Under Canopy Kazdagi Fir Stand.

Kazdafi fir is an endemic coniferous tree taxon suffers from severely fragmented populations mainly caused by human activities and reforestration management not favoring the species following two past wildfires (1945 & 1975). The aim of the project is to define a "Kazdagi Fir Forest Corridor" to connect 4 populations of this subspecies that are known to be connected in the past. The project work includes collecting seeds of the species, creating a stakeholder & scientist network which will be responsible for the establishment of the route. While studying habitat charasteristics and ecological requirements of Kazdagi fir, the socio-cultural value of the species will also be considered.

Short-term Aims (First year of the project):

• To define “Potential kazdagi fir forest corridors” providing the ecological needs of the species (e.g. altitude, aspect)

• To select the best route alternative among potential corridors

• To ensure the route is available to be a hiking route

• Collecting seeds to plant along the defined corridor in the future

• Creating a scientist & stakeholder network

• Creating a volunteer network

Long-term Aims:

• To form a “Kazdagi fir forest corridor” between 4 disconnected populations of Kazdagi fir (Trojan fir)

• To establish “Kazdagi fir hiking route” along the Forest corridor