Vegetation mosaic around the first center of tourism development in the Uludaǧ Mountain, Bursa-Turkey

Abstract

In this study, the vegetation mosaic is determined by aerial photography and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) techniques around the first center of tourism development in the Uludaǧ Mountain. The cover of plant communities and vegetation types is calculated in both absolute values (ha) and as percentage (%) of the total research area. Dwarf shrub communities (Vaccinium myrtillus Juniperus communis, Juniperus communis and Astragalus angustifoliis comm.) are dominant with a cover of 53%. There ore some environmental problems caused by misuse of the area. The ruderal formation is dominant on the disturbed lands. It is widespread around the hotels, at roadsides and, especially, the recently made ski track.