Author

• Hossein Varasteh Moradi

Abstract

The evaluation of ecological characteristics of Wildlife species has fundamental role in species management, because taking a decision for proper method of management is only possible by characterizing of ecological requirements of a species. In this study, suitable habitat of Middle Spotted Woodpecker was investigated in Golestan National Park. Presence and absence of birds and environmental variables (forest cover types, topography, and structural characteristics of vegetation) were obtained within a 25-m radius of each of 106 sampling points distributed throughout the study area. Data analysis was conducted using binary logistic regression. The results showed that some habitat variables including the number of snags, tree species, height of trees, d.b.h of trees, and basal area were the most significant positive predictors affecting this species presence in Golestan National Park. Old and undisturbed forest habitats with characteristics such as high values of basal area, number of snags, d.b.h, and height of trees in Golestan National Park has the capability of supporting the 'umbrella' and sensitive species to the disturbance such as the Middle Spotted Woodpecker.

Keywords

• Golestan national park
• habitat modeling
• Middle Spotted Woodpecker