Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
European Small and Medium Sized Carnivore Conference, Aalborg, Danimarka, 8 - 10 Nisan 2026, ss.1, (Özet Bildiri)
Martens (Martes spp.) are small carnivores that can occur in habitats overlapping with human-modified landscapes, increasing their relevance in the transmission dynamics of zoonotic parasites. The Nallıhan–Sarıyar region of Ankara comprises forested areas, villages, and a large dam ecosystem, where both pine marten (Martes martes) and stone marten (Martes foina) are known to be present. Due to overlapping distribution and the non-invasive nature of fecal sampling, host species identification was not performed at this stage, and samples were evaluated as Martes sp.
In this preliminary study, a total of ten fecal samples collected from free-ranging martens were examined using flotation, sedimentation, and Baermann–Wetzel techniques to investigate helminths belonging to this species. Parasitological examination revealed that two samples were positive for Toxocara spp., three for Alaria spp., three for hookworms (Ancylostomatidae), and four for Acanthocephala. All detected parasite taxa are recognized as zoonotic, highlighting the potential public health significance of martens inhabiting areas in proximity to human settlements and livestock.
To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first parasitological data obtained from free-ranging martens in Türkiye based on non-invasive fecal examination. The findings underline the possible role of small carnivores in environmental contamination and zoonotic parasite transmission at the wildlife–human interface. Future studies will focus on PCR-based molecular identification of host species and expansion of sample size to better assess species-specific parasite patterns and zoonotic risk.