Browsing by Author "Durmus, A."

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Breeding Ecology of Night Heron (Nycticorax Nycticorax Linne, 1758) in the Lake Van Basin, Turkey
(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2010) Durmus, A.; Adizel, O.
A study on breeding ecology of night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) was conducted in the Lake Van Basin between 16 February 2006 and 04 October 2007 on four big islands inside the lake and sorrounding wetlands. The night heron only breeds on islands inside the lake in this region because it finds food in wetlands. Trees which numbers had been given previously were observed and, starting from pre-breeding period into March and June, data on nests and breeding were taken. The breeding period was about seven months (March - September). During this period, it was frequently observed that nests from the previous year were repaired and re-used. Both the male and the female repair the nest. Average dimensions of eggs laid on nests were measured as 49.33 +/- 3.2 mm in length, 32.19 +/- 1.35 in width, and with a weight of 29.66 +/- 5.01 grams. The number of eggs laid ranged from 1 to 6 per nest. In 1364 active nests observed within the entire breeding region, 4206 (92 %) of 4576 eggs hatched and 3923 (93 %) of all chicks managed to leave the nest. Brooding periods in 50 nests were observed separately in each breeding season. In 2006, average brooding period during the first period was 25.62 +/- 2.03 and it was 26.22 +/- 1.18 during the second period; in 2007, average brooding period during the first period was 26.10 +/- 1.69 and it was 25.60 +/- 1.76 during the second period. Juvenile growth periods for N. nycticorax have been observed as follows: in 2006, average 39.98 +/- 2.47 days during the first breeding period and 32.68 +/- 1.25 days during the second breeding period; in 2007, average 42.18 +/- 2.60 days during the first breeding period and 34.64 +/- 1.15 days during the second breeding period. A significant statistical difference has been observed between years and even periods in question (P < 0.01).
A Brucellosis Case With Ascites, Hearing Loss and Pancytopenia
(2003) Tuncer, I.; Akdenis, H.; Uygan, I.; Turkdogan, K.; Cekici, S.; Durmus, A.
Objectives- To report a rare case of brucellosis in a previously healthy 25-year-old woman who presented with fever, bilateral hearing loss, non-portal hypertensive type ascites and pancytopenia. Design- Case study. Setting- Departments of Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases, Yuzuneu Yil University Medical Faculty, Van. Results- Cultures from bone marrow and ascites yielded growth of Brucella melitensis and Brucella standard tube agglutination was found to be positive at a titer of 1/1280. The patient completely recovered by the sixth week following combined antibacterial treatment of ciprofloxacin, rifampin and doxychline. Conclusion- Brucellosis is a multisystemic disease, which may be manifested by various symptoms. Our case is the first case of brucellosis to be reported in the literature with the rare association of severe complications of hearing loss, ascites and pancytopenia.
Determination of Avian Influenza a Viruses in Some Avian Species in Van Lake Basin by Real Time-Pcr, Isolation and Subtyping
(2011) Boynukara, B.; Gulhan, T.; Adizel, O.; Ilhan, Z.; Aksakal, A.; Durmus, A.; Solmaz, H.
In this study, feces samples collected during 37 months from February 2006 to March 2009 from 2013 animals consisting of 47 avian species covering irregular vagrant, transit migrant, winter visitor, migratory and native birds in the Van Lake Basin Turkey were tested by Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR) with respect to Avian Influenza (AI) type A virus M2 gene. Of them, 59 samples (2.9%) were found to be positive. RT-PCR positive samples were examined with the same method with respect to H5N1 and 4 samples (6.8%) were found to be positive. RT-PCR positive 59 samples were inoculated in Embryonated Chicken Egg (ECE) and AI type A virus was isolated from 12 samples (20.3%). Of the isolates, 3 were typed as H1N7, 2 as H7N9, 2 as H11N9 and 1 as H8N4 with Hemagglutination Inhibition (HI) and Neuraminidase Inhibition (NI) tests. About 4 isolates obtained from winter visitor Anas cylpeata which had been determined as H5N1 by RT-PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis, gave positive reaction by HI test both with HI and H5 antisera and all were typed as Nl by Nl-test. Feces samples found to be positive by RT-PCR belonged to avian species Anseriformes, Charadriiformes, Pas seriformes, Gruiformes and Phoenicopteriformes orders. The highest positivity was determined in winter visitor Anas acuta (37.1%) and Anas penelope (22.5%) ducks. Of the RT-PCR positive 59 samples, 43 (72.9%) were determined in the samples collected during winter and spring of 2006-2009. Positivity was determined at a rate of 35.2% in respect of AI type A by RT-PCR in different species sharing the same time and place. With this study, the presence of AI type A viruses in various wild birds in the Van Lake Basin was determined for the first time in Turkey. © Medwell Journals, 2011.
Determination of Metals and Selenium Concentrations in Feather of Armenian Gull (Larus Armenicus) Living in Van Lake Basin, Turkey
(Corvinus Univ Budapest, 2018) Durmus, A.; Celik, E.; Cenger, C.; Taskin, N.; Acar, S.
In this study, the heavy metals magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), lithium (Li), tin (Sn), cobalt (Co) and selenium (Se) levels were determined in the feathers of Armenian Gull (Larus armenicus), which is a species classified as near threatened (NT) according to IUCN categories. The Gull lives on the islands of Turkey's largest lake, Lake Van. Different levels were detected due to the urban and rural location of the study areas. The highest levels of Mg, Zn, Mn, chromium (Cr), and Li were determined in the Sihke pond near the city's dumpsite. The lowest levels were determined on Adir island, with the least human factors. While the levels of Co, Se, and Sn were high in the samples taken from Akdamar Island, the lowest levels were determined on Carpanak Island and in Sihke pond.
Effects of Habitat Change on Breeding Waterbirds in Arin (Sodali) Lake, Turkey
(Corvinus Univ Budapest, 2017) Nergiz, H.; Durmus, A.
Defining the response of waterbirds to habitat change is of great importance for providing useful inputs for conservation studies of wetland ecosystems. However, little is known about the effects of water level fluctuation and habitat change on waterbirds. Therefore, it is urgent to analyze the relationship between them. Arin Lake being one of the Important Bird Areas in Van Lake Basin of Turkey is a very significant area in terms of birds. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between the changes in the abundance and distribution of waterbirds and the changes in their habitat structure using GIS (Geographical Information Systems) Analysis methods. Between 2013-2015, 51 waterbird species were observed in the research area. Significant increases were detected in swamp, sandy areas and wet grasslands while the total area of clear water surface and reed beds decreased. Changes in the population densities of Anatidae, Podicipedidae and Rallidae were positively correlated with the changes in the clear water surface and reed bed habitats while Ardeidae, Haematopodidae, Recurvirostridae, Charadriidae, Scolopacidae, Laridae and Sternidae were significantly negatively correlated with. The most commonly represented families were Anatidae and Scolopacidae, with 15 and 11 species. Our results demonstrated that water level fluctuation and habitat change affected the habitat quality, population size, distribution and habitat preferences in feeding and breeding areas of waterbirds resting and breeding in the area. Consequently, we recommend that urgent conservation measures should be taken to protect sensitive habitats of Arin Lake and bird species dependent on the wetland.
The Effects of Habitat Loss Due To Reed Fires on Waterfowls at Van Lake Basin
(2013) Durmus, A.; Nergiz, H.
In this study, the impacts of reed fires on waterfowls were investigated at Lake Ercek, Lake Arin and Lake Norsin at Van Lake Basin. Observations and censuses were carried out to determine adult and chick rates of waterfowls, such as Anas platyrhynchos, A. clypeata, Fulica atra, Aythya ferina, Oxyura leucocephala and Podiceps nigricollis which breeds and rests at these wetlands. In these surveys, population size of these species before and following the fire were compared and assessed statistically. It was determined that reed fires were set in Autumn (October to November). After harvest of planted agricultural areas around the wetlands, reed fires were set by shepherds who graze animals through there. Fires were seen most frequently at Lake Norsin. Although, most of reeds through inshore of Lake Norsin were damaged, reeds on island in center of the lake were not affected by fires. Due to distance of Lake Arin to settlements, reed fires were seen seldomly there. © Medwell Journals, 2013.
The Mercury (Hg) Concentrations in Feathers of Wild Birds
(Corvinus Univ Budapest, 2018) Durmus, A.
In this study, mercury (Hg) concentrations were detected in feathers of 22 bird species from 10 different families living in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in Van Lake Basin in Turkey. The mercury rates in feathers were detected based on nutrition status and taxonomic classifications of bird species. Mercury levels were detected in 0.002 +/- 0.007 mg/kg and 2.700 +/- 0.560 mg/kg dry weight range. It was observed that there was a significant difference between the groups classified taxonomically (p < 0.05). The highest concentrations were detected in European Honey-buzzard (Pernis apivorus) 2.7 mg/kg, Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus) 0.45 mg/kg and Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) 0.28 mg/kg species from Accipitridae family. And the lowest mercury concentration was detected in Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) from the same family (0.002 +/- 0.007 mg/kg). Mercury was detected in the feather samples taken from the Egyptian Vulture, Lammergeier, Northern Lapwing, and Great Bustard, and these species were determined to be within different endangered categories according to the International Union for Conservation Nature (IUCN). Considering the trophic level (type of food) and systematic groups of the sampled species, it was determined that average mercury level was statistically significant in both cases. It was suggested that the mercury level of the carnivorous ones were higher than that of the herbivorous ones.
Nonlinear Regression Applications in Modeling Over-Dispersion of Bird Populations
(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2020) Celik, E.; Durmus, A.
The aim of this study was to statistically evaluate bird populations in Akdogan Lakes by means of Poisson and negative binomial regression models. The over-dispersion value in Poisson regression was much higher than 1.0 (33.827). In contrast, the value of over-dispersion in the negative binomial regression was very close to 1.0 (1.598). Therefore, the parameter estimates were interpreted considering the negative binomial regression. When spring season was considered as a reference parameter, the change in population densities in other seasons was not statistically significant. The population changes in other habitats were not statistically significant, when reed area was considered as a reference parameter. The change in the population density of 13 ordo groups is non significant when the Anseriformes order was evaluated as reference parameter. The population change in the Gruiiformes population was 11.951 times higher compared with the change in reference parameter and the change was statistically significant (p <0.01). As a result, it is recommendable to use negative binomial regression with the scope of removing over-dispersion problem in the bird population modeling.
Preliminary Study on Newly Detected Yayliyaka Marshes in the Lake Van Basin, Turkey
(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2010) Adizel, O.; Durmus, A.; Kiziroglu, I.
Yayliyaka Marshes (38 degrees, 49' N; 043 degrees, 23' E) is located between Yayliyaka and Kumluca Villages in the southeast shore of Lake Van. The area did not grab attention of researches because of its distance from the high way. Its length is 8.5 km and has 10-12 km(2) surface area approximately. Review of the ornithological and ecological studies carried out in previous years revealed that no information related to this area exists. As many as 137 bird species belonging to 39 families (2 of them are subspecies) were identified in the study area. Of these, 67 (48.9%) are migrant species (summer migrant), 50 (36.5%) are resident, 19 (13.87%) are winter visitors and 1 (0.73%) is transit migratory These species belong to different IUCN Red List Categories including; 2 (1.46%) species are critically endangered, 4 (2.9%) are endangered, 17 (12.4%) are vulnerable, 16 (11.68%) are near threatened, 88 (64.23%) are least concern, 3 (2.19%) are data deficient and 7 (5.1%) are not evaluated. According to Red Data Book List of Turkey, birds can be categorized as; A. 1.2. 12 (8.76%), A.2. 22 (16.05%), A.3. 38 (27.74%), A.3.1. 21 (15.33%), A.4. 14 (10.22%), A.5. 20 (14.6%), B.3. 3 (2.2%), B.3.1. 1 (0.73%), B.4. 3 (2.2%) and B.5. 3 (2.2%). The most convenient protection method in such big basins is to protect the sections where living things live extensively. Therefore, the detection of Yayliyaka Marshes will provide a significant contribution to basin protection plan.
Sand-Related Factors Influencing Nest Burrowing Potential of the Sand Martins
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2023) Çelik, E.; Durmus, A.; Jokimäki, J.
Vertical embankments and mounds serve as suitable habitats for burrowing birds, such as the Sand Martin (Riparia riparia). Sand Martins have decreased in many countries during the last two decades, possibly because of the decline in suitable nest sites. Therefore, it is important to understand the factors affecting nest burrowing and nest hole characteristics for the Sand Martin. A smaller entrance hole would be beneficial for regulating the internal environment of the nest, whereas deeper nests are more advantageous against nest predators and parasites. We examined the general structure of Sand Martin colonies and determined if particle size, pH, or electrical conductivity (EC) of the soil and the location of the colony affects the morphology of Sand Martin nest holes. We hypothesized that the climate of near lakeshore and non-lakeshore differs; consequently, we predicted that Sand Martins would construct wider nest tunnel entrances in more humid environments near the lakeshore than further from the lake. We also hypothesized that a lower pH of clay loam soil would result in an increasing level of exchangeable aluminum (Al) and acidity, which in turn would promote soil aggregation. Because soils with a low EC are more stable and less prone to flooding or erosion, we predicted that Sand Martins in such soils would have deeper nesting burrows. A total of four colonies were located in the study area in Turkey. They contained 2510 burrows, of which 91.83% were used for breeding. The mean colony size was 627. We measured the soil and the nest burrow characteristics from the 80 nest bottoms used for breeding by the Sand Martin. The mean pH was 8.8, and the mean EC was 171. Tunnel depth was longer in nests with greater pH and EC and in lakeshore than in non-lakeshore colonies. The distance between nest holes increased with the EC, and nests were located nearer to each other in the lakeshore colonies than in non-lakeshore colonies. The width of the entrance opening increased with soil particle size and was wider in nests located at the lakeshore areas. Our results indicated that Sand Martins will avoid sites with too compact or loose soils for nesting, probably to avoid nest collapses. Vertical lakeshore embankments offer good nesting sites for Sand Martins and should, therefore, be protected. Because soil particle size, pH, EC, and distance from the lakeshore influenced the nest hole characteristics of the Sand Martin, conservation and management efforts should take these variables into account when maintaining or establishing suitable soil conditions for the Sand Martin. © 2023 by the authors.