Sakarya wildlife documented through two-year camera trap study

Nature explorer Furkan Eren has documented the rich biodiversity of Sakarya, Turkey, through a two-year study using camera traps. The research, conducted primarily in the Karasu and Kocaali districts, has captured footage of various species in their natural habitats, including brown bears, jackals, roe deer, stone martens, badgers, otters, foxes, wild boars, wild cats, and wild rabbits.

Eren emphasized that the project aims to provide scientific data essential for population studies and nature conservation programs. By identifying exactly where these animals live, the findings can help implement more effective protection strategies. The camera traps have been particularly successful in recording sensitive species such as the wild cat and otter without disturbing them. The researcher noted that the footage serves as more than just imagery, providing scientific evidence of difficult-to-observe behaviors like hunting, feeding, and mating. Ongoing efforts are focused on locating and recording lynx, wolves, and red deer.