of them were identified at level 3 and 8 of them ranged between 2 and 6 level. The intensive unmixed crops (I1.1) are the most-covered EUNIS habitat type with 16173.16 hectares. This is followed by low and medium altitude hay meadows (E2.2, 9350.63 ha), Meso- and eutrophic Quercus, Carpinus, Fraxinus, Acer, Tilia, Ulmus and related woodland (G1.A, 7548.73 ha) and Pseudomaquis (F5.3, 5926.65 ha). With this study, a portrait of the habitat destruction created by man has also been drawn. The results of this study can be used by decision makers to conserve the remaining natural habitats on the Mount Ganos.