21.07.2025 18:28
Residents of Sinep village, located in the Tillo district of Siirt, are keeping watch to protect the endangered Siirt sage, which only grows in the cemetery. This endemic plant, which incurs a fine of 557,000 lira if picked, blooms and produces seeds between May and July, and is being protected by the local community in shifts.
The residents of the Sinep village in the Tillo district of Siirt are keeping watch in the cemetery where the Siirt sage (Salvia Siirtica), which has local endemic plant characteristics and incurs a fine of 557,212 lira if picked, grows in order to protect it.
The Siirt sage plant, which grows in the Sinep village cemetery and is classified as critically endangered "CR" due to having a single habitat according to IUCN criteria and the low number of individuals in the population, is under protection. Those who pick the plant, which is protected under the "Siirt Sage Species Protection Action Plan" by the Nature Conservation and National Parks Siirt Branch, face an administrative fine of 557,212 lira.
After learning about the importance of the Siirt sage and that its population is under threat from academics studying the plant in the cemetery, the villagers began to keep watch in shifts. The watch to protect the Siirt sage starts in May and continues until the end of July.
VILLAGERS ALSO SUPPORT THE TEAMS
Prof. Dr. Mehmet Fidan, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Siirt University, told AA correspondent that Turkey is quite rich in terms of plant diversity, with one-third of the country's plant species being endemic. Fidan stated that the Siirt sage, which has a specific distribution in the city, is among these species, and noted that in addition to the efforts of the Nature Conservation and National Parks Siirt Branch to protect the plant, the villagers are also making significant efforts.
"THIS PLANT IS SPECIFIC TO THE REGION"
Fidan stated, "Every visitor coming here must obtain the necessary permits. This plant is specific to the region, local, and endemic, and is therefore protected by the local people and villagers." He emphasized that there are about 100 species of this plant in the country, more than 50 of which are endemic.
"THE POTENTIAL FOR CONTRIBUTING TO THE ECONOMY IS HIGH"
Fidan expressed that they consider Turkey to be the center of genetic diversity for this plant, stating, "When we look at these, we see Turkey as the region with the highest number of endemic species in the world. Some species of this plant are used in the field of medicinal aromatic plants, while others are used as ornamental plants. The potential for this plant to be economically utilized by highlighting its medicinal aromatic properties and its potential as an ornamental plant is high. Studies on Siirt sage are ongoing." he said.
WATCHING BOTH WHILE FLOWERING AND SEEDING...
The village headman Şaban Koyun stated that they have better understood the importance of the plant, which they have known about for years, with its protection. He explained that they are trying to protect the plant together, and for this reason, they continue to keep watch in the cemetery not only during the flowering period of the plant but also during the period when it naturally reproduces by seeding.
Koyun said, "Scientists have stated that this species exists only here in the world as a result of their research. Since that day, we have taken measures to protect the plant, knowing its value." he stated.
Koyun expressed that when they see a foreigner in the area, they watch them and take precautions to prevent them from harming the plants in the cemetery, and they want the necessary work to be done for the plant to be beneficial to humanity.
Ahmet Beşir Tatlı, an 81-year-old resident of the village, also wished for this plant to be beneficial to the country and the nation. Tatlı said, "Some people come to the cemetery. We do not allow strangers into the cemetery. We will do whatever it takes to protect the plant." he said.