The Importance of Biotope Mapping from the Viewpoint of Protection of Urban Environment and Sustainable Urban Development: The Case of the City of Kahramanmaraş

Abstract

This study aims at the analyzing and mapping of biotopes in the city of Kahramanmaras, Turkey. Three main and 25 sub biotope types
were identified which characterize general structure of the study area. High resolution satellite image was used for obtaining ground
information on urban biotopes. The biotopes were analyzed from the viewpoint of areal coverage, number of parcels, and vegetation cover.
According to results, agricultural areas are the main biotope group that covers the largest area (4270.96 ha) among all biotopes, what follow
this biotope group are non-built-up areas (3181.66 ha) and built-up areas (2694.42 ha). From the viewpoint of total number of parcels, it was
seen that the built-up areas biotope group has the highest number with 18,170. Our results revealed that rapid encroachment of urban areas and
agricultural activities have caused a decrease in the areal coverage of the some biotope types, and in the distribution areas and samples of the
some natural plant species. It is concluded that biotope maps should be used as a basic tool in planning and management of land uses to
protect the living habitats for continuity of natural ecosystems.