| dc.description |
In this study, a new locality was identified for the Anatolian ground squirrel, Spermophilus xanthoprymnus Bennett 1835. The Anatolian ground squirrel is one of three species of old-world ground squirrels native to Turkey. The species is recorded at Onkuyular Highland, Isparta-Gencali province, at an altitude of 1602 m. Spermophilus xanthoprymnus associates with a continental climate and inhabits short-grass steppes. The dominant vegetation within the sampled habitat included Quercus coccifera, Juniperus sp., Astragalus sp., Malva sp., Papaver sp., Verbascum sp., Anthemis sp., Elytrigia repens and Carduus marianus. It was determined that the hibernation period of this species begins in mid-September and ends in March. In the study, mating time, population behaviors and predators of ground squirrels were also observed. The results showed that the S. xanthoprymnus is geographically restricted in this province. It was determined that locals practice transhumance of sheep and cattle. If the necessary precautions are not taken, increasing human influence on the habitat will negatively affect the Anatolian ground squirrel population and therefore the threat of extinction is real. |
|