Are There Coyotes in Turkey?

Coyotes are not native to Turkey, but in recent years there have been increased sightings and evidence of coyotes establishing populations within the country. So are there really coyotes in Turkey now? Let’s take a closer look.

A Little About Coyotes

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are medium-sized canine mammals native to North America They are highly adaptable predators that historically occupied the prairies and deserts of central North America.

However, in the past century coyotes have dramatically expanded their range They now occupy most of North America from Alaska to Panama A big driver of this expansion has been the elimination of larger predators like wolves and mountain lions that previously kept coyote populations in check.

Coyotes have also readily adapted to human-modified environments like agricultural areas, suburbs, and even cities. This adaptability, coupled with their prolific breeding, has allowed them to colonize new areas rapidly.

Range Expansion Into Europe

In recent decades coyotes have even started colonizing parts of Central America and Europe. The first European sightings occurred in the 1950s in eastern Canada near the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Since then coyotes have spread through most of Canada and into Alaska. They have also expanded their range south and east into the United States, Mexico, and Central America.

Coyotes entered Europe in the 1980s, likely by crossing the ice or swimming the narrow sea channel between Alaska and Siberia. They spread westward across Russia and into Eastern Europe over the following decades.

The first verified sightings in Western Europe occurred in 2013 in the Netherlands. Since then coyotes have been confirmed in Germany, Belgium, Denmark, and France. Genetic tests revealed these western coyotes likely descended from Eastern European populations.

Coyotes Arrive in Turkey

Coyotes were first sighted in northeastern Turkey near the borders with Georgia and Armenia in 2010. Their presence was likely the result of their expansion across the Caucasus region over the prior decade.

The Turkish Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs has since confirmed established breeding populations of coyotes in at least three provinces: Ardahan, Artvin, and Rize. All three provinces border northeastern Turkey’s mountainous region where coyotes apparently first gained a foothold.

There have also been sporadic sightings in other parts of Turkey, but no confirmation of additional breeding populations yet. However, given coyotes’ proven ability to colonize new ranges rapidly, they will likely continue spreading through suitable habitat in Turkey.

Diet and Ecology in Turkey

Coyotes are opportunistic predators and scavengers. In their native North American range they eat a varied diet including small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, fruit, and carrion.

In Turkey, coyote diet likely consists of similar small prey along with livestock animals and garbage in rural areas. Coyotes are too small to regularly take down full-grown sheep, goats, or cattle. But they can prey on juvenile livestock and smaller animals like poultry.

So Turkish farmers with small livestock should take precautions against possible coyote predation. Larger livestock like cattle are less vulnerable but coyotes may still sometimes scavenge carcasses.

In terms of ecology, coyotes prefer more open habitats like grasslands, agricultural areas, and sparse brush. But they readily adapt to a range of habitats including mountainous areas. So much of the Turkish landscape should provide suitable habitat for coyotes to continue expanding their range.

Concerns and Impacts

There are some concerns related to the arrival of non-native coyotes in Turkey. The main issues are:

• Possible predation on livestock

• Competition with and predation on native Turkish wildlife

• Disease transmission from coyotes to other wildlife or domestic animals

• Nuisance problems if coyotes become too habituated to humans

However, research from North America and Europe suggests most of these impacts are often fairly minor. The most significant issue is likely some predation on smaller livestock like sheep and goats. But this can be mitigated with preventative measures like secure enclosures.

We need more Turkey-specific research to better understand coyote impacts. But based on evidence elsewhere, Turkish ecosystems are likely resilient enough to tolerate coyotes without major detrimental effects. Responsible management and continued monitoring of coyote populations will be important going forward.

The Verdict: Yes, There Are Coyotes in Turkey

In conclusion – yes, coyotes have now established breeding populations within Turkey, mainly in northeastern regions bordering Georgia and Armenia.

They will likely continue to expand their range into suitable habitat throughout Turkey in coming years. Responsible management can minimize conflicts with humans. And Turkish ecosystems will probably remain robust with this new non-native addition, just as coyotes have been integrated into most of North America.

So the coyote’s epic global expansion continues even into Asia and the Middle East. Turkey now joins the list of territories successfully colonized by this incredibly adaptable canine. While long-term impacts remain to be seen, coyotes appear here to stay as the newest member of Turkey’s diverse wildlife.