The spatial distribution of rangeland vegetation depending on distance to settlement in highland rangelands of Turkey

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of distance from settlements on spatial pattern of rangeland vegetation in semi-arid highlands of Bayburt and Erzurum provinces, Eastern Anatolia Region, in Turkey. The vegetation was sampled using the line intercept method, and environmental variable data were collected from both locations. All data were proceeded to ordination analysis using CANOCO, in order to test relations between species composition and environmental variables. There were strong correlation between species composition and environmental variables. The results indicate that distance from permanent settlement and environmental variables are important factors affecting spatial distribution of species. As getting further from permanent settlement the environmental conditions becomes more favorable and species composition improves with respect to desirable status.