“Small Protected Areas” for Conservation Priorities in South Anatolia (Başkonuş Mountain-Kahramanmaraş)

Abstract

DOI: 10.26650/EurJBiol.2018.0013 Objective: The Baskonus Mountain (Kahramanmaras) is located in the transition zone of Irano-Turan and Mediterranean plant geographical regions and in the southern part of the Anatolian Diagonal. A specific region in the East Mediterranean basin consists of an area that holds great biological importance and is a world hotspot. In this study, the small protected areas of the Baskonus Mountain were determined. Materials and Methods: A total of 17 endemic and 9 rare taxa were selected based on their IUCN statutes, altitudes, and habitats. Their GPS coordinates were loaded on a computer and digitized in a map projection system. Distributions of the selected taxa were marked on a topographic map in the scale of 1/25.000. The 26 maps were overlapped so that the areas of plant biodiversity could be observed on the map. Results: Six small protected areas were defined on the Baskonus Mountain. Several threats and conservation suggestions were presented in this study. Conclusion: Local data about biodiversity sources are limited. Thus, conservation biologists and government offices should play active roles in formal educational settings and employ alternative methods to the community in Kahramanmaras.