Additional Data on the Distribution of Spermophilus xanthophrymnus Bennet, 1835 in the Aegean Region, in the Inner Western Anatolian Part (Afyonkarahisar)

Authors: Aksan Ş*

DOI: 10.23880/izab-16000642

Volume 8, Issue 1

Abstract

This study reports a new locality for the Anatolian Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus xanthoprymnus Bennet, 1835). The species presence is recorded at Yenibelkavak village of Afyonkarahisar. Direct and indirect observation techniques were used in the region to find species presence and habitat characteristics. The vegetation of the area has been identified to include Astragalus sp., Papaver sp., Verbascum sp., Anthemis sp., Crataegus monogyna, Centaurea benedicta, Elytrigia repens, and Carduus marianus, alongside the agricultural crops Hordeum vulgare and Triticum aestivum located at the boundary. It was determined that the hibernation period of this species begins in October and ends in April. predators of ground squirrels were also observed as Buteo buteo, Falco tinnunculus, Athene noctua, Vulpes vulpes, domestic cats, and dogs in the field. With this research result, it was determined the Anatolian ground squirrel get stuck in these habitats and the presence of the species in habitats may disappear in the future. With this study, the presence information of the species in Yenibelkavak village of Afyonkarahisar has been added to the literature.

Keywords: Spermophilus xanthoprymnus; Ecology; Conservation; Wildlife

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