No 5. Caves of Yildiz Mountains and their fauna
Transkript
No 5. Caves of Yildiz Mountains and their fauna
No.5: Caves of the Yildiz Mountains and th e i r fa u n a A Ap prriill 22001100 Y YIIL LD DIIZ ZM MO OU UN NT TA AIIN NS SB BIIO OS SP PH HE ER RE EP PR RO OJJE EC CT T R RE EP PO OR RT TS SE ER RIIE ES S CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA This document may be cited as: YMBP (2010). Caves of the Yildiz Mountains and their fauna. Report prepared on behalf AGRER-AgriconsultingAGRIN by BUMAD (E. Çoraman, Y. Özakin, Y. Çelik, M. Döker, K. Kunt, and E. Özel) for the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Ankara. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5. Other documents in this series of reports prepared by the Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project are as follows: Land and vegetation cover, habitat and landscape mapping of the Yildliz Mountains, using satellite remote sensing and GIS techniques. A report prepared on behalf of AGRER-Agriconsulting-AGRIN by S. Berberoğlu, C. Donmez, O. Şatir for the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Ankara. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 1. Eco-hydrology of Yıldız Mountains. A report prepared on behalf of AGRER-Agriconsulting-AGRIN by Yusuf Serengil for the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Ankara. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 2 Flora of Yildiz Mountains. A report prepared on behalf of AGRER-Agriconsulting-AGRIN by N. Özhatay, E. Akalin, Y. Yeşil, S. Demirci, N. Güler, and H. Ersoy for the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Ankara. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 3. Fauna of Yildiz Mountains. A report prepared on behalf of AGRER-Agriconsulting-AGRIN by M. Sözen and A. Karataş for the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Ankara. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 4. Diversity and distribution of birds in the Yildiz Mountains. Report prepared on behalf of AGRER-AgriconsultingAGRIN by Korhan Özkan for the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Ankara. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 6. A participatory approach to planning the management of the proposed Yildiz Mountains Biosphere. Report prepared on behalf of AGRER-Agriconsulting-AGRIN by S. Alpan Atamer, Sevgi Gül and Okan Can for the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Ankara. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 7. Resource management in the proposed Yildiz Mountains: a community-based approach. Report prepared on behalf of AGRER-Agriconsulting-AGRIN by Francis Hurst for the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Ankara. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 8. Identification and valuation of ecosystem goods and services in the Yildiz Mountains. A report prepared on behalf of AGRER-Agriconsulting-AGRIN by Dominic Moran for the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Ankara. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 9. Social profiling of villages in the Yildiz Mountains. A report prepared on behalf of AGRER-Agriconsulting-AGRIN by Dominic Moran and Axel Tarisse for the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Ankara. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 10. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 i CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Table of contents ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ................................................................................................ 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................... 2 ÖZET .................................................................................................................... 3 1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................. 4 1.1 GEOMORPHOLOGY OF YILDIZ MOUNTAINS ......................................................................4 1.2 ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS .....................................................................5 1.3 BIOSPELEOLOGY ...............................................................................................6 1.3.1 bAt species ...........................................................................................6 1.3.2 Invertebrate Cave Fauna ...........................................................................7 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS ................................................................................... 8 2.1 2.2 3. FIELD SURVEY RESULTS....................................................................................... 9 3.1 3.2 4. BAT POPULATIONS .............................................................................................8 CAVE INVERTEBRATES..........................................................................................9 BAT POPULATIONS ........................................................................................... 12 INVERTEBRATES .......................................................................................... 15 CAVE CONSERVATION PRIORITY EVALUATIONS ......................................................... 24 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 4.15 4.16 4.17 4.18 4.19 4.20 4.21 4.22 4.23 4.24 4.25 4.26 BAĞLAR CAVE ............................................................................................... 25 BEZIRGAN CAVE ............................................................................................. 26 BOSTANLIKTARLA CAVE ...................................................................................... 28 ÇATALYOL SINKHOLE ........................................................................................ 29 CENEVIZ CAVE ............................................................................................... 31 DUPNISA CAVE SYSTEM ...................................................................................... 32 DUPNISA CAVE (SULU KOL) .................................................................................. 33 KURU VE CAVE (DUPNISA SYSTEM) ........................................................................... 34 KIZ CAVE (DUPNISA SYSTEM) ................................................................................ 35 KALE I CAVE ................................................................................................. 38 KALE II CAVE ................................................................................................ 39 KALE III CAVE................................................................................................ 40 KIYIKÖY CAVE ............................................................................................... 41 KIZILAĞAÇ CAVE ............................................................................................. 43 KIZLAR CAVE ................................................................................................ 44 KOVANTAŞI CAVE ............................................................................................ 46 KOZARKA CAVE .............................................................................................. 47 KURUDERE (AĞIL) CAVE ..................................................................................... 48 KURUDERE (DOMUZDERE) CAVE ............................................................................. 49 MERMER CAVE ............................................................................................... 52 OCAK CAVE .................................................................................................. 53 PESTILIN CAVE............................................................................................... 54 TIRFEZ CAVE ................................................................................................ 55 UZUNTARLA CAVE ........................................................................................... 57 YENESU CAVE................................................................................................ 58 YEŞILLIK CAVE ............................................................................................... 61 5. CONCLUSIONS .................................................................................................. 63 6. REFERENCES ................................................................................................... 64 Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 ii CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Table Table Table Table Table 2 3 4 5 6 Table Table Table Table Table 7 8 9 10 11 Conservation status of bat species in Turkish Thrace, based on the IUCN Red List (IUCN, 2009), and their dependence on underground habitats. .......................................................... 6 Distribution of bat, amphibian and invertebrate species recorded in the 26 surveyed caves. ..... 11 Bat species and their population estimates recorded in winter. ....................................... 13 Bat species and their population estimates recorded in summer. ..................................... 14 List of identified species in the Order Araneae (Spiders) ................................................ 17 List of identified species in the Orders Pseudoscorpionidea (Pseudo-scorpions) and Opiliones (Harvestmen) .................................................................................................. 18 List of identified species in the Orders Glomerida, Julida and Chordeumatida ...................... 18 List of identified species in the Order Coleoptera (Beetles) ............................................ 19 List of identified species in the Order Isopoda ............................................................ 20 List of identified species in the Class Gastropoda ........................................................ 20 List of identified species in the Classes Clitellata, Chilopoda and Insecta ............................ 21 LIST OF FIGURES Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 13 Figure 14 Figure 15 Figure 16 Figure 17 Figure 18 Figure 19 In Yenesu Cave with local people (left); information desk at Dupnisa Cave Festival (right) ........... 4 Nyctalus leisleri caught by mist net in Dupnisa (left), measuring forearm length of bat (right) ...... 8 Spider samples (left); collecting water samples in Yenesu Cave (right) .................................. 9 Entrance to Sergen Suçıkan Cave (left); Triturus karelinii recorded in Yenesu Cave (right) .......... 10 Greater mouse-eared bat with nose syndrome (left); specimen collection (right) ..................... 12 Schreibers bats in Çatalyol Cave (left); Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (right) ........................... 12 A nursery colony of Rhinolophus euryale (left); Schreiber’s bat (right).................................. 14 Miniopterus schreibersii colony hibernating in Dupnisa (left); Rhinolophus ferrumequinum bats hibernating (right) ............................................................................................... 14 Metellina merianae (left); Nesticus cellulanus (top right); Araneus sturmi (bottom right) ........... 16 Harpactea babori, Centromerus milleri, Meta bourneti (left from top to bottom); Porrhomma convexum, Meta menardi, Larinioides cornutus (right from top to bottom) ............................ 17 Paranemastoma sp. (top left); Phalangium opilio (top right); Mitostoma gracile (bottom left); Nelima pontica (bottom right) ................................................................................. 18 Anamastigona halophila (left); Mesoiulus kosswigi (right) ................................................. 19 Scutigera coleopteran (Order Glomerida, Family Scutigeridae) was the only member of the Chilopa Class inventoried. ................................................................................................ 19 Paederus sp. (left); Laemostenus (P.) cimmerius (right) ................................................... 19 Haplophthalmus stygivagus (top left); Trichoptera sp. (bottom left); Ligidium hypnorum (top right); Ligidium sp. (middle right); Trichoptera pupa (bottom right) ............................................. 20 Oxychilus sp. (left); Laciniaria plicata (right) ............................................................... 21 21 22 23 24 25 26 Trigonidium sp. (left); Lumbricus sp. (top right); Scolopendra sp. (bottom right) ..................... 22 Acaridae (top left); Yponomeutidae (bottom left); Ixodida (top right); Lepidoptera (bottom right) 22 Muscidae (top left); Mycetophilidae pupa (bottom left); Diplopoda (top right); Mycetophilidae (bottom right) .................................................................................................... 23 Location of 26 surveyed caves within and peripheral to the proposed Yıldız Mountains Biosphere (Project area). Sergen Suçıkan is a newly discovered cave that was not surveyed. ................... 24 Entrance to Bağlar Cave (left); marble quarry at the entrance to Bağlar Cave (right) ................ 25 Rhinolophus colony (left); Oxychillus sp. in Bağlar Cave (right) .......................................... 25 Map of Bağlar Cave .............................................................................................. 26 Entrance to Bezirgan Cave (left); narrow passage in Bezirgan Cave (right) ............................. 26 Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (left); Rhinolophus euryale colony (right) ................................. 27 Map of Bezirgan Cave ........................................................................................... 27 Figure 27 Figure 28 Figure 29 Entrance to Bostanlıktarla Cave ............................................................................... 28 A pottery piece on flowstone formations (left); a tick (Ixodida) (right) ................................. 28 Map of Bostanlıktarla Cave ..................................................................................... 29 Figure 20 Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 iii CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Figure 30 Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 Entrance to Çatalyol Cave (left); abseiling in Çatalyol Sinkhole (middle); shallow passage in Çatalyol (right) 29 Part of Miniopterus schrebersii colony in Çatayol (left); a tick (right) ................................... 30 Map of Çatalyol Sinkhole ........................................................................................ 30 Entrance to Ceneviz Cave (left); stalactites in Ceneviz Cave (right) ..................................... 31 Invertebrates from Ceneviz Cave. ............................................................................. 31 Map of Ceneviz Cave ............................................................................................ 32 Entrance to Dupnisa Cave before and after it was opened to the public ................................ 33 Surveys in Dupnisa (left); Miniopterus schreibersii colony (right) ......................................... 33 Entrance to Kuru Cave (left); algae formation on the columns (right) ................................... 34 Meta menardi (left); pottery pieces in Kuru Cave (right) .................................................. 35 Entrance to Kız Cave (left); Rhinolophus blasii in Kız Cave (right) ....................................... 35 A guano pile in Kız Cave (left); identifying bat species (right) ............................................ 36 Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 Map of Dupnisa Cave System ................................................................................... 37 Entrance to Kale I Cave (left); taking samples (right) ...................................................... 38 Map of Kale I Cave ............................................................................................... 39 Entrance to Kale II Cave. ....................................................................................... 39 Map of Kale II Cave .............................................................................................. 40 Entrance to Kale III Cave ....................................................................................... 40 Map of Kale III Cave ............................................................................................. 41 Entrance to Kıyıköy Cave (left); Trigonidium sp. (right) ................................................... 42 A Rhinolophus euryale with her young in Kıyıköy Cave ..................................................... 42 Map of Kıyıköy Cave ............................................................................................. 43 Speleoterms in Kızılağaç Cave ................................................................................. 43 Map of Kızılağaç Cave ........................................................................................... 44 Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 Entrance to Kızlar Cave (left); mapping the cave (right) .................................................. 44 Map of Kızlar Cave ............................................................................................... 45 Entrances to Kovantaşı Cave ................................................................................... 46 Map of Kovantaşı Cave .......................................................................................... 47 Entrance to Kozarka Cave (left); a spider in Kozarka (right) .............................................. 47 Map of Kozarka Cave ............................................................................................ 48 Entrance to Kurudere (Ağıl) Cave (left); Rhinolophus blasii (right) ....................................... 48 Map of Kurudere (Ağıl) Cave ................................................................................... 49 Map of Kurudere (Domuzdere) Cave .......................................................................... 51 Entrance to Mermer Cave (left); measuring bat’s forearm (right) ........................................ 52 Map of Mermer Cave............................................................................................. 52 Entrance to Ocak Cave (left); Meta menardi (right) ........................................................ 53 Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 Map of Ocak Cave ................................................................................................ 53 Entrance to Pestilin Cave (left); Harpactea babori (right) ................................................. 54 Archaeological artefacts in Pestilin Cave..................................................................... 54 Map of Pestilin Cave ............................................................................................. 55 Entrance to Tirfez Cave (left); Rhinolophus hipposideros (right) ......................................... 55 Pottery pieces in Tirfez Cave .................................................................................. 56 Map of Tirfez Cave............................................................................................... 57 Entrance of Uzuntarla Cave (left); Rhinolophus blasii (right) ............................................. 57 Haplophthalmus stygivagus (left); Meta menardi (right) ................................................... 58 Map of Uzuntarla Cave .......................................................................................... 58 Flowstone formations in Yenesu Cave ........................................................................ 59 Map of Yenesu Cave ............................................................................................. 60 Figure 78 Figure 79 Entrance to Yeşillik Cave ....................................................................................... 61 Map of Yeşillik Cave ............................................................................................. 62 Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 iv CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 v CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Participants: 1. Emrah Çoraman (BUMAD) 20. Gül Deniz Salalı (İTÜMAK) 2. Mehmet Emre Döker (BUMAD) 21. Gökhan Gün (İTÜMAK) 3. Aslı Döker (BUMAD) 22. Emrah Özel (ANÜMAB) 4. Yaman Özakın (BUMAD) 23. Renin Öznur (ANÜMAB) 5. Oğuz Karaçuka (BUMAD) 24. Ekin Ertürk (ANÜMAB) 6. Yalın Emek Çelik (BUMAD) 25. Özge Tutar (ANÜMAB) 7. Nükhet Şentürk (BUMAD) 26. Pınar Yıldız (ANÜMAB) 8. Özgün Sarısoy (BUMAD) 27. Murat Yüksel (BUMAD) 9. Aydın Menderes (BUMAD) 28. Başak Akçakaya (BUMAD) 10. Kürşad Erson (BÜMAK) 29. Ahmet Şentürk (BÜMAK) 11. Adil Alibaş (BÜMAK) 30. İsmail Onur Gürses (BÜMAK) 12. Serkan Çimen (BÜMAK) 31. Gülfer Duran (BUMAD) 13. Seda Erdural (BÜMAK) 32. Zirve Yiğit (BUMAK) 14. Arzu Taghan (BÜMAK) 33. Sencer Çoltu (BUMAD) 15. İlker Özden (BÜMAK) 34. Yağmur Karabulut (BUMAD) 16. Merve Aşaner (BÜMAK) 35. Kayhan Ata (BÜMAK) 17. Melis Oktay (BÜMAK) 36. Merve Çevik (İTÜMAK) 18. Atilla Evrim Gücün (BÜMAK) 37. Barış Kurt (BUMAD) 19. Utku Aslantaş (BÜMAK) 38. Havva Yıldırım Çoltu (BUMAD) Project Coordinator: Emrah Çoraman Project Documentation Officer: Yaman Özakın Project Social Studies Officer: Yalın Emek Çelik Project Financial Officer: Mehmet Emre Döker Bat Research Group Coordinator: Emrah Çoraman Invertebrate Research Group Coordinators: Kadir Boğaç Kunt & Emrah Özel Photos by: Yaman Özakın, Mehmet Emre Döker, Yalın Emek Çelik, Emrah Çoraman, Kadir Boğaç Kunt, Başak Akçakaya, Atilla Evrim Gücün, Sencer Çoltu, Havva Yıldırım Çoltu Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 vi CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA ACKNOWLEDGMENTS First of all, we would like to thank Dr. Michael Green for his technical and editorial support in finalising this report and also Prof. Dr. Türker Altan, and Frank Feys for their technical contributions and support. We are grateful to Selim Erdoğan (Nature Conservation and Natural Parks Cave Research Unit), Volkan Göç, Selim Cesur, Neşe Ersöz (Nature Conservation and Natural Parks), and Nihan Arpa (Nature Conservation and Natural Parks) for their help during the implementation of this project. We appreciate the technical assistance received from Dr. Christo Deltshev (Bulgaria Academia of Science), Dr. Plamen Mitov (Sofia University, Bulgaria), Dr. Rostislav Bekchiev (Sofia University, Bulgaria), Dr. Rumyana Kostova (Sofia University, Bulgaria), Dr. Çetin Ilgaz (Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir) and Dr. Burçin Aşkın Gümüş (Gazi University, Ankara) in species identifications. Finally, we would like to thank those local people who supported our study, especially Demir Bey (Kızılağaç Village), Mehmet Bey (Sivriler Village), İsmail Akça (Avcılar Village), Ramazan Yılmaz (Balkaya Village), Vacit Bey (Balkaya Village), Necati Çolak (Armağan Village) and Şerafettin Bey (Çukurpınar Village). Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 1 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Twenty-six caves in Yıldız Mountains were explored in terms of biospeleological, archaeological and geomorphological aspects. Thirteen caves were mapped and in four of the caves, Tirfez, Kuru, Pestilin, and Ceneviz, archaeological findings were documented. Yenesu, Kurudere (Domuzdere), Ceneviz, and Kız are the most interesting caves in terms of the geomorphological formations. More than fifty fauna species were recorded in biospeleological surveys. Invertebrates, with 40 identified species, is the most diverse faunal group. Three potential new species, two spiders and one pseudo-scorpion, were also discovered. Nine cave-dwelling bat species, with a total number of approximately 42,000, were recorded. Many of the caves in the region are used both as hibernation and nursery roosts. Dupnisa Cave, which is partly open to the public in the summer, is one of most important underground systems in the Yıldız Mountains and among the most important caves in the Balkans for its large bat population. Çatalyol, Bağlar, Domuzdere, and Kıyıköy are some of the other important caves in the Yıldız Mountains. Treasure hunting, quarrying, and cave tourism are the most common threats to cave systems in the Yıldız Mountains. According to an evaluation of conservation needs, nine caves, Bağlar, Ceneviz, Domuzdere, Dupnisa*, Kız*, Kovantaşı*, Kuru*, Ocak, and Yenesu, merit High Conservation Priority for urgent protection as Nature Reserves and eight caves, Bostanlıktarla*, Çatalyol*, Kale III, Kıyıköy*, Mermer*, Pestilin, Tirfez*, and Uzuntarla are proposed for Natural Monument status under the National Parks Law No. 2873. Those nine caves marked with an asterisk lie within the proposed Yıldız Mountains Biosphere. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 2 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA ÖZET Yıldız Dağları’nda bulunan 26 mağara biyospeleolojik, arkeolojik ve jeomorfolojik unsurlar göz önünde bulundurularak araştırılmıştır. Çalışmalar kapsamında 13 mağaranın haritası çizilmiş ve dört mağarada (Tirfez, Kuru, Pestilin ve Ceneviz) arkeolojik bulgular tespit edilmiştir. Öte yandan Yenesu, Kurudere (Domuzdere), Ceneviz ve Kız mağaralarının jeomorfolojik oluşumlar açısından dikkat çekici olduğu belirlenmiştir. Biyospeleolojik çalışmalarda 50’den fazla hayvan türünün mağaralarda yaşadığı tespit edilmiştir. Omurgasızlar, tanımlanan 40 tür ile en fazla çeşitliliğin görüldüğü grup olmuştur. Ayrıca çalışmalarda ikisi örümcek biri de yalancı akrep olmak üzere üç muhtemel yeni tür keşfedilmiştir. Araştırılan mağaralarda toplam dokuz türden 42,000 yarasanın yaşadığı tespit edilmiştir. Bölgedeki mağaraların çoğunun yarasalar tarafından hem kışlamak hem de yavrulamak için kullanıldığı gözlemlenmiştir. Yaz aylarında turizme açık olan Dupnisa Mağarası’nın barındırdığı geniş yarasa popülâsyonu nedeniyle Yıldız Dağları ve Balkanlar’ın en önemli mağara habitatlarından biri olduğu belirlenmiştir. Bunun dışında Çatalyol, Bağlar, Domuzdere ve Kıyıköy mağaraları da Yıldız Dağları’ndaki önemli yer altı ekosistemleri arasında yer almaktadır. Definecilik, taş ocağı işletmeleri ve mağara turizmi, Yıldız Dağları’ndaki mağara sistemlerine yönelik tehditlerin başında gelmektedir. Koruma gereksinimleri değerlendirmesi sonucunda bölgedeki dokuz mağara; Bağlar, Ceneviz, Domuzdere, Dupnisa*, Kovantaşı*, Kuru*, Kız*, Ocak ve Yenesu, yüksek koruma önceliği taşıyan ve acil önlem alınması gereken mağaralardır. Bu 9 mağaranın 2873 no’lu Milli Parklar Yasası gereği Tabiatı Koruma Alanı, 8 mağaranın ise (Bostanlıktarla*, Çatalyol*, Kale III, Kıyıköy*, Mermer*, Pestilin, Tirfez*, Uzuntarla) Tabiat Anıtı olarak tescillenmesi önerilmektedir. Asterisk ile belirtilen 9 mağara, Yıldız Dağları Biyosferi içinde yer almaktadır. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 3 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA 1. INTRODUCTION (Emrah ÇORAMAN) Yıldız Mountains is one of the major biogeographic zones in Turkey and, due to their karst formations, many caves occur in the region. The combination of these two characteristics makes Yıldız Mountains an interesting area in terms of biospeleology. However, there are few studies of the cave fauna, and most are old and based on opportunistic sampling. Underground habitats in Yıldız Mountains are under constant threat due to factors such as tourism, quarrying, treasure hunting, and guano mining. For instance, Dupnisa Cave System, considered to be among the most important hibernation roosts in Balkans, was opened to the public in 2001 without any consideration of its conservation needs. Thus, the identification and legal protection of important cave habitats in Yıldız Mountains according to their conservation needs is urgent. In this study we surveyed 26 caves in Yıldız Mountains. Our aim was to assess the conservation priorities and protection needs of these underground habitats based on three major criteria: (1) biospeleological, (2) geomorphological, and (3) archaeological. Therefore, we collected data on bat and invertebrate species, documented archaeological findings, and recorded significant geomorphological features in the caves. Additionally, during our visits to the villages, we informed local people about the Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project, caves and their fauna. We also prepared a brochure for distributing to villagers and those attending the Dupnisa Cave festival. Figure 1 In Yenesu Cave with local people (left); information desk at Dupnisa Cave Festival (right) The results of this study, as documented in this report, provide the basis for our continuing collaboration with General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, to apply appropriate levels of legal conservation status to underground habitats in Yıldız Mountains. 1.1 GEOMORPHOLOGY OF YILDIZ MOUNTAINS (Emrullah ÖZEL) The area of study lies parallel to the Black Sea coastline in the north-east of Thrace and consists of surface structures belonging to the Miocene, Pliocene and Pleistocene. These structures, which form the higher altitude regions of Yıldız Mountains, decrease in altitude to the south and west. The lower and higher parts can be considered geomorphologically as two different regions. The mountain ridges lie along a NW-SE axis which separates the Aegean-Marmara and Black Sea water basins. They consist mostly of Palaeozoic and Mesozoic erosion-resistant crystalline schist, overlain by more recent Eocene formations. These plateaux were formed by the erosion at the end Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 4 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA of the Palaeotectonic Epoch. Later, 24 million years ago during the Neotectonic Epoch, the Istranca Massif was subjected to faulting and uplifting, from the Mid-Miocene onwards. The collapse of the Black Sea and Ergene basins in the east and south, respectively, resulted in a step-wise system from old to new formations on the outskirts of the Massif. In higher altitude regions, such as between 700 m and the top of Mahya Hill at 1033 m, the long and thin ridges are results of erosion during the Miocene. These ridges lie in different directions and are separated by deep faults and rivers. Upper Miocene erosion surfaces can be observed at 500-700 m, which are eroded by rivers and cut by faults. Geological events during the Pliocene also contributed to cave formation. The erosion surfaces around and inside the Istıranca Massif are subsequent palaeo valleys, karstic poljes and uvalas, and caves. These formations are located at 400-500 m in the north and 150-300 m in the south of Yıldız Mountains. Surfaces eroded deeply by Quaternary rivers along the NW-SE axis can be seen throughout the area. In the south, dense karst has developed where limestone exists. In this region nested karstic formations can be observed covering multiple geological epochs. Many of the caves developed beneath the erosion surfaces belong to the Pliocene The main reason why rivers in the eastern part of the Yıldız Mountains lie in deep stream beds is due to decreases in sea level, resulting in their rejuvenation and increased erosive effects. This has accelerated erosion in Pliocene caves and lead to the formation of new caves. Dupnisa, one of the two-layered caves, is a good example of such developments. Caves were formed in the northern part where Jura-Kretase marbles are thickened, the main dense karstification occurring in the Miocene limestone. Shallower parts have not lent themselves to the formation of cave systems. However, impermeable layers just below the limestone elevate the karst floor base, which leads to the formation of shallow and horizontal karst. Karstification that began in the Pliocene and continued throughout the Quaternary Period has given the area its current landform. Caves formed at the bases and on the slopes of rivers buried in Pliocene erosion sediments, and in uvalas and dolines, have active, semi-active, spring and sink characteristics. These caves that have water throughout the year are generally horizontal since they lie at the interface between limestone and impermeable layers. Semi-vertical and multi-layered caves are also formed where the thickness of the limestone is greater. These caves drain the base water of the region quickly and cause it to surface as springs. 1.2 ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS (Gülgün GÜRCAN) Thrace, the north-western part of Turkey, lying between the Balkans, Anatolia, the Aegean Sea and the Black Sea, has always been a melting pot of different cultures. Archaeological excavations and surveys not only inform the history and culture of Thrace but they also throw light on the movements of civilizations between Europe and the Near East via Thrace. As natural features in the landscape, caves provide opportunities for shelter and were often favoured by early man. Thus, cave archaeology can improve our knowledge about past settlements, especially in the prehistoric period. Although there are many surveyed prehistoric settlements in Thrace (Menekşe Çatağı and Toptepe in Tekirdağ, Tilkiburnu, Taşlıcabayırı, Aşağıpınar, and Kanlıgeçit in Kırklareli, Hocaçeşme in Edirne), Yarımburgaz is the only cave that has been subject to an archaeological investigation. Yarımburgaz, located approximately 22 km north-west of the city of İstanbul, is considered to be among the most important prehistoric caves in Turkey. None of the caves in the Yıldız Mountains have been archeologically explored. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 5 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Given the importance of archaeological findings to date in Thrace, especially in Yarımburgaz Cave, the Yıldız Mountains, with their many horizontal caves, provide a potential opportunity of further important archaeological discoveries. In this study it is intended to document any archaeological artefacts, as a preliminary step towards future detailed archaeological surveys. 1.3 BIOSPELEOLOGY (Emrah ÇORAMAN) According to speleological reports, more than 25 caves have been surveyed in the Yıldız Mountains but biospeleological studies are few and most of these are simply species inventories. Largely absent is information on population sizes and associated ecological measures that are crucial for assessing conservation priorities of these highly threatened habitats. An important exception is Furman and Özgül (2004), who identified conservation priorities for caves in Turkish Thrace based on the size and diversity of bat populations. Dupnisa Cave System is the most studied underground habitat in the region according to the scientific literature (Dietz et al., 2006; Güher, 2000; Güher and Kirgiz, 2004; Özkan, 2006; Zima and Cenevova, 2002; Lanhammer et al., 2007). Nevertheless, with the exception of Paksuz et al. (2007) who monitor the bat colonies between 2002 and 2005, the studies are based on opportunistic sampling of various taxa. This study focuses on identifying the conservation needs of cave systems in Yıldız Mountains, based on faunal inventories and estimates of the sizes of bat populations. The primary aim was to update data published by Furman and Özgül (2004) and Paksuz et al. (2007) and, additionally, to survey new caves. The invertebrate fauna of all caves was also inventoried to improve knowledge about species diversity. This database will provide a reference for monitoring future changes in these bat populations, as well as a basis for prospective cave invertebrate studies in the region. 1.3.1 Bat species (Emrah ÇORAMAN) Twenty three bat species have been recorded from Turkish Thrace (Benda and Horacek, 1998) and, according to unpublished data, this total now stands at 25 species. Fourteen of these species are cave-dwelling bats (Furman and Özgül, 2004; Benda and Horacek, 1998), including two vulnerable and four near-threatened species (Table 1). All of these bat species and their habitats are strictly protected or, in the case of Pipistrellus pipistrellus, protected under provisions of the Bern Convention1 to which Turkey is a signatory. Some of the bat species are highly dependent on underground habitats whereas others use trees for roosting. Therefore, conservation of caves is particularly important for bat species that are dependent on underground habitats. Dependency on underground habitats of bat species found in Turkish Thrace are listed in Table 1 (Schober & Grimmberger, 1997). Table 1 1 Conservation status of bat species in Turkish Thrace, based on the IUCN Red List (IUCN, 2009), and their dependence on underground habitats. Scientific name IUCN Red List Dependence on underground habitats Rhinolophus blasii Peters, 1866 Least Concern High Rhinolophus euryale Blasius, 1853 Near Threatened High Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (Schreber, 1774) Least Concern High Rhinolophus hipposideros (Bechstein, 1800) Least Concern High Rhinolophus mehelyi Matschie, 1901 Vulnerable High The Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, 1979 Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 6 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Dependence on underground habitats Scientific name IUCN Red List Myotis bechsteinii (Kuhl, 1818) Near Threatened Myotis alcathoe Helversen & Heller, 2001 - Myotis blythii (Tomes, 1857) Least Concern High Myotis capaccinii (Bonaparte, 1837) Vulnerable High Myotis daubentonii (Kuhl,1819) Least Concern Medium Myotis emarginatus (E. Geoffory, 1806) Least Concern High Myotis myotis (Borkhausen, 1797) Least Concern High Myotis mystacinus (Kuhl, 1819) Least Concern Medium Myotis nattereri (Kuhl, 1819) Least Concern Medium Pipistrellus kuhlii (Kuhl, 1819) Least Concern Low Pipistrellus nathusii (Kayserling & Blasius, 1839) Least Concern Low Pipistrellus pipistrellus (Scheber, 1774) Least Concern Low Pipistrellus pygmaeus (Leach, 1825) Least Concern Low Nyctalus leisleri (Kuhl, 1818) Least Concern Low Nyctalus noctula (Schreber, 1774) Least Concern Low Eptesicus serotinus (Schereber, 1774) Least Concern Low Barbastella barbastellus (Schereber, 1774) Near Threatened Plecotus auritus (Linnaeus, 1758) Least Concern Low Plecotus austriacus (Fischer, 1829) Least Concern Low Miniopterus schreibersii (Kuhl, 1819) Near Threatened High Medium - Medium 1.3.2 Invertebrate Cave Fauna (KADİR BOĞAÇ KUNT & PINAR YILDIZ) The speleological assets of Turkey, which hosts many caves and underground formations, have been systematically studied by several geomorphologists, such as Nazik (1985) and Buldur (1991). However, biospeleological studies of these assets are based almost solely on opportunistic observations and samples. Cave invertebrates, in particular, require much more detailed and systematic study because of their adaptations (senses, depigmentation, low population density, etc.) to underground conditions, such as absolute darkness, crevices and fractures in the environment and micro-climate. Studies of cave invertebrates and their adaptation to underground life date back to the beginning of the 19th century (Packard, 1888). The first study of cave invertebrate fauna in Turkey was conducted by Macarlı Miralay Dr. Abdullah Bey in Yarımburgaz Cave in 1865. The findings were published in France in 1867 (Erguvanlı, 1965). Studies, especially by foreign researchers, gained pace in the 20th century but most represented ad hoc, rather than systematic sampling, and depended on specimens being sent abroad for identification (e.g.. Verhoeff, 1940, 1941, 1943; Jeannel, 1947a-b; Strouhal, 1953a-b, 1963, 1971; Vandel, 1957; Lindberg, 1952a-b-c, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1957, 1958, 1960; Omodeo, 1955; Beauchamp, 1958; Roewer, 1960; Sbordoni and Vigna Taglianti, 1989; Vigna Taglianti and Zapparoli, 2000). Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 7 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA The Yıldız Mountains is considered by many researchers to be among the most interesting of biogeographic regions in Europe due to its relict organisms (Georgiev, 1993). While the Bulgarian side of this mountain range is quite well-studied with respect to its invertebrate cave fauna, there has been little study of invertebrates on the Turkish side. According to Deltshev et al. (2003), 11 of the 79 spider species (Araneae; Arachnida) recorded from Bulgarian caves are present in the Bulgarian part of the Yıldız Mountains. Also, 33 of Bulgaria’s 61 opilionid species (Opiliones; Arachnida) occur in the Bulgarian part of the Yıldız Mountains. A significant number of these species are troglobites2 (Šilhavý, 1965; Staręga, 1976; Mitov, 1997; Deltshev et al., 2005). 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS (Emrah ÇORAMAN) A total of 26 underground habitats in Yıldız Mountains were explored and surveyed. Cave surveys were repeated, once in winter (March-April) and once in summer (May-July), in order to determine any seasonal changes in the cave fauna, especially with respect to bats. Biospeleological surveys were done by two groups working simultaneously. One of the groups checked bat populations and estimated their sizes and the other group collected invertebrate samples for species identification. Archaeological findings and geomorphological formations were also documented during field surveys. Maps of each cave were prepared for conservation planning purposes, either by digitalizing available maps from the literature or by undertaking original surveys in the case of caves not previously mapped. Caves were measured by a group of three people. The caves were divided into a series of sections between the entrance and the end. The distance, azimuth, and slope of each section were measured consecutively using a tape, compass and clinometers, respectively. Height and width of the gallery of each section was recorded and a map of the cave was sketched. Survey data were then digitised using cave-mapping software (Walls). 2.1 BAT POPULATIONS (Emrah ÇORAMAN) Identification of bat species was based on the Illustrated identification key to the bats of Europe (Dietz and von Helversen, 2004). Population sizes were assessed by direct counts for small colonies and by using density approximations from the literature for large colonies. Mist nets were used occasionally in the summer surveys to determine bat diversity in the vicinity of caves. Myotis myotis and M. blythi were difficult to distinguish in the field (Arlettaz et al., 1991) so their census data were recorded and reported as M. myotis/blythii. Figure 2 2 Nyctalus leisleri caught by mist net in Dupnisa (left), measuring forearm length of bat (right) A troglobite is an animal that lives entirely in the dark parts of caves. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 8 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA 2.2 CAVE INVERTEBRATES (KADİR BOĞAÇ KUNT & PINAR YILDIZ) Cave invertebrates were sampled between March and July 2009. Specimens of any observed invertebrates were placed in tubes and preserved in 70% alcohol at the time of collection and subsequently delivered to the laboratory for identification. Soil samples from the caves were collected in fabric pouches, taken to the laboratory and placed in sifting devices fitted with Berlese funnels. The Beslese funnel comprises a metal funnel standing on a tripod, with a light source fitted on the top and a collecting container with 70% alcohol at the bottom. Soil invertebrates will move away from the light source and fall into the funnel, then drop into the collecting bottle. Figure 3 Spider samples (left); collecting water samples in Yenesu Cave (right) Species identifications were based on Brignoli (1968, 1971, 1972, 1978a and 1978b), DeelemanReinhold and Deeleman (1988), Roewer (1959, 1962), Heimer and Nentwig (1991) for Araneae (Arthropoda: Arachnida); Manhert (1979), El-Hennawy (1988), Harvey (1990), Henderickx and Vets (2000), Sezek (2003) for Pseudoscorpionida (Arthropoda: Arachnida); and Strouhal (1953a, 1953b, 1963 ve 1971) for Isopoda (Crustaceae: Isopoda). Invertebrate experts determined that some of the specimens sampled do not match with the published descriptions of known taxa. In such cases, specimens were treated as potentially new species. An invertebrate working group is currently preparing scientific papers to be sent to peer-reviewed journals to confirm their identity. 3. FIELD SURVEY RESULTS Twenty-seven caves were visited during the study but only twenty-six could be explored as the entrance to Kocaçayırlar Cave had been closed by local people. This total includes a newly discovered cave, Sergen Suçıkan, which has not yet been completely explored. Identified samples collected from this cave are presented in Table 2, but the cave is not included in the conservation priority evaluation section. Thirteen previously unsurveyed caves were mapped. In four of the surveyed caves, Tirfez, Kuru, Pestilin, and Ceneviz, we documented archaeological findings. Ceneviz Cave may prove to be a particularly important archaeological site and warrants more detailed surveys. Yenesu, Kurudere (Domuzdere), Ceneviz, and Kız caves have the most interesting geomorphological features. Yeneseu and Ceneviz caves are connected to underground water systems, making them potentially more vulnerable to hydrological changes. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 9 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Figure 4 Entrance to Sergen Suçıkan Cave (left); Triturus karelinii recorded in Yenesu Cave (right) Approximately 30,000 bats were recorded in winter and more than 11,000 bats in the summer during biospeleological surveys. A total of 11 bat species were recorded, of which two, Myotis mystacinus and Nyctalus leisleri (Figure 4), were caught using mist nests across the stream corridor in the vicinity of Dupnisa Cave. A salamander species, Triturus karelinii, (Figure 6) was recorded in Yenesu Cave. So far, 40 invertebrate species have been identified. Many specimens belonging to families such as Acaridae, Chaoboridae, Muscidae, Mycetophilidae, Staphylinidae, Tipulidae, Yponomeutidae, and Gryllidae are still in the process of being identified. This involves sending samples to specialists experienced in identifying cave invertebrates which, because of their busy schedules, takes additional time. Hence, the results are not available for inclusion in this report. All of the species identified to date and their distribution are listed in Table 2. We also documented a greater mouse eared bat with white nose syndrome in Çatalyol Cave (Figure 7). This is the first known case in Turkey and, although there are no known adverse affects of this disease in Europe, the Cavers Union was informed as a matter of precaution. Yildiz Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 10 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA BATS Miniopterus schreibersii Myotis capaccinii Myotis emarginatus Myotis myotis/blythii Rhinolophus blasii Rhinolophus euryale Rhinolophus ferrumequinum Rhinolophus hipposideros Triturus karelinii Araneus sturmi Larinioides cornutus Centromerus milleri Centromerus bumadi sp. n. Porrhomma convexum Nesticus cellulanus Meta menardi Meta bourneti Metellina merianae Dasumia amoena Harpactea babori Harpactea coramani sp. n. Harpactea deltshevi Pholcus opilionoides Pholcus phalangioides Neobisium (O.) hazalae sp. n Phalangium opilio Opilio dinaricus Mitostoma gracile Nelima pontica Paranemastoma sp. Trachysphaera rotundata Mesoiulus kosswigi Anamastigona bilselii Anamastigona halophila Scolopendra sp. Scutigera sp. Scutigera coleoptrata Laemostenus (P.) cimmerius Bryaxis sp. Paederus sp. Trigonidium sp. Ligidium hypnorum Ligidium sp. Haplophthalmus stygivagus Trichonethes sp. Oxychilus sp. Euxina pontica Laciniaria plicata Lumbricus sp. CAVES INVERTEBRATES TOTAL S SPECIES RECORDED Distribution of bat, amphibian and invertebrate species recorded in the 26 surveyed caves. AMPHIBIANS Table 2 Dupnisa 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 Kuru 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 16 Kız 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 18 Kızlar 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 4 Çatalyol 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 Tripez 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 10 Mermer 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 Bezirgan 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 5 Ocak 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 Bağlar 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 Sergen Suçıkan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 Kovantaşı 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 8 Kızılağaç 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 6 Bostanlıktarla 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 Domuzdere 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8 Kıyıköy 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 15 Yenesu 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 Ceneviz 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 9 Uzuntarla 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 8 Ağıl 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 Pestilin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 7 Kale 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 Kale 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Kale 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Kozarka 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Yeşillik 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total caves recorded 10 6 1 7 7 11 15 16 1 2 2 2 1 3 6 10 3 2 1 1 3 1 2 2 1 3 2 2 1 4 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 3 1 2 3 2 3 1 3 8 1 2 4 Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 11 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Figure 5 Greater mouse-eared bat with nose syndrome (left); specimen collection (right) 3.1 BAT POPULATIONS A total of approximately 42,000 bats were recorded during the field survey. Nine species have been documented in 22 caves. One Nyctalus leisleri was caught and two Myotis mystacinus with mist nets that we did not encounter in the cave surveys. Miniopterus schreibersii is the most abundant species, both in the winter and the summer. It has been recorded that 12 of the caves were used as hibernation and 11 caves as nursery roosts. Dupnisa Cave has the biggest hibernation and Kuru Cave has the biggest nursery colonies. Rhinolophus hipposideros, although known to have a relatively small population size (a total of 148 records), has been recorded in 16 caves. Rhinolophus ferrumequinum is another widely distributed species with 15 roost records. Figure 6 Schreibers bats in Çatalyol Cave (left); Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (right) During the winter population counts, approximately 30,000 hibernating bats in 21 caves were recorded. Eight species were identified, three of them, Miniopterus schreibersii (Minsc), Myotis myotis/blythii (Myola), and Myotis capaccinii (Myoca) had single large colonies, whereas Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (Rhife), Rhinolophus hipposideros (Rhihi), Rhinolophus euryale (Rhieu), and Rhinolophus blasii (Rhibl) were distributed in many caves and only one individual of Myotis emarginatus (Myoem) was recorded. Miniopterus schreibersii has the biggest colony during the winter period with an estimated population size of 21,000 bats and approximately 20,000 of them hibernate in the Dupnisa Cave. Greater horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, is the third most common species and has been found in 14 of the surveyed caves. Rhinolophus hipposideros has a small population size, (145 individuals) but has been recorded in 16 of the caves. The winter population counts revealed that 15 of the 24 caves within the project area are used as a hibernation roost. Dupnisa is the most important underground habitat for bats during the hibernation period; three of the caves in the system are inhabited by more than 26,000 bats, representing seven species. Population sizes species recorded in the winter period are given in Table 3. Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 12 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Table 3 Bat species and their population estimates recorded in winter. Cave Bağlar Minsc Myola Rhife Rhieu Rhibl Rhihi Myoca Myoem Total Species Recorded 5 2 20 600 200 0 0 0 827 5 20 0 6 25 0 3 0 0 54 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 Çatalyol 1260 2 50 0 0 0 0 0 1312 3 Ceneviz 0 0 200 0 0 5 0 0 205 2 Domuzdere 0 0 167 0 0 2 0 0 169 2 20000 3000 1600 0 0 3 1000 0 25603 5 Kale 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Kale 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Kale 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Kıyıköy 1 0 7 93 0 3 0 1 105 5 Kız 0 0 0 0 800 0 1 0 801 2 Kızılağaç 0 0 3 1 0 1 0 0 5 3 Kızlar 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 1 Kocaçayırlar - - - - - - - - NV* - 21 3 76 0 0 3 6 0 109 5 Kozarka 0 0 0 0 0 21 0 0 21 1 Kuru 0 2 22 9 0 84 1 0 118 5 Kurudere 0 1 6 0 0 0 0 0 7 2 Mermer 0 0 0 350 1 1 0 0 352 3 Ocak 0 0 7 0 0 1 0 0 8 2 Pestil 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 1 Tirfez 10 0 16 0 0 6 15 0 47 4 Uzuntarla 0 0 0 0 300 1 0 0 301 2 Yenesu 0 0 0 300 0 6 0 0 306 2 Yeşillik - - - - - - - - NV* - TOTAL 21297 3010 2181 1378 1301 145 1023 1 30356 6 6 14 7 4 16 5 1 Bezirgan Bostanlıktarla Dupnisa Kovantaşı Sites Recorded NV: Not visited. Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 13 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Figure 7 A nursery colony of Rhinolophus euryale (left); Schreiber’s bat (right) During the summer surveys, approximately 12,000 bats were recorded. The difference between the summer and the winter populations are mainly due to the decrease in the number of Miniopterus schreibersii bats. The Schreiber bats could be migrating to other caves that are not in Yıldız Mountains or there may be unexplored habitats. The most common bats were Miniopterus schreibersii, Rhinolophus blasii, and Rhinolophus euryale, which were recorded in nine, eight, and seven caves, respectively. During the summer surveys, nursery colonies of Miniopterus schreibersii, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, Rhinolophus euryale, Rhinolophus blasii, Myotis myotis/blythii, and Myotis capaccinii were observed. It has to be noted that many of the medium Rhinolophus colonies are sympatric and, therefore, their population size estimates are calculated from the ratio of the sampled individuals. Therefore, estimates for Rhinolophus blasii and Rhinolophus euryale have to be treated cautiously. According to the summer surveys, Kuru and Kız Caves in Dupnisa Cave System and Bağlar Cave in Sergen Village are the most important nursery colonies in Yıldız Mountains. Figure 8 Miniopterus schreibersii colony hibernating in Dupnisa (left); Rhinolophus ferrumequinum bats hibernating (right) Table 4 Bat species and their population estimates recorded in summer. Cave Bağlar Minsc Myola Rhife Rhieu Rhibl Rhihi Myoca Myoem Total Species Recorded 50 0 50 1000 500 0 0 0 1600 4 Bezirgan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Bostanlıktarla - - - - - - - - NV* - Çatalyol 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 1 Ceneviz - - - - - - - - NV* - Domuzdere 0 0 0 400 400 0 0 0 800 2 Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 14 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Cave Dupnisa Minsc Myola Rhife Rhieu Rhibl Rhihi Myoca Myoem Total Species Recorded 30 0 0 0 0 0 30 0 60 2 Kale 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Kale 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Kale 3 0 0 0 120 0 0 0 0 120 1 250 0 0 300 300 0 100 0 950 4 1500 1 1 200 200 0 200 0 2102 6 Kızılağaç 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 Kızlar 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 Kocaçayırlar - - - - - - - - CC* - 300 1 20 200 200 0 0 0 721 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3000 500 100 1000 0 1 300 0 4901 6 Kurudere 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 Mermer 0 0 0 0 50 0 0 0 50 1 Ocak 0 0 0 0 50 0 0 0 50 1 Pestil - - - - - - - - NV* - Tirfez 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 1 Uzuntarla 0 0 0 0 400 0 0 0 400 1 Yenesu 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 4 Yeşillik 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 TOTAL 5233 502 172 3220 2100 3 630 0 11860 9 3 5 7 8 3 4 0 Kıyıköy Kız Kovantaşı Kozarka Kuru Sites Recorded NV: Not visited, CC: Entrance of the cave is closed. 3.2 INVERTEBRATES As a result of surveys of 25 caves, 22 species have been identified in Class Arachnida; four species in Diplopoda; two species in Chilopoda; four species in Insecta, four species in Crustaceae, three species in Gastropoda, and one species in Clitellata were identified up to date. Survey results indicate that, in general, endemic species particular to Turkey and the Balkans are in the majority. Arachnida is the dominant class, with 15 araneid, one pseudoscorpionid and five opilionid species. Among the araneid species identified, Centromerus bumadi sp. n., Harpactea coramani sp. n. are new species to science, while Centromerus milleri, Porrhomma convexum, Dasumia amoena and Harpactea deltshevi are new records for the Turkish fauna. Among the pseudoscorpionid species Neobisium (O.) hazalae sp. n is a new record for science. Among opilionid species, Nelima pontica, Opilio dinaricus and Mitostoma gracile are new additions to the Turkish fauna. Meta menardi and Nesticus cellulanus are the araneid species encountered most frequently in the caves surveyed, which is consistent with the relevant literature (Heimer and Nentwig, 1991). Both are troglophilic species that are common in European caves. Other araneid species recorded are also common members of the humid forest base and cave habitats in Europe and the Balkans. Among these, species belonging to genus Centromerus are troglobiont spiders that are totally adapted to cave habitats. Laemostenus (P.) cimmerius, one of the species identified, is also a troglobiont species that is otherwise endemic to the Balkans. Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 15 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Figure 9 Metellina merianae (left); Nesticus cellulanus (top right); Araneus sturmi (bottom right) Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 16 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Figure 10 Harpactea babori, Centromerus milleri, Meta bourneti (left from top to bottom); Porrhomma convexum, Meta menardi, Larinioides cornutus (right from top to bottom) Class Arachnida Table 5 List of identified species in the Order Araneae (Spiders) Family Species Note Araneidae Araneus sturmi Araneidae Larinioides cornutus Linyphiidae Centromerus milleri New record for Turkish fauna Linyphiidae Centromerus bumadi sp. n. New species to science Linyphiidae Porrhomma convexum New record for Turkish fauna Nesticidae Nesticus cellulanus New record for Turkish Thrace Tetragnathidae Meta bourneti Tetragnathidae Meta menardi Tetragnathidae Metellina merianae Dysderidae Dasumia amoena Dysderidae Harpactea babori Dysderidae Harpactea coramani sp. n New species to science Dysderidae Harpactea deltshevi New record for Turkish fauna Pholcidae Pholcus opilionoides Pholcidae Pholcus phalangioides Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 New record for Turkish Thrace New record for Turkish fauna 17 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Figure 11 Table 6 Paranemastoma sp. (top left); Phalangium opilio (top right); Mitostoma gracile (bottom left); Nelima pontica (bottom right) List of identified species in the Orders Pseudoscorpionidea (Pseudo-scorpions) and Opiliones (Harvestmen) Family Species Note Order Pseudoscorpionidea Neobisiidae Neobisium (Ommatoblothrus) hazalae sp. n. New to science Gagrellidae Nelima pontica New record for Turkish fauna Phalangiidae Phalangium opilio Phalangiidae Opilio dinaricus New record for Turkish fauna Nemastomatidae Mitostoma gracile New record for Turkish fauna Nemastomatidae Paranemastoma radewi Nemastomatidae Paranemastoma aurigerum Order Opiliones Class Diplopoda (Millipedes) Table 7 List of identified species in the Orders Glomerida, Julida and Chordeumatida Order Family Species Glomerida Trachysphaera Trachysphaera rotundata Julida Julidae Mesoiulus kosswigi Chordeumatida Anthroleucosomatidae Anamastigona bilselii Chordeumatida Anthroleucosomatidae Anamastigona halophila Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 18 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Figure 12 Anamastigona halophila (left); Mesoiulus kosswigi (right) Class Chilopoda Figure 13 Scutigera coleoptrata Class Insecta (Insects) Table 8 List of identified species in the Order Coleoptera (Beetles) Family Species Carabidae Laemostenus (Pristonichus) cimmerius (Fisher-Waldheim, 1823) Staphylinidae Bryaxis sp. Staphylinidae Paederus sp. Figure 14 Paederus sp. (left); Laemostenus (P.) cimmerius (right) Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 19 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Class Crustacea Figure 15 Table 9 Haplophthalmus stygivagus (top left); Trichoptera sp. (bottom left); Ligidium hypnorum (top right); Ligidium sp. (middle right); Trichoptera pupa (bottom right) List of identified species in the Order Isopoda Family Species Ligiidae Ligidium hypnorum (Cuvier, 1792) Ligiidae Ligidium sp. Trichoniscidae Haplophthalmus stygivagus Verhoeff, 1936 Trichoniscidae Trichonethes sp. Class Gastropoda Table 10 Species identified by ASSIST. PROF. BURÇİN AŞKIM GÜMÜŞ List of identified species in the Class Gastropoda Family Oxychilidae Clausiliidae Clausiliidae Species Oxychilus sp. Euxina pontica (Retowskı, 1887) Laciniaria plicata (Draparnaud, 1801) Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 20 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Figure 16 Oxychilus sp. (left); Laciniaria plicata (right) Class Clitellata, Chilopoda, and Insecta (Species identified by EMRAH ÖZEL) Table 11 List of identified species in the Classes Clitellata, Chilopoda and Insecta Class Family Species Clitellata Lumbricidae Lumbricus sp. Chilopoda Scolopendridae Scolopendra sp. Chilopoda Scutigeridae Scutigera sp. Insecta Gryllidae Trigonidium sp. Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 21 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Figure 17 Figure 18 Trigonidium sp. (left); Lumbricus sp. (top right); Scolopendra sp. (bottom right) Acaridae (top left); Yponomeutidae (bottom left); Ixodida (top right); Lepidoptera (bottom right) Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 22 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Figure 19 Muscidae (top left); Mycetophilidae pupa (bottom left); Diplopoda (top right); Mycetophilidae (bottom right) Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 23 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA 4. CAVE CONSERVATION PRIORITY EVALUATIONS (EMRAH ÇORAMAN, MEHMET DÖKER, & AYDIN MENDERES) Conservation priorities were identified based on the presence of bats species and their colony types (nursery, hibernation), invertebrate diversity, archaeological findings and geomorphological formations. Potential threats to cave environments were also taken into consideration. High Conservation Priority was assigned to endangered underground habitats in urgent need of protection, for which Nature Reserve status is recommended. Caves that are not considered to be threatened are recommended for Natural Monument status. Figure 20 Location of 26 surveyed caves within and peripheral to the proposed Yıldız Mountains Biosphere (Project area). Sergen Suçıkan is a newly discovered cave that was not surveyed. Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 24 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA 4.1 BAĞLAR CAVE HIGH CONSERVATION PRIORITY Village: Sergen; District: Vize; Province: Kırklareli Figure 21 Entrance to Bağlar Cave (left); marble quarry at the entrance to Bağlar Cave (right) Geomorphology Bağlar Cave is situated at 3.5 km north-west of Sergen Village, on the west side of Kanlı Stream near to the stone quarries, and 50m south of Ocak Cave. Bağlar Cave has been formed in thin limestone, remaining inside the southern Paleozoic granites and metamorphic rocks of Strandja Massif. Therefore, there are very few flowstone formations inside the cave. The cave is 318 m long with many wide passages of 1-4 m width and 1-6 m high forming three levels. Archaeology No archaeological relics have been found on the cave floor of Bağlar Cave. Biospeleology Bağlar Cave is one of the most important underground habitats in the region. The cave is inhabited by medium size horseshoe bats, Rhinolophus euryale and Rhinolophus blasii, throughout the year. These species use the cave both as a hibernation roost and a nursery. During the summer surveys approximately 1,600 bats were recorded, representing 4 species. There are a total of nine documented species and four of them are invertebrate species including the first record of Meta menardi in Turkish Thrace. There are also unidentified Acaridae, Diplopoda, Lepidoptera, Isopoda, Collembola and Gastropoda samples. Figure 22 Rhinolophus colony (left); Oxychillus sp. in Bağlar Cave (right) Threats and Recommendations Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 25 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA A marble quarry which is located very close to Bağlar Cave is the biggest threat to this cave. There is also damage caused by treasure hunters. Considering the high biodiversity and especially the Rhinolophus colonies in Bağlar Cave, the cave deserves a high conservation priority. Figure 23 4.2 Map of Bağlar Cave BEZIRGAN CAVE Village: Sivriler; District: Demirköy; Province: Kırklareli Figure 24 Entrance to Bezirgan Cave (left); narrow passage in Bezirgan Cave (right) Geomorphology Bezirgan Cave is a fossil cave located in the stream valley north of Sivriler Village in Demirköy. The cave is formed inside the limestone layers in Mesozoic metamorphic and intrusive rocks of Strandja Massif. The first 10m from the entrance is covered with depression rocks and other parts of the main chamber are covered with mud. There are no flowstone formations inside the cave. The total length of the cave is 75 m and its depth is 25 m. Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 26 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Archaeology No archaeological relics have been found on the cave floor of Bezirgan Cave. Figure 25 Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (left); Rhinolophus euryale colony (right) Biospeleology Bezirgan Cave is inhabited by a small colony of Rhinolophus euryale, Rhinolophus hipposideros, and Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (total of 34 bats) during the winter period. Approximately 20 individual Miniopterus schreibersii were recorded in a crack at the entrance of the cave. They were most likely using the cave as a transition roost during their migration. Threats and Recommendations There are no major threats to the cave. Figure 26 Map of Bezirgan Cave Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 27 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA 4.3 BOSTANLIKTARLA CAVE NATURAL MONUMENT Village: Kışlacık; District: Vize; Province: Kırklareli Figure 27 Entrance to Bostanlıktarla Cave Geomorphology Bostanlıktarla Cave is in the middle of a big field north of Kışlacık Village in Vize. The cave is one of the small caves formed in the contact line of Mesozoic metamorphic intrusive rocks and Middle Upper Eocene carbonates on the south edge of Strandja Massif. It is approximately 98 m long stretching in a southeastern direction and the walls are not wider than 2 m. There is a small stream flowing inside the cave and there are many stalagmites, stalactites, and flowstone curtains. Archaeology Pottery pieces have been documented in Bostanlıktarla Cave (Figure 29). Biospeleology Only a single individual Rhinolophus ferrumequinum has been documented hibernating in Bostanlıktarla Cave. However, three invertebrate species have been recorded including the new species, Centromerus bumadi sp. n. Besides this, there are also unidentified Opiliones, Ixodida, Acaridae, Diplopoda, Isopoda, Collembola, and Gastropoda samples. Figure 28 A pottery piece on flowstone formations (left); a tick (Ixodida) (right) Threats and Recommendations The cave is located in the middle of an arable field and, according to previous observations, local people frequently wander close to the entrance of the cave, which is situated in agricultural land. There are artefacts documented from the cave. It would be appropriate to protect Bostanlıktarla Cave as a Natural Monument and villagers should be informed about its conservation importance. Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 28 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Figure 29 4.4 Map of Bostanlıktarla Cave ÇATALYOL SINKHOLE NATURAL MONUMENT Village: Avcılar; District: Demirköy; Province: Kırklareli Figure 30 Entrance to Çatalyol Cave (left); abseiling in Çatalyol Sinkhole (middle); shallow passage in Çatalyol (right) Geomorphology Çatalyol Sinkhole is near to the Bulgarian Border. The sinkhole is collecting water from a small stream basin in the forest and has formed Mesozoic marble formations inside the north-western edge of the Paleozoic granites and metamorphic rocks of Strandja Massif. After a large vertical breach in the marble stone at the entrance to the cave, water has worn away the steps of the cave Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 29 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA creating a vertical drop of approximately 60 m. When the water reaches the bottom of the marble formation it flows roughly 200 m to the south in a 2-5 m wide horizontal crack. The cave has a total length of 326 m and ends with a siphon. Archaeology No archaeological relics have been found on the cave floor of Çatalyol Cave. Biospeleology The most significant findings in Çatalyol Sinkhole are the hibernating Schreiber bats (approximately 1,200) in the deepest gallery, and the spider species, Porrhomma convexum, recorded for the first time in Turkey. Also documented was a Myotis myotis/blythii individual with white nose syndrome. Figure 31 Part of Miniopterus schrebersii colony in Çatayol (left); a tick (right) Threats and Recommendations The cave is located in the military zone near to the Bulgarian border. There are no major threats to the cave. However, due to the hibernating bats, the cave should be designated a Natural Monument. Figure 32 Map of Çatalyol Sinkhole Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 30 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA 4.5 CENEVIZ CAVE HIGH CONSERVATION PRIORITY Village: Bahçeköy; District: Saray; Province: Tekirdağ Figure 33 Entrance to Ceneviz Cave (left); stalactites in Ceneviz Cave (right) Geomorphology Ceneviz Cave is located in the north-western part of Bahçeköy Village called the Saklısu Region in Tekirdağ. The Cave is formed in Middle - Upper Eocene carbonates of Strandja Massif and has three entrances. The water of the Saklısu Uvala is sinking right in front of the lower entrance and forming an underground stream. This stream has formed a number of small lakes (1.5 m deep) and flows over sand and gravel, sinking and disappearing inside a sinkhole 16 m beyond the upper fossil entrance. The water leaves the cave at the end of the active passage after a big lake. Over the active passage there is a second layer of fossil passage covered with lots of flowstone formations and underneath is gravel and sand masses. The second layer combines together with the lower layer in several parts of the cave. The intersection between the two layers is between 10 m and 16 m. Archaeology There are many archaeological findings in the Ceneviz Cave. In particular, many pottery pieces can be found in the dome shaped upper gallery. There are also many holes that were dug by treasure hunters and artefacts can easily be spotted at even deeper levels. This shows that the cave was inhabited by humans for a long period. Biospeleology Rhinolophus ferrumequinum and Rhinolophus hipposideros are the only bat species that were documented during the winter survey. Also identified were 12 invertebrates belonging to various families. However, given such factors as the size of the cave, the underground stream, and different floors, this cave should be surveyed in more detail. Figure 34 Invertebrates from Ceneviz Cave. Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 31 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Threats and Recommendations Treasure hunters and possible future tourism activity are the biggest threats to Ceneviz Cave. Therefore, Ceneviz Cave has a high conservation priority for designation as a Nature Reserve. Figure 35 4.6 Map of Ceneviz Cave DUPNISA CAVE SYSTEM HIGH CONSERVATION PRIORITY Village: Sarpdere; District: Demirköy; Province: Kırklareli Dupnisa Cave System is 6 km south-west of Sarpdere Village in Demirköy, near the Bulgarian Border. It is aligned NW-SE along a fault zone in the marble and crystallized limestone layers of the erosion surfaces on the late Miocene and Pliocene quaternary relief system. Dupnisa Underground System has a total length of 3150 m, consisting of two layers and three interconnected caves, Dupnisa (Sulu Kol), Kuru, and Kız. In 2001, Edirne Directorate for the Conservation of Cultural and Natural Assets issued Act 6962. According to this Act, the conservation status of Dupnisa Cave system was downgraded from a 1st to a 2nd Degree Natural Site, thereby allowing tourism-related constructions. It had been a 1st Degree Natural Site from from 1992, having a total area of 1.68 ha. Following the change in its conservation status, a part of Dupnisa (Sulu Kol) and Kuru Cave was opened to public. Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 32 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA 4.7 DUPNISA CAVE (SULU KOL) HIGH CONSERVATION PRIORITY Figure 36 Entrance to Dupnisa Cave before and after it was opened to the public Geomorphology Dupnisa Cave is the lower part of the system. It is active with a continuous water flow. The first part of the Cave runs along a NW-SE direction until a big depression gallery. This first part has a ceiling height of 30-40 m and the underground stream forms lakes up to 2 m deep. The floor of the first part is covered with rounded gravel and sediments. This part of the cave has widespread variations of flowstone formation, such as curtains, stalagmites and stalactites. The second part, after the large gallery, runs NE-SW and is semi-active in character, receiving water from Kızılcık Stream. An underground stream flows through the passage continuously during the wet seasons but it is completely dry in the arid season. The immense gallery receives water from all the underground streams. The gallery is 125 m in length, 80 m wide and has a ceiling height of 30 m. This chamber is covered with depression rocks fallen from the ceiling. On a small part of the upper side there are lots of flowstone formations. Archaeology No archaeological relics have been found from the cave floor of Dupnisa Cave. Biospeleology A total of 10 faunal species, five bats and five invertebrates, have been recorded. During the winter period more than 25,000 bats use Dupnisa Cave as a hibernation roost. In this period, Schreiber bats, Miniopterus schreibersii, have the biggest colony size with approximately 20,000 individuals. Dupnisa also has the biggest winter population of greater horseshoe bats, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, in Yıldız Mountains. Figure 37 Surveys in Dupnisa (left); Miniopterus schreibersii colony (right) Threats and Recommendations Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 33 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA A small part beyond the entrance to Dupnisa Cave was opened to the public but this now remains between 15 December and 15 May in the interests of bats hibernating in the cave, following recommendations from Institute of Environmental Sciences at Boğaziçi University, This has helped to reduce the impacts of tourism but bat activity should be monitored regularly because the longterm effects of visitor activities remains unknown. Another important issue is the recent construction of a building near the exit of the cave, which may adversely affect the habitat for bats. 4.8 KURU VE CAVE (DUPNISA SYSTEM) HIGH CONSERVATION PRIORITY Figure 38 Entrance to Kuru Cave (left); algae formation on the columns (right) Geomorphology Kuru Cave has two entrances. The first entrance lies at 100 m south-east of the Dupnisa Cave entrance, formed as a 5 m vertical pit. The second entrance is 225 m south-east of the first one. This cave is completely fossil and covered by all forms of flowstone formations. After the big flowstone gallery, Kuru Cave is connected to Dupnisa through a narrow passage and a 29 m deep vertical shaft. Archaeology Some pottery pieces have been recorded on the surface layer in Kuru Cave. Considering the fossil character (no water activity) of the cave, it might have been a suitable environment for historical settlements. Detailed archaeological exploration is needed. Biospeleology Kuru Cave is highly important due to the nursery bat colonies during the summer period. Five species, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, Rhinolophus euryale, Myotis myotis/blythii, Myotis capaccinii, and Miniopterus schreibersii, were recorded with their young totalling approximately 5,000 individuals. Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 34 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Figure 39 Meta menardi (left); pottery pieces in Kuru Cave (right) Threats and Recommendations The adverse impact of the tourism activity in Kuru Cave is highly visible. Nursery colonies that were present in the main entrance gallery are no longer evident and the colonies were observed moving to the other exit of the cave. Algae formation was also noted in Kuru Cave due to the light sources that are used for touristism activities. This affects the cave temperature and disturbs the ecosystem in the cave. For a better understanding of the affect of tourism activity on these bat colonies, a long term monitoring program has to be planned. In addition, the light sources must be changed immediately to ones with low heat emissions. 4.9 KIZ CAVE (DUPNISA SYSTEM) HIGH CONSERVATION PRIORITY Geomorphology Kız Cave is approximately 400 m south of Kuru Cave. The entrance gallery of Kız Cave is covered with stones and divided into two passages, one to the north-east and the second to the south-west. Both passages have many flowstone formations. The end of the north-eastern passage is connected to Dupnisa Cave by a 20 m shaft. Archaeology No archaeological relics have been found on the cave floor of Kız Cave. Figure 40 Entrance to Kız Cave (left); Rhinolophus blasii in Kız Cave (right) Biospeleology Six bat species, totalling approximately 2,000 individuals, have been recorded during a summer survey. Four species, Miniopterus schreibersii, Rhinolophus blasii, Rhinolophus euryale and Myotis capaccinii, have nursery colonies. Furthermore, Kız Cave is inhabited by approximately 800 Rhinolophus blasii during the winter period. In addition to bats, 12 invertebrate species have been identified, including the first records of Nelima pontica, Mitostoma gracile and Centromerus milleri in Turkey. Threats and Recommendations Future tourism plans in Kız Cave are the biggest threat to this underground habitat. Considering the species diversity of both bats and invertebrates, this cave should be protected immediately. Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 35 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Figure 41 A guano pile in Kız Cave (left); identifying bat species (right) Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 36 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Figure 42 Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 Map of Dupnisa Cave System 37 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA 4.10 KALE I CAVE Village: Çukurpınar; District: Merkez; Province: Kırklareli Figure 43 Entrance to Kale I Cave (left); taking samples (right) Geomorphology Kale I Cave is located in rocky terrain near the forest north-east of Çukurpınar Village. Kale I Cave has formed in the contact zone of Paleozoic granites and Mesozoic marbles along the north-eastern edge of Strandja Massif. The cave has a very narrow entrance and after the entrance there is a small chamber covered by depression rocks. There are no flowstone formations in the cave. Archaeology No archaeological relics have been observed on the cave floor of Kale I Cave. Biospeleology No bats were encountered in Kale I Cave in either of the surveys. The most important finding in this cave is the newly described spider species, Harpactea coramani sp. n. Threats and Recommendations There are no major threats to the cave. Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 38 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Figure 44 4.11 KALE Map of Kale I Cave II CAVE Village: Çukurpınar; District: Merkez; Province: Kırklareli Geomorphology Kale II Cave is very close to the Kale I Cave and has a very narrow entrance. After the entrance, the cave divides into two shafts. The main shaft has some flowstone formations but is mostly covered by depression rocks. The other shaft is filled with suspended rocks and there is a high risk of falling stone. The shaft ends with a very narrow crack covered by flowstone formations. Archaeology No archaeological relics have been found on the cave floor of Kale II Cave. Biospeleology No bats were encountered in Kale II Cave in either of the surveys. Threats and Recommendations There are no major threats to the cave. Figure 45 Entrance to Kale II Cave. Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 39 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Figure 46 Map of Kale II Cave 4.12 KALE III CAVE NATURAL MONUMENT Village: Çukurpınar; District: Merkez; Province: Kırklareli Figure 47 Entrance to Kale III Cave Geomorphology Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 40 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Kale III Cave is a traverse cave located nearby Kale I Cave. Both of the entrances are covered with plants and the cave is a maximum of 2 m in height. Archaeology No archaeological relics were found on the cave floor of Kale III Cave. Biospeleology A nursery bat colony of approximately 120 Rhinolophus euryale was recorded. Threats and Recommendations No major threats are identified but, due to the nursery colony of Rhinolophus euryale, Kale III Cave should be protected as a Natural Monument. Figure 48 Map of Kale III Cave 4.13 KIYIKÖY CAVE NATURAL MONUMENT Village: Sergen; District: Vize; Province: Kırklareli Geomorphology Kıyıköy Cave is located 2 km south of Kıyıköy in Vize, on the south wall of the Big Kurudere Stream Valley. Kıyıköy Cave is formed in the middle - upper Eocene carbonates of Strandja Massif. The cave is horizontal and has a total length of 365 m in a south-western direction. There is a small stream inside the cave with a distance between the walls of no more than 2 m wide. Archaeology No archaeological relics have been found on the cave floor of Kıyıköy Cave. Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 41 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Figure 49 Entrance to Kıyıköy Cave (left); Trigonidium sp. (right) Biospeleology During the summer surveys nursery colonies of Miniopterus schreibersii, Rhinolophus blasii, and Rhinolophus euryale were recorded in Kıyıköy Cave. The only Myotis emarginatus record in the study was from this cave. Seven invertebrate species were noted, including the first records of the spider, Porrhomma convexum, and a harvestman, Mitostoma gracile. Figure 50 A Rhinolophus euryale with her young in Kıyıköy Cave Threats and Recommendations There are no major threats to Kıyıköy Cave and it lies within Kıyıköy 1st Degree Natural Site. Although activities are limited to scientific research, under the Protection of Cultural and Natural Values Law 2863, the site is not immune from the development of infrastructural services or public recreational facilities. Thus, it should also be designated a Natural Monument to ensure protection of its nursery bat colonies. Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 42 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Figure 51 Map of Kıyıköy Cave 4.14 KIZILAĞAÇ CAVE Village: Kızılağaç; District: Vize; Province: Kırklareli Geomorphology Kızılağaç Cave is about 4 km north-east of Kızılağaç Village on the side of a forest road. The cave is formed inside the limestone layers in Mesozoic metamorphic and intrusive rocks of Strandja Massif and is semi-active. There are small lakes (0.5-1 m deep) at the end of the main gallery with a very good flowstone deposits. Curtain formations, stalactites and stalagmites are still developing. Archaeology No archaeological relics have been found on the cave floor of Kızılağaç Cave. Figure 52 Speleoterms in Kızılağaç Cave Biospeleology Although there are no large bat colonies in Kızılağaç Cave, four species were encountered in the surveys and the invertebrate species diversity is high. Many samples were collected belonging to Arachnida, Diplopoda, Chilopoda, Insecta, Entognatha and Gastropoda Classes. Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 43 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Threats and Recommendations There are no major threats to the cave. Figure 53 Map of Kızılağaç Cave 4.15 KIZLAR CAVE Village: Sarpdere; District: Demirköy; Province: Kırklareli Figure 54 Entrance to Kızlar Cave (left); mapping the cave (right) Geomorphology The entrance of Kızlar Cave is in the forest, 1.5 km east of Sarpdere Village in Demirköy. Kızlar is a small cave (with a total length of 123 m) formed by the collapse of the ceiling of an underground opening. Some parts of the cave are connected to surface waters; therefore, in some small galleries there are flowstone formations. Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 44 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Archaeology No archaeological relics have been found on the cave floor of Kızlar Cave. Biospeleology A few individuals of Rhinolophus hipposideros and four invertebrate species were recorded in Kızlar Cave. Threats and Recommendations There are no major threats to Kızlar Cave. Figure 55 Map of Kızlar Cave Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 45 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA 4.16 KOVANTAŞI CAVE HIGH CONSERVATION PRIORITY Village: Kışlacık; District: Vize; Province: Kırklareli Figure 56 Entrances to Kovantaşı Cave Geomorphology Kovantaşı Cave is located 3 km north-east of Kışlacık Village, near the road between Kışlacık Village and Kızılağaç Village. The cave is formed inside the limestone layers in Mesozoic metamorphic and intrusive rocks of Strandja Massif. Kovantaşı Cave is an active cave and during the rain periods of the year Kovantaşı Stream flows from the upper entrance of the cave through to the lower entrance. The cave is covered with block rocks, stones, gravel, and mud. The height of the ceiling ranges between 2 m and 7 m; the total length of the cave is 270 m. The widest passage in the cave is 10 m and the narrowest part of the cave is 3 m. Archaeology No archaeological relics have been observed on the cave floor of Kovantaşı Cave. Biospeleology Seven bat species were recorded in Kovantaşı Cave and three of them, Miniopterus schreibersii, Rhinolophus blasii and Rhinolophus euryale, have nursery colonies. There is also an immensely large colony of hibernating Rhinolophus ferrumequinum in Kovantaşı. Threats and Recommendations According to the mukhtar of Kışlacık, the cave will be readily opened to tourism. However, Kovantaşı Cave merits high conservation priority for protection due to its bat colonies. Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 46 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Figure 57 Map of Kovantaşı Cave 4.17 KOZARKA CAVE Village: Çukurpınar; District: Merkez; Province: Kırklareli Geomorphology Kozarka Cave is located near the road between Çukurpınar and Armağan Villages. The cave is formed between the contact zone of Paleozoic granites and Mesozoic marbles in the north-eastern edge of Strandja Massif. Different types of rocks, such as calcareous and gypsum, can be found in this cave. The total length of the cave is 84 m. Figure 58 Entrance to Kozarka Cave (left); a spider in Kozarka (right) Archaeology No archaeological relics have been found on the cave floor of Kozarka Cave. Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 47 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Biospeleology Twenty-one hibernating Rhinolophus hipposideros were observed in Kozarka Cave. Threats and Recommendations There are no major threats to Kozarka Cave. Figure 59 Map of Kozarka Cave 4.18 KURUDERE (AĞIL) CAVE Village: Hamidiye; District: Vize; Province: Kırklareli Figure 60 Entrance to Kurudere (Ağıl) Cave (left); Rhinolophus blasii (right) Geomorphology Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 48 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Kurudere Cave is located south of the Hamidiye Village in Vize. The cave is on the upper left side of Kurudere stream and is formed in the Middle - Upper Eocene carbonates of old limestone layers. It is a small cave 70 m in length and 1-3 m in height. Archaeology No archaeological relics were found on the cave floor of Kurudere Cave. Biospeleology Only a few individual bats were recorded in the cave. Threats and Recommendations The cave is highly damaged by treasure hunters and its entrance is being used to keep sheep herds. Figure 61 Map of Kurudere (Ağıl) Cave 4.19 KURUDERE (DOMUZDERE) CAVE HIGH CONSERVATION PRIORITY Village: Balkaya; District: Vize; Province: Kırklareli Geomorphology Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 49 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Domuzdere Cave is located 4 km south-west of Balkaya Village, on the left side of Ayvapınar Stream. It lies in Middle - Upper Eocene old limestone layers of Strandja Massif. The cave is formed inside a horizontal crack in the limestone that is approximately 2-10 m wide and 3-4 m high. It has a total length of 621 m. The cave meanders through the limestone at two levels, comprising an upper fossil layer and a lower semi-active level. Domuzdere Cave has a high variety of beautiful flowstone formations within all of its galleries. Archaeology No archaeological relics have been found on the cave floor of Domuzdere Cave. Biospeleology Domuzdere is inhabited by a mixed bat colony of Rhinolophus blasii and Rhinolophus euryale during the summer period. Both species use this cave as a nursery roost. In addition, a colony of Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (approximately 160 individuals) hibernates in a gallery located at the end of the cave. Various invertebrate species were also recorded. Threats and Recommendations Domuzdere Cave is under the risk of tourism. Plans to open this cave to the public would endanger the bat colonies already inhabiting in this underground habitat. Therefore, Domuzdere Cave merits high conservation priority for establishing as a Nature Reserve. Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 50 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Figure 62 Map of Kurudere (Domuzdere) Cave Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 51 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA 4.20 MERMER CAVE NATURAL MONUMENT Village: Sivriler; District: Demirköy; Province: Kırklareli Figure 63 Entrance to Mermer Cave (left); measuring bat’s forearm (right) Geomorphology Mermer Cave is a fossil cave near the Marble quarries north of Sivriler Village in Demirköy. The cave is formed inside the Mesozoic marble layers in Mesozoic metamorphic and intrusive rocks of Strandja Massif. Mermer Cave is 36 m deep and 96 m in length. The cave ends in a very narrow passage, which most probably connects to the river basin. About 20 m from the entrance, there is a 15 m deep pit with low levels of oxygen. Precaution must be taken before going down to this gallery. Archaeology No archaeological relics have been recorded on the cave floor of Mermer Cave. Biospeleology Rhinolophus euryale colony (approximately 350 individuals) hibernate at the bottom of Mermer Cave. This is the most important biospeleological feature of the Cave. There is also a small nursery colony of Rhinolophus blasii during the summer period. Threats and Recommendations There are no major threats to Mermer Cave. However, the cave deserves Natural Monument status due to its colonies of the Rhinolophus bats. Figure 64 Map of Mermer Cave Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 52 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA 4.21 OCAK CAVE HIGH CONSERVATION PRIORITY Village: Sergen; District: Vize; Province: Kırklareli Figure 65 Entrance to Ocak Cave (left); Meta menardi (right) Geomorphology Ocak Cave is located 3 km north-west of Sergen Village on the west side of Kanli Stream near the stone quarries. According to information gathered from the villagers, half of the cave was destroyed during the stone quarry activities. Ocak Cave is formed in thin limestone rocks inside the southern Paleozoic granites and metamorphic rocks of Strandja Massif. The cave is shaped with a small vertical crack in the limestone, 6-8 m high and 2-4 m wide. Archaeology No archaeological relics have been found on the cave floor of Ocak Cave. Biospeleology Despite the fact that Ocak is a small cave many invertebrate species were found and a nursery colony of Rhinolophus blasii. Ocak Cave is very close to the Bağlar, so it is possible that the colonies in these caves inhabit both of them temporarily Threats and Recommendations The threat to the Ocak Cave is similar to that for Bağlar and, given that parts of the cave have already been destroyed by the quarry, Ocak Cave merits a high conservation priority. Figure 66 Map of Ocak Cave Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 53 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA 4.22 PESTILIN CAVE NATURAL MONUMENT Village: Evrenli; District: Vize; Province: Kırklareli Figure 67 Entrance to Pestilin Cave (left); Harpactea babori (right) Geomorphology Pestilin Cave is situated between Evrenli and Balkaya Villages in Vize. Although the cave borders Evrenli Village, the path from Balkaya Village is much shorter. Pestilin Cave is formed in Middle Upper Eocene carbonates of Strandja Massif. The fossil cave is 105 m long, aligned along a northwestern direction. There are no noteworthy flowstone formations inside the cave. Archaeology Archaeological artefacts were found in Pestilin Cave. Figure 68 Archaeological artefacts in Pestilin Cave Biospeleology No bat colonies were discovered in Pestilin Cave, except two hibernating Rhinolophus hipposideros individuals. However, six invertebrate species were found, five of which are in Class Arachnida, including Harpactea babori, Phalangium opilio, and Mesoiulus kosswigi Threats and Recommendations Pestilin has been damaged by treasure hunters and, considering the archaeological findings, the cave should be designated as a Natural Monument. Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 54 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Figure 69 Map of Pestilin Cave 4.23 TIRFEZ CAVE NATURAL MONUMENT Village: Sergen; District: Vize; Province: Kırklareli Figure 70 Entrance to Tirfez Cave (left); Rhinolophus hipposideros (right) Geomorphology Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 55 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Tirfez Cave is near the Bulgarian border to the north of Avcılar Village in İğneada. The two entrances to the cave are extremely difficult to find inside the limestone formations in the forest. Tirfez is a small horizontal cave having a total length of 138 m. It is formed from Mesozoic marble remaining inside the north-western edge of the Paleozoic granites and metamorphic rocks of Strandja Massif. The ceiling is usually not more than 2 m high and the cave ends with a very narrow passage that is covered with mud and guano. Archaeology Archaeological findings were documented in the cave (Figure 71). Biospeleology A total of 10 faunal species were found in the cave, five of which are bats. There is a small nursery colony of some 50 Miniopterus schreibersii individuals during the summer period. Furthermore, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, Rhinolophus hipposideros and Myotis capaccinii were found to be using this cave as a hibernation roost. The newly described pseudo-scorpion species, Neobisium (O.) hazalae sp. n., was found in the guano sampled from this cave. Figure 71 Pottery pieces in Tirfez Cave Threats and Recommendations There are no major threats to Tirfez Cave and, given its important faunal diversity, the cave should be designated as a Natural Monument. Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 56 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Figure 72 Map of Tirfez Cave 4.24 UZUNTARLA CAVE NATURAL MONUMENT Village: Sergen; District: Vize; Province: Kırklareli Figure 73 Entrance of Uzuntarla Cave (left); Rhinolophus blasii (right) Geomorphology Uzuntarla Cave is a fossil cave located between Evrenli and Balkaya Villages in Vize. It is formed in old limestone layers of Strandja Massif. After the entrance, the first 5 m of the cave base are covered with depression rocks and then this passage starts getting narrower. This slim passage enters a large gallery which contains many flowstone formations. The floor of this gallery is covered with guano and mud. The total length of the cave is 135 m and the maximum height is 6 m. Archaeology No archaeological relics have been found on the cave floor of Uzuntarla Cave. Biospeleology Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 57 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA There is a resident Rhinolophus blasii colony in Uzuntarla Cave. This colony uses this cave both for hibernation and as a nursery roost. Six invertebrate species were also recorded, most of them belonging to Class Insecta. Figure 74 Haplophthalmus stygivagus (left); Meta menardi (right) Threats and Recommendations The damage done by the treasure hunters is the only threat to the cave environment. Considering the Rhinolophus colony inhabiting the cave, Uzuntarla should be designated as a Natural Monument to address such a threat. Figure 75 Map of Uzuntarla Cave 4.25 YENESU CAVE HIGH CONSERVATION PRIORITY Village: Balkaya; District: Vize, Province: Kırklareli Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 58 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Figure 76 Flowstone formations in Yenesu Cave Geomorphology Yenesu Cave is an active cave located east of Balkaya Village on the right side of Yana Stream. The water coming out of the cave is one of the springs that feeds the Yana Stream. Yenesu, with a total length of 1620 m, is the second longest cave in the Yıldız Mountains after Dupnisa Cave System. Right after the entrance there is a wide passage with a high ceiling, covered with rocks. Typically, the stream in the cave flowing down the deeper passages comes out between the rocks in this section and sinks again after a short stretch, re-emerging outside the cave. After heavy rains, according to villagers, the water sometimes bursts out through the mud remaining at the entrance as a sudden flow. Therefore it could be dangerous to go inside the cave on rainy days. After this wide section, the cave is formed inside a horizontal breach in the limestone, 2-8 m wide, approximately 2 m high and with a long 800 m highly active passage. Near the end of this passage there is a half-active second passage on the right wall, covered with beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, columns and soda straws approximate 600 m long. Archaeology No archaeological relics have been found on the cave floor of Kız Cave. Biospeleology A Rhinolophus euryale colony was recorded during the hibernation period. A salamander, Triturus karelinii, which is most probably an accidental species, was caught. Also recorded were five invertebrate species belonging to the Class Arachnida. Threats and Recommendations Local people want to drain water from the cave for the fish farms close to Yenesu Cave.. There is a picnic area by Yenesu Cave that, together with the vicinity, is a popular place for visitors from the region. Therefore, it is possible that the cave might be opened to tourism. Taking into account that Yenesu has very beautiful geomorphological formations, an underwater stream, and that it is inhabited by bats, the cave merits very high conservation priority for designation as a Nature Reserve. Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 59 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Figure 77 Map of Yenesu Cave Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 60 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA 4.26 YEŞILLIK CAVE Village: Armağan; District: Demirköy; Province: Kırklareli Figure 78 Entrance to Yeşillik Cave Geomorphology Yeşillik Cave is located in a forested region on the northern side of Armağan Village. The Cave is formed inside limestone layers in Mesozoic metamorphic and intrusive rocks of Strandja Massif. Yeşillik Cave is a fossil cave wwith four small chambers. The base of the first chamber from the entrance is covered with depression rocks. Other chambers’ bases are covered with mud and guano. The cave has a weak variety of flowstone formations. The depth of the cave is 13 m and its total length is 135 m. Archaeology No archaeological relics have been found on the cave floor of Dupnisa Cave. Biospeleology No bats were encountered in Yeşillik Cave. Threats and Recommendations There are no major threats to Yeşillik Cave. Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 61 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA Figure 79 Map of Yeşillik Cave Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 62 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA 5. CONCLUSIONS Surveys of 26 caves were undertaken in the Yıldız Mountains, of which 12 lie within the proposed Yilidiz Mountain Biosphere and 14 are located in the vicinity of its south-western border (Figure 19). Biospeleological surveys revealed that the underground habitats in Yıldız Mountains have a high biodiversity. More than 50 faunal species were recorded, with invertebrates being the most diverse taxonomic group, and 40 species have now been identified. Cave-dwelling bats are also very common in Yıldız Mountains and most of the caves in the region are used both as hibernation and nursery roosts. In addition, one amphibian species was recorded. Treasure hunting, quarries, and cave tourism are the most common threats to the cave ecosystems. Dupnisa Cave System, part of which has been opened to the public, is the most important underground habitat in the region. However, the negative effects of tourism activities in the cave are evident and, therefore, urgent precautions have to be taken. The area surrounding Dupnisa Cave System is being threatened by increased tourism activity and some associated infrastructural development, requiring the habitat to be protected. Biospeleological data, archaeological findings, geomorphological formations, and threats to cave ecosystems were evaluated to assess the priority conservation needs of the underground habitats. A number of caves ecosystems are threatened by treasure hunting, quarrying and cave tourism. Accordingly, nine caves have been identified as High Conservation Priority for establishment as Nature Reserves and eight caves have been proposed as Natural Monuments under the National Parks Law No. 2873. Threatened caves lying within the proposed Yıldız Biopshere and recommended for protection are as follows: Proposed Nature Reserve Proposed Natural Monument Dupnisa Bostanlıktarla Kız Çatalyol Kovantaşı Kıyıköy Kuru Mermer Tirfez In conclusion, underground habitats in Yıldız Mountains have high biodiversity values, including species new to science, and are also rich in terms of their archaeological and geomorphological features. Many of these habitats are under constant pressure and, therefore, need urgent protection. It is considered that these habitats can be best conserved by assigning appropriate legal conservation measures in combination with collaborating closely with the local people. Thus, the participation of villagers should be gained by informing them about the role of the caves in their environment. Importantly, the effectiveness of protection measures must be assessed by routine monitoring over the long term to assess the status of bat populations and detect any changes. Finally, this study has shown that more detailed surveys are required to identify the invertebrate fauna and assess the full archaeological value of some these caves. Yıldız Mountains Biosphere Project Report Series No. 5 63 CAVES OF THE YILDIZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR FAUNA 6. REFERENCES BATS Benda, P., Horacek, I., 1998. Bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) of the Eastern Mediterranean. Part 1. 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