Density of European Hare and Red Fox in Different Habitats of Kirikkale Province (Central Anatolia), with a Low Level in Hare Number and an Expected Correlation in Spring

Abstract

European hare (Lepus europaeus) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes) have an uninterrupted distribution in Anatolia. However, population data related to the density of the two species in Anatolia are still lacking. Detailed population studies are essential for the conservation of species. In the present study, spotlight counts were performed to determine the seasonal changes in the densities of hares (Lepus europaeus) and foxes (Vidpes vulpes) from six different districts of Kirikkale Province (Central Anatolia) between 2012 and 2014. The results revealed that there were significant seasonal differences in the hare and fox numbers between different habitat types. According to the encounter rate index, active hares used predominantly forested areas during feeding activities. The densities of the two species were found to be positively correlated in spring (r = 0.64, p = 0.004). Comparing my results with previously reported data from other countries, I found that the red fox density from Central Anatolia was similar to the data from Europe and America. On the contrary, the hare density from Central Anatolia was much lower than the one in other European countries. These population density data are presented for the first time for Anatolia and may play an essential role when studying temporal changes of the two species from Anatolia in the future.