A Field Visit to Care4Endemics Project in Antalya

A recent field visit of the TCEF team to Beydağları, Antalya, offered a valuable opportunity to spend time on the ground with the ANTOK team, exploring the habitats of some of the region’s rare endemic plant species.

Throughout the day, we moved carefully through the landscape—pausing to observe, document, and better understand the ecological conditions that sustain these species. Experiencing these habitats firsthand with the ANTOK team—whose members come from strong academic backgrounds—highlighted both the uniqueness and the fragility of these ecosystems.

Many of the plants found in this region have extremely short flowering periods. In some cases, if seasonal conditions are not met, they may not bloom at all. Missing this narrow window can mean waiting an entire year for another chance to observe them.

This field experience served as a powerful reminder of how delicate and time-sensitive these ecosystems are, and why their protection is so critical.

Alongside the fieldwork, the team documented key habitats and monitored the current condition of several species, contributing to ongoing mapping and conservation efforts under the project. Interviews were also filmed as part of ANTOK’s ongoing documentary work.

Working closely with ANTOK’s academic team allowed us to bridge scientific knowledge with field-based observation. The insights gathered in the field will feed into the next phase of the project, supporting both scientific research and on-the-ground conservation actions.