Research Article


DOI :10.30897/ijegeo.1529403   IUP :10.30897/ijegeo.1529403    Full Text (PDF)

Evaluating Ecological Knowledge for the Conservation of Freshwater Mussels in Türkiye

Şebnem AtasaralErdal Üstündağ

Freshwater mussels are vital components of aquatic ecosystems, playing a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Despite their importance, freshwater mussels face numerous threats globally. This study evaluates the awareness and ecological knowledge of local populations regarding freshwater mussels in three distinct regions of Türkiye: the Central Black Sea, Northeastern Anatolia, and Eastern Anatolia. A total of 164 face-to-face interviews were conducted between 2022 and 2024 using a stratified cluster sampling design. The study aimed to assess knowledge about both native and non-native mussel species and analyze the factors influencing this knowledge. Results showed that 83.53% of participants were aware of freshwater mussels, with significant variations based on demographic factors such as gender, age, and residence. Residents, particularly in rural areas, demonstrated higher awareness levels. The study also revealed a potential loss of traditional ecological knowledge regarding native Unionid mussels, especially among younger generations. These findings highlight the importance of integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with scientific ecological knowledge (SEK) in conservation efforts. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for new forms of ecological knowledge acquisition, preservation of traditional knowledge, and the development of targeted education programs to raise awareness about the ecological importance of freshwater mussels.


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APA

Atasaral, Ş., & Üstündağ, E. (2024). Evaluating Ecological Knowledge for the Conservation of Freshwater Mussels in Türkiye. International Journal of Environment and Geoinformatics, 11(3), 69-75. https://doi.org/10.30897/ijegeo.1529403


AMA

Atasaral Ş, Üstündağ E. Evaluating Ecological Knowledge for the Conservation of Freshwater Mussels in Türkiye. International Journal of Environment and Geoinformatics. 2024;11(3):69-75. https://doi.org/10.30897/ijegeo.1529403


ABNT

Atasaral, Ş.; Üstündağ, E. Evaluating Ecological Knowledge for the Conservation of Freshwater Mussels in Türkiye. International Journal of Environment and Geoinformatics, [Publisher Location], v. 11, n. 3, p. 69-75, 2024.


Chicago: Author-Date Style

Atasaral, Şebnem, and Erdal Üstündağ. 2024. “Evaluating Ecological Knowledge for the Conservation of Freshwater Mussels in Türkiye.” International Journal of Environment and Geoinformatics 11, no. 3: 69-75. https://doi.org/10.30897/ijegeo.1529403


Chicago: Humanities Style

Atasaral, Şebnem, and Erdal Üstündağ. Evaluating Ecological Knowledge for the Conservation of Freshwater Mussels in Türkiye.” International Journal of Environment and Geoinformatics 11, no. 3 (Dec. 2024): 69-75. https://doi.org/10.30897/ijegeo.1529403


Harvard: Australian Style

Atasaral, Ş & Üstündağ, E 2024, 'Evaluating Ecological Knowledge for the Conservation of Freshwater Mussels in Türkiye', International Journal of Environment and Geoinformatics, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 69-75, viewed 23 Dec. 2024, https://doi.org/10.30897/ijegeo.1529403


Harvard: Author-Date Style

Atasaral, Ş. and Üstündağ, E. (2024) ‘Evaluating Ecological Knowledge for the Conservation of Freshwater Mussels in Türkiye’, International Journal of Environment and Geoinformatics, 11(3), pp. 69-75. https://doi.org/10.30897/ijegeo.1529403 (23 Dec. 2024).


MLA

Atasaral, Şebnem, and Erdal Üstündağ. Evaluating Ecological Knowledge for the Conservation of Freshwater Mussels in Türkiye.” International Journal of Environment and Geoinformatics, vol. 11, no. 3, 2024, pp. 69-75. [Database Container], https://doi.org/10.30897/ijegeo.1529403


Vancouver

Atasaral Ş, Üstündağ E. Evaluating Ecological Knowledge for the Conservation of Freshwater Mussels in Türkiye. International Journal of Environment and Geoinformatics [Internet]. 23 Dec. 2024 [cited 23 Dec. 2024];11(3):69-75. Available from: https://doi.org/10.30897/ijegeo.1529403 doi: 10.30897/ijegeo.1529403


ISNAD

Atasaral, Şebnem - Üstündağ, Erdal. Evaluating Ecological Knowledge for the Conservation of Freshwater Mussels in Türkiye”. International Journal of Environment and Geoinformatics 11/3 (Dec. 2024): 69-75. https://doi.org/10.30897/ijegeo.1529403



TIMELINE


Submitted07.08.2024
Accepted04.09.2024
Published Online28.09.2024

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