University of Twente Student Theses
Assessing the foraging distribution of Eurasian Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) In Crete
Emecen, Ali Aytaç (2009) Assessing the foraging distribution of Eurasian Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) In Crete.
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| Abstract: | The Eurasian Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) is a colonial cliff nesting raptor whose population has been declining in the past years. Crete holds the biggest viable Griffon Vulture population in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean region and has a vital position as a stepping stone supporting the last stronghold population in the Balkans. It is important to know about the foraging distribution of Griffon vulture to understand and decide conservation strategies for this species In this study, the foraging distribution of the Griffon Vulture was examined with respect to the distribution of the potential prey, which is mainly livestock. The areas suitable for grazing of livestock were determined based on landcover / use suitability and altitude and livestock densities were estimated using this suitability and the livestock numbers registered to the municipalities. Carcass densities were also estimated using line transect in ten regions of Crete. The relation between the foraging distribution of vultures and livestock and carcass density were examined. The differences in foraging behaviour in summer and winter and between adults and juveniles were also examined. It was seen that the presence of vultures coincides strongly with the presence of livestock. However, no relation was observed between the estimated livestock or carcass density and the vulture density. This lack of correlation has been attributed to the livestock density estimation methodology used in the present study, the high density of livestock and the wide foraging range of the vultures. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | ITC: Faculty of Geo-information Science and Earth Observation |
| Programme: | Geoinformation Science and Earth Observation MSc (75014) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/93044 |
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