Effects of Landscape Fragmentation on Endemic Plant Species of Siirt

Abstract

In this study we aim to investigate the effect of fragmentation on the endemic plant species in the Siirt landscape between 2000 and 2012. Patch classes were systematically generated using CORINE land cover/land use data from 2000 to 2012. Landscape metrics were calculated using the PatchGrid plug-in that is included in the Patch Analyst programme, which works on FRAGSTATS interface. Furthermore, IUCN red list classes of endemic plant species in this landscape were evaluated. Thus, the most fragmented patch classes were coastal landscapeand vineyards in 2012. MPS, NumP, and CA values for both these patch classes showed a 100% decrease. On the other hand, fruit trees and berry plantations, sparsely vegetated areas, non-irrigated arable land and natural grasslands turned into larger patches during the same period. When the relationship between endemic species and patch classes was investigated, 48% of the patch classes in which these species were found changed.