Climate Extremes, Soils and Topography, and Past and Present Land Use Shape Tree Cover in Central Anatolia (Türkiye)
Journal of Vegetation Science, vol.37, no.3, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 37 Issue: 3
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1111/jvs.70154
- Journal Name: Journal of Vegetation Science
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Geobase, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO)
- Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Question: Central Anatolia is part of the Irano-Anatonian biodiversity hotspot, encompassing a diverse range of steppe grasslands, shrublands, and forests. Despite their high biodiversity and crucial ecosystem services, its ancient grass or subshrub-dominated steppe and forest-steppe vegetation is often neglected and, in many cases, considered as secondary vegetation resulting from extensive deforestation. However, the conditions that explain the distribution of the ecosystems in this semi-arid region remain poorly understood. Considering recent developments in the understanding of open ecosystems, we aim to understand what explains the distribution of tree cover in Central Anatolia. Location: Central Anatolia, Türkiye. Methods: We analyzed the influence of a comprehensive set of variables that shape tree cover distribution obtained from remote sensing and global and local databases. We used regression models to model tree presence and cover, considering the effects of climate, soils, topography, land use, and disturbances. Results: Tree presence and cover were limited by poor and sodic-saline soils and limited by climate factors, including temperature and precipitation extremes. Trees were more prevalent in mountainous regions and in topographic conditions that enhance local resource availability and provide protection from disturbances and land-use impacts. Trees were also limited by agriculture and livestock density, although their presence increased in the proximity of human settlements. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that environmental determinants, including climate, soils, topography, and disturbance regimes, shape tree cover in Central Anatolia, questioning the common belief that low tree cover is mainly due to extensive deforestation by humans. Our results have implications for the management and conservation of these ecosystems, particularly with respect to climate change, which could further exacerbate existing constraints on tree growth. Our findings can also inform the conservation efforts of ancient steppe grasslands and forests, as well as contribute to more resilient afforestation strategies.