OLYMPOS SAFFRON TARGETED BY BIOPIRATES
The Olympus saffron, an endemic plant species that grows only in the Beydağları Coastal National Park in Antalya, has become the target of bio-smugglers. Prof. Dr. Gökhan Deniz from Akdeniz University (AÜ) stated that this rare plant, which attracts attention with its showy flowers, is sold to collectors abroad and warned that it should be protected.
The Olympus saffron, which grows as an endemic species in the city, is being targeted by bio-smugglers. Prof. Dr. Gökhan Deniz, Faculty Member of AÜ Faculty of Education and President of Antalya Orchids and Biodiversity Conservation Association (ANTOK), stated that the plant only grows in Olympus Beydağları National Park and emphasized that it should be protected. Prof. Dr. Gökhan Deniz stated that Olympus saffron is a very local species that is only found in Beydağları Coastal National Park in the world. Prof. Dr. Deniz said that this endemic plant, which has a tuberous rhizome underground, blooms in autumn and bears fruit in spring, and added, "This plant is targeted by smugglers because of its showy flowers. Olympus saffron is uprooted by bio-smugglers and sold to collectors abroad."
Prof. Dr. Deniz stated that endemic species should be protected and that Olympus saffron is an important target for bio-smugglers. Deniz stated that the unauthorized collection of plants that can only grow in certain sensitive ecosystems in Turkey is prevented by laws, and noted that studies are being carried out to prevent bio-smuggling. Prof. Dr. Deniz said, "Even if we, as nature lovers, want to grow these species in different environments, this is not possible due to ecological conditions. Olympus saffron can only survive in certain climate and topography conditions. However, this plant species has become an important target in bio-smuggling."
ONE BULB IS 20 POUNDS
Prof. Dr. Deniz stated that people who commit bio-smuggling sell Olympus saffron to flower collectors abroad, and said, "We know that in the past, one tuber was sold for 20 pounds, which is approximately 900 TL. Currently, this smuggling has been largely stopped, but the threat still continues."
Prof. Dr. Deniz stated that the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Antalya Regional Directorate of Forestry and national park authorities are working to prevent bio-smuggling, and said, "Taking these species from nature and trading them causes great damage to the ecosystem. We all need to be conscious to protect our genetic heritage."
It was reported that the penalty for picking Olympus saffron is 557 thousand 212 TL.
