Research & Conservation
Discovered* clouded leopards in Langtang Himalayas in Nepal (2014), documented Caucasian leopards (2009) and striped hyaenas in Turkey (2001) and promoted further research and conservation activity about those species.
Contributed* to cross-boundary nature protection efforts in the Caucasus Ecoregion (Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Iran and Russia).
Worked to strengthen the IUCN Species Survival Commission network in Central Asia (2006-2012). Nurtured the establishment of the IUCN SSC Human-Bear Conflict Expert Team of the Bear Specialist Group (2005-2008).
Trained students and wildlife managers in techniques for surveying rare species in remote environments and for managing human-wildlife conflicts.
Initiated the use of camera trapping (2002) and GPS telemetry technique (2008) and completed the first field based research on wolf (2000), brown bear (2004) and wildcat (2011) in Turkey.
His efforts were instrumental in the removal of the “pest species” status of wolves, and listing striped hyaena and leopard as fully protected species, and in establishment of two protected areas in Turkey (1999-2004).
Assisted the national wildlife authority to establish a countrywide mammal monitoring system, and to modernise wildlife management and conservation legislation in Turkey (2000-2003).
Advised the national wildlife authority in Turkey for brown bear research and conservation and helped to start nation-wide efforts for habitat restoration for wildlife (2005-2011).
Created educational materials on large mammals of Turkey, worked with TV channels for the production of wildlife documentaries, by working with press and media, promoted carnivore research and conservation in Turkey (1998-2011).
*together with his teammates.