Yusuf Katılmış

Natural and anthropogenic factors affecting the nest-site selection of Loggerhead Turtles, Caretta caretta, on Dalaman-Sarıgerme beach in South-west Turkey.

Abstract The nesting activities of Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta caretta Stejneger, 1902) and anthropogenic factors affecting them were monitored over 7 years (2002–2008) on Dalaman-Sarıgerme beach, one of the main nesting grounds in Turkey. Out of the 2620 nesting emergences recorded during the entire study period, only 645 (24.6%) resulted in successful nesting, giving an annual mean number of nests of 92. The collective number of eggs in these nests numbered 50239, with 40079 (79.8%) of them producing hatchlings. Out of the total number of eggs laid, 8128 (16.2%) resulted in dead embryos and 2032 (4.0%) in unfertilized eggs. The mean incubation period averaged 49 days (range 40–67 days) and the mean clutch size was 79.0 (range 18–150 eggs). Turtle nests were more concentrated on the undeveloped parts of the beach than on developed parts. In the other sections, few emergences occurred and either no or few nests were recorded. In Section I, which contained hotels and water sports facilities, only a few non-nesting emergences were observed. Of the number of nests that were observed, 32% were laid in Section II, which contained recently built hotels, 60% were in Section III and 8% were in Section IV, the undeveloped portion containing beach rocks. There is very clear evidence that the Loggerhead Turtles are shifting their nesting sites to the undisturbed sites along the beach. The negative factors that seem to be affecting them include water sports, hotel lights and beach rocks. In order to protect sea turtles, there needs to be a better understanding of how effective beach protection can be established.

Invertebrate infestation on eggs and hatchlings of the loggerhead turtle, Caretta caretta , in Dalaman, Turkey

The damage caused by some invertebrates to the eggs and hatchlings of loggerhead turtles, Caretta caretta, was investigated during the summer of 2002 on Dalaman beach, Turkey. The specimens, identified to family or genus levels, from nine families representing seven orders were recorded as infesting nests of loggerhead turtles. The heaviest impacts on loggerhead turtle nests was made by Pimelia sp. (Tenebrionidae, Coleoptera). Twenty-four (36.3%) out of 66 intact loggerhead hatched nests were affected by these larvae. Larval damage by Pimelia sp. was recorded in 188 (10.6%) out of 1773 eggs, but only in two (0.28%) hatchlings. The results show that fewer insects were in the nest the further from vegetation and therefore the relocation of nests from the waters edge to further inland close to vegetation may increase the infestation rate of the eggs.

Further Study on Periclistus brandtii (Ratzeburg, 1831) (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae) from Turkey

ABSTRACT: We collected Diplolepis spp. galls on Rosa canina L. between April and September in 2007, 2008 and 2009 in the Inner Western Anatolian. In this study, only inquilines Periclistus brandtii were reared from Diplolepis mayri (Schlechtendal), 1877 galls on laboratory conditions. Periclistus brandtii is a new record for Turkey fauna at genus and species levels. The characteristic features are briefly described; data on distribution and ecological notes are also given. We also discuss effects of Periclistus brandtii on Diplolepis galls and Rosa canina.

New records of oak gallwasps of the genus Andricus (Burgsdorf, 1783) from Turkey (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae)

The number of valid species of oak gallwasps of the family Cynipidae recorded from Europe and contiguous territories, including North Africa and Turkey, is about 300 (NIEVESALDREY 2001, STONE et al. 2001). A recent study by STONE et al. (in press) reported 133 oak cynipids from the Western Palaearctic. Despite a high species diversity in Turkey, there are only relatively few records. Previous studies in Turkey mostly covered the oak gallwasps (tribe Cynipini) as forest pests (KATILMI & KIYAK 2008, KIYAK et al 2008, MELIKA & STONE 2001, MELIKA et al. 2004). KATILMI & KIYAK (2008) listed 81 species of Cynipidae from Turkey, and another species was subsequently recorded as new to Turkey by KATILMI & KIYAK (2009). This study was carried out in the Inner Aegean region of Turkey in 2007 and 2008. Galls have been preserved in 70% alcohol and emerged adults pinned and dried. The material is deposited in the Zoology Museum of Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.

Physical factors influencing Muscidae and Pimelia sp. (Tenebrionidae) infestation of Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) nests on Dalaman Beach, Turkey

The physical factors affecting the infestation of individual loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) nests by Muscidae and Pimelia sp. were determined in the 2002 and 2003 hatching seasons on Dalaman Beach, Turkey. The data were collected from the middle of July to the middle of September in both years. The most significant factor, by t‐test, for Pimelia sp., was the distance of the nest from vegetation (P<0.001), and the most significant factor for Muscidae was the depth from the surface to the egg chamber (P<0.001). The distances of nests from vegetation were found to be significant factors for both Pimelia sp. and Muscidae. For conservation, it should be noted that the relocation of nests from the waters edge to further inland or to a hatchery site closer to vegetation may increase insect infestation and reduce hatching success.

Vertical distribution of oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) and some ecological parameters affecting the distribution pattern in south-west Turkey

Abstract The vertical distribution of oribatid mites and its dependence on ecological parameters such as moisture, pH, temperature, soil pore size, and amount of organic matter was studied in five areas in the Dalaman province of Turkey. A total of 2,737 individuals was obtained, with 35.1% from litter, 24.7% from a depth of 0–5 cm, 26.1% from 5–10 cm, and 14.2% from 10–15 cm. Maximum density was found in litter, minimum density at a depth of 10–15 cm. It was found that the density of oribatid mites was most affected (at a statistically significant level) by soil pH, temperature, pore size and moisture. Soil pH has the highest influence on the number of mites in the soil (P<0.01), and may thus be used as an indicator for monitoring soil pollution and global heating.

Insects and mites infestation on eggs and hatchlings of the Nile Soft-shelled Turtle, Trionyx triunguis, in Kükürtlü Lake (Turkey)

Abstract The damage caused by insect and mites to eggs and hatchlings of Nile Soft-shelled Turtles, Trionyx triunguis, was investigated during the 2002 and 2003 nesting seasons in Kükürtlü Lake (Dalaman, Turkey). The greatest impact on turtle nests was recorded by Muscidae and Tenebrionidae. Tenebrionids affected 33%, and Muscidae 52%, of the 58 intact Nile Soft-shelled Turtles nests studied. The number of Tenebrionidae found in turtle nests decreased with their distance from vegetation. Hatchling success of nests without insect infestation was found to be statistically higher than of uninfested nests.