A Statistical Approach on Seasonal Population Changes and Habitat Preferences on Coastal and Waterfowl Species Around Ekşisu Reeds (erzincan-Turkey): Using Negative Binomial Regression

Abstract

The present study was performed in order to analyze the population density of 55 coastal and waterfowl species belonging to 15 families in Ekşisu Reeds using negative binominal regression models according to their habitat preferences. For this study, Anas crecca was chosen as a reference species. Population changes of 55 different species were interpreted in relation to it. Accordingly, increases by 4.48 fold (p<0.001) in Anas platyrhynchos population, 3.45 fold (p<0.001) in Fulica atra population, 2.45 fold (p<0.05) in Larus armenicus population (p<0.05), and 1.77 fold (p<0.05) in Tadorna ferruginea population were noted. In addition, the population of 19 species decreased. Of the seasons, autumn was taken as a reference, thus a 1.50 fold-increase (p<0.01) was recorded in the winter season. Changes in other seasons were not statistically significant. When the reed habitat was taken as reference, it was determined that there was a 1.33 times increase (p<0.05) in the water surface habitat and 36% decrease in agricultural areas (p<0.05). Meadows and marshland habitats were not found statistically significant. © 2021, ALÖKI Kft., Budapest, Hungary.