12.11.2026 10:33
The endemic Termessos crocus, which grows only in certain areas of Antalya, attracts attention with its lilac-colored flowers that bloom in autumn. Experts, noting that the plant, found only in Antalya in the world, is under the threat of biopiracy and being collected without awareness, warned that the penalty for harming biological diversity reaches 699,245 lira.
The Termessos crocus, which is among Antalya's natural riches, is one of the endemic plants that grow only in this city in the world. The species, distributed between Termessos National Park and Olympos Beydağları National Park, continues its existence under delicate ecological conditions.
Prof. Dr. Gökhan Deniz, a faculty member at Akdeniz University Faculty of Education, stated that the Ancient City of Termessos is of great importance not only for its historical artifacts but also for its biological diversity. Deniz emphasized that the plant must be protected, saying, "It is one of the very locally endemic species that chooses only Antalya in the world."
LILAC-COLORED FLOWERS BLOOM IN AUTUMN
The Termessos crocus stands out for blooming in the autumn months, when many plants shed their leaves. The plant, which grows in forested and maquis areas, gives nature a different appearance with its lilac-colored flowers.
Prof. Dr. Deniz stated that this species, which blooms during the period when nature changes color, is one of Antalya's important natural values, and said that citizens should not harm the plant.
"DON'T SAY, 'WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF I PICK JUST ONE?'"
Prof. Dr. Deniz, noting that removing endemic plants from their natural habitats can endanger the future of the species, made an important warning to citizens.
Deniz said, "People from almost every segment of our society need to consider that a species they see on the ground and think, 'What would happen if I picked just one?' about may be a very local endemic that can occur only in our Antalya in the world."
THE PENALTY IS 699,245 LIRA
Prof. Dr. Deniz, stating that Turkey's richness of endemic plants is a target for biopirates, drew attention to the fact that even leaves, tubers, and DNA samples of rare species can be collected without permission.
Deniz, explaining that the administrative fine for harming biological diversity is 699,245 lira, recalled that in the recent past, 660 orchid tubers were illegally dug up and attempted to be taken abroad.
Prof. Dr. Deniz said, "In the event that these species are collected or sold illegally within the country or abroad, serious sanctions are involved."
CALL TO CITIZENS TO REPORT
Deniz, saying that citizens who see plant or animal specimens being collected without permission in nature should inform law enforcement, emphasized that special permits are obtained even for scientific research.
Deniz, stating that in addition to the Termessos crocus, plants specific to Antalya such as the Lycian orchid, Çıralı sage, and Olympos sage must also be protected, drew attention to the importance of passing natural habitats on to future generations.