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   This study examined the correlation between the nest density of the Anatolian ground squirrel (Spermophilus xanthoprymnus) and the characteristics of soil texture and stoniness. This study was conducted in Gençali plain, Isparta province, Türkiye. A mechanical analysis of the soil revealed that clay content varied from 24% to 51%, sand content ranged from 33% to 55%, and dust levels were between 13% and 28%. It was observed that S. xanthoprymnus exhibited a preference for loamy clay soils, with an occurrence rate of 82% in the sampled areas. The analysis indicated that the presence of stones in the soil had a statistically significant positive effect (p < 0.01) on the species’ nest site selection, while the amount of sand had a negative impact (p < 0.05). Nest density increased in habitats with stoniness levels between 9% and 9.5%, whereas a decrease in nest numbers was recorded in areas with stoniness levels either below or above this range. .

Keywords: Anatolian ground squirrel, Spermophilus xanthoprymnus; ecology, nest density, soil texture.

   Monitoring of 38 (12 male and 26 female) red deer translocated from Ivo Wildlife Park (Romania) to hunting ground “Bosutske Forest” (Vojvodina, Serbia) was conducted from 2017 to 2021. The red deer were translocated in lieu of the managing authority’s efforts to counteract the effects of red deer losses due to catastrophic flooding in the region. All animals were ear-tagged, while 7 males and 10 females were fitted with GPS collars. A total of 2,288 valid signals were analyzed (565 from males and 1,723 from females). In addition, 1,333 sighting records were collected from eight observation posts (480 in 2019, 670 in 2020 and 183 in 2021). We determined the movements and spatial distribution of translocated animals in the new habitat and estimated their home range sizes. Home range was calculated using the minimum convex polygon method, while the core area was calculated using the kernel density estimator method. The greatest straight-line distance from the acclimatisation enclosure was essentially the same for both sexes (average 6.0 km for males and 6.4 km for females). A non-significant relationship existed between the number of days in captivity and the greatest straight-line distance, as well as between days in captivity and the core area of the home range. The estimated home range of males was 12.8 km² (range 0.2‒36.1), smaller than that of females (20.6 km², range 0.4‒68.7), but this difference was not statistically significant. Observations made independently showed mostly herds of 4 to 6 individuals (52.3%), while large herds (≥ 10 individuals) were rare. Participation of translocated and resident animals in mixed herds was common during the monitoring period (62.3%). Our results showed that a high level of acceptance of the new habitat and social cohesion between translocated and resident animals was achieved. We believe that this is due to two main reasons: firstly, the long-term stay in a large acclimatisation enclosure prior to release and secondly, year-round supplemental feeding coupled with an abundant natural food supply in this unique forest area also contributed to successful acclimatisation.

Keywords:Cervus elaphus; population; habitat; home range size; red deer; management .

   This study explores the impact of planting strategies on genetic diversity in silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) stands using simulation models. We examine the influence of different proportions of planted stands and the number of open-pollinated families on genetic diversity, focusing on the Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index and expected heterozygosity. Results indicate optimal genetic diversity increases with 50–55% planted stands. Additionally, using more families in planting enhances diversity, peaking when 30 families are used compared to five. Simulations suggest that combining natural regeneration with planting seed lots from at least 20 families enhances genetic diversity at the landscape level, supporting sustainable forest management. However, using only the top-performing five families does not harm genetic diversity if planted stands remain below 55%. Acknowledging the limitation, this study considers only a single generation, which may affect long-term applicability of the results over multiple generations.

Keywords: beavers, flood disturbance, phenology, forest damage, habitat change, Sentinel-2 MSI.