Wildlife Study Group

The working group's main focuses are to determine the genetic structure of species, to monitor how this genetic structure changes over time and with different environmental variables, and to develop conservation strategies. Using methods such as whole genome and transcriptome analyses, eDNA-based monitoring, phylogenetic analyses, and the creation of population genetics models, they develop multidisciplinary projects to better understand wildlife ecology and monitor population health. The group aims to directly contribute to conservation biology policies and support the development of local and global species conservation strategies.

Our wildlife and biodiversity group is an interdisciplinary collaboration between wildlife veterinarians and biologists. Our primary aim is to conduct scientific research related to the biology, ecology, and conservation of large mammals, predators, carnivores, and various other wild animals.

Wildlife and biodiversity are critical components for the functionality and health of ecosystems. Therefore, our team works to protect and sustain natural life and to ensure the continuation of ecosystem services. Our work focuses on understanding the dynamics of natural populations, habitat use, interspecies relationships, disease spread, and the ecological consequences of human interactions.

Our research activities encompass a wide range of areas, from field studies to laboratory analyses. This includes field research, species monitoring and tracking programs, population genetics analyses, disease surveillance and epidemiology studies, biostatistical analyses, and various modeling techniques.

Our team also collaborates with decision-makers to ensure the integration of findings into conservation and management strategies. We play an active role in areas such as defining conservation strategies, sustainable use of natural resources, management of protected areas, and the development of environmental policies.

The scientific data obtained from these studies guide wildlife conservation policies at the local and national levels and form the basis for the sustainable management of natural resources. Furthermore, various communication and education programs are conducted to raise public awareness, educate, and increase community participation, thereby contributing to increased public understanding of the conservation and sustainability of natural resources.

Whole Genome and Transcriptome Analyses

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) and transcriptome analysis (RNA-Seq) are performed to comprehensively characterize target organisms at the molecular level. Through these analyses, detailed data are obtained about the genetic structure of populations, the levels of inbreeding between individuals, and their potential for adaptation to environmental stressors. Furthermore, these studies can also investigate how epigenetic regulation shapes the responses of species to environmental variables.

Environmental DNA (eDNA) Based Biomonitoring

To enable the detection of species presence in ecosystems without the need for direct observation, environmental DNA (eDNA)-based biomonitoring methods are utilized. DNA fragments isolated from environmental samples such as water, air, soil, and feces allow for the determination of the diversity of macro and microorganisms present in the ecosystem. The presence of cryptic, rare, or low-density species, in particular, can be reliably revealed using this method.

Wildlife Monitoring with Camera Traps and Artificial Intelligence Applications

Camera trap systems are used to directly and continuously monitor the behavior, distribution, and habitat use patterns of wild animals. These passive monitoring tools, triggered by motion and/or heat sensors, offer long-term data collection without the need for human intervention. Image data obtained through camera traps allows for ecological inferences such as species identification, individual description, population density estimation, and analysis of activity patterns. This method is particularly effective in monitoring species that are active at different times of the day or that are difficult to observe due to anthropogenic pressures.

Camera trap systems are used to study the spatial and temporal distributions, behavioral repertoires, and habitat use strategies of wildlife species. These systems generate long-term, high-frequency data without the need for direct observation, through passive sensors that are triggered by detecting movement and/or temperature changes in the environment.

Thanks to advancements in image processing techniques and AI-based analysis tools in recent years, large-scale datasets obtained from camera traps can be processed efficiently. Deep learning models can automate species identification, individual differentiation, behavioral classification, and the inference of time-activity patterns. This allows for more systematic and reliable monitoring of species that are particularly active at night, exhibit cryptic characteristics, or avoid human presence. Furthermore, by identifying morphological differences between individuals through algorithms, it becomes possible to track individuals at the individual level and make inferences about population structure.

Phylogenetic Analyses

Phylogenetic analysis methods are applied to make inferences about the evolutionary history of the studied organisms. Techniques for constructing phylogenetic trees based on molecular data are used to determine phylogenetic relationships between species, providing information about evolutionary divergence times and speciation processes. In this context, phylogenetic position information is critically important for prioritizing the conservation of species and evaluating their functional roles in the ecosystem.

Population Genetics Models

To understand population dynamics and create future projections, genetic datasets are analyzed using mathematical and statistical modeling approaches. In this context, parameters such as gene flow, genetic drift, population splitting, and extinction probabilities are integrated into the models to make inferences about the demographic structure and conservation status of the species. The resulting models contribute to the development of science-based conservation plans for the sustainability of species.

Multidisciplinary Approach and Integrative Analyses

The methods described above are applied within the framework of multidisciplinary research strategies based on the integration of genetic, ecological, and bioinformatic data. This allows for the development of holistic approaches to conservation biology by considering the molecular diversity of species, their environmental adaptation mechanisms, and habitat use together. In particular, by focusing on threatened species, scientifically based strategies are developed to contribute to their long-term sustainability.

Population Structure

Genetic markers (e.g., microsatellites, SNPs) are used to elucidate the population structure of endangered species, determining genetic differences between subpopulations, the level of gene flow, and the degree of isolation. Through this data, it is possible to identify priority geographic regions and critical junctions for species conservation.

Genetic Diversity

The level of genetic diversity in populations is considered an indicator of both their short-term adaptive capabilities and their long-term evolutionary potential. In this context, parameters such as heterozygosity levels, allele diversity, and inbreeding coefficients are used to assess the genetic health of species and to determine whether threatened populations are undergoing genetic erosion.

Habitat Dynamics

The spatial and temporal dynamics of the habitats where species live are monitored using field-based observations, remote sensing data, and geographic information systems (GIS). Habitat integrity degradations (e.g., fragmentation, pollution, desertification, etc.) are analyzed along with their impact on populations' habitats, and conservation priorities are updated by evaluating the responses of species to habitat changes.

Genetic Analysis of Museum Samples

Biological materials in museum collections (e.g., bone, skin, feather, and taxidermy specimens) are analyzed using modern molecular techniques (particularly ancient DNA analysis). This provides information about the historical genetic diversity and population structure of species, and this information is compared with current population data to provide a historical perspective for conservation strategies.

Interspecies Interactions and Ecosystem-Level Studies

In the context of maintaining ecosystem integrity, ecological processes such as predator-prey relationships, interspecies interaction networks, and the effects of invasive species are investigated. These studies allow for the determination of the functional roles of species within the ecosystem and the understanding of their direct and indirect effects on biodiversity.

Integration of Scientific Findings into Conservation Practices

All molecular and ecological data obtained are integrated into nature conservation practices; scientific consultancy services are provided to stakeholder institutions at local and national levels. For example, in cases where high levels of isolation between populations are identified, recommendations are made for the creation of habitat corridors to support gene flow, or advice is given for granting protected status to areas where rare species have been identified. Thus, academic outputs are directly transferred to the field and shared with decision-making mechanisms.