Effects of forest habitat to brown trout: A case study from Northeastern Turkey

Abstract

Brown trout (Salmo trutta macrostigma) is regarded as a most sensitive species to ecosystem changes. Habitat quality especially in the forest areas can be thought as the most crucial element for survival of brown trout population. This case study compared brown trout population size in response to forest habitats. The study was carried out by field survey, direct observation for brown trout population and survey with local people and other interested groups. Brown trout population was higher in the streams covered much more forest habitats, but streams, presenting low forest habitats, had much less brown trout population size. The study showed that, Brown trout population size was positively correlated with the forest cover size and types. It was also inferred that, brown trout can be used as an indicator species due to sensitivity for habitat changes in the ecosystems. Key words: Brown trout, Salmo trutta macrostigma, Turkey.