Bio-diversity

Uludag is one of the highest peaks at the far northwest paint of Anatolian peninsula. It is a western extension of Pontic mountainous ranges. Due to its natural plant communities and various geomorphologic structures in 1961 an area of 11338 ha was founded as National Park, and then, this area was enlarged up to 12762 ha in 1998. It shows an interesting geomorphologic structure with very steep southern slopes of calcareous rocks and northwestern parts made up of granites. The change from Mediterranean to Euro-Siberian and alpine vegetation can be seen very clearly step by step from bottom to the top of mountain. Mountain has a rich Biological Diversity containing many endemics. However Human impact on alpine and subalpine regions is steadily increasing as a result of resource explotation, development of resorts, and recreation. Uludag is one of the most important winter sport centres in Turkey since 1940`s. The main issues in the site are landslides and erosion on the ski tracks and visitors` pressures on fragile habitats of endemic plants. The aim of the project work presented here was to get more information to visitors and local people about the biological diversity of Uludag, and also make a sample restoration work on disturbed areas in ski tracks.

Turkey