Distribution, density, and important hotspots of Krüper’s Nuthatch Sitta krueperi in Turkey and Lesvos Island, Greece

Abstract

Atlas projects and phylogeographic studies provide detailed information of great value on key species; distribution maps ofthe species are the primary input for establishing hotspots, conservation, and management plans. Krüper’s Nuthatch (Sitta krueperi) isendemic to Anatolia, Lesvos Island, and the Caucasus region. We surveyed more than 1400 point counts in Turkey and Greece, coveringmost of its global distribution in its potential habitat, coniferous forestland, during the breeding season. The geographical informationsystem was used for preparing the distribution maps and depicting the hotspots for Krüper’s Nuthatch. The population density ofKrüper’s Nuthatch in all of Turkey was 10.25 ± 0.33 birds km–2, which was significantly higher than on Lesvos Island (1.94 ± 0.79 birdskm–2) (P < 0.001). We found a negative correlation between the population density of the species and longitude. These results showedthat the western part of the study area had higher densities than the eastern part. In conclusion, we recommend that the BeydağlarıMountains and the Aladağlar Mountains in southern Turkey, and the Ilgaz Mountains and/or Kartalkaya Mountains in northern Turkeyshould be considered hotspots and preserved for the conservation of the species. Furthermore, the Beydağları Mountains should beconsidered as an Important Bird Area for Krüper’s Nuthatch due to high population density and genetic diversity