Turkey is located at the crossroads of three out of the thirty-seven floristic regions in the world (Iran-Turan, Mediterranean, and European Siberia). These three regions bring with them a high number of plant species and rate of endemicity. Out of the approximately 11.000 plant species identified in Turkey by botanists, around 3.500 species are only found in Turkey (endemic). Orchids are one of the most flamboyant plant species; there are around 28.000 orchid species in the world and 187 in Turkey, 50 of which are endemic.
There are nine orchid species, most of which are endemic, that are used in making ice-cream and the traditional drink ‘salep’ in Turkey. The food sector’s demand for orchid bulbs creates gratuitous and excessive collecting from nature. For orchids, which have a longer reproduction period compared to other plant species, being removed from nature is the biggest threat. Additionally, attempts to expand agricultural lands, excessive grazing of animals, urban buildup, and climate change lead to habitat loss and threaten orchid species.
Studies show that Muğla, Antalya, and Kastamonu are the provinces with the highest orchid populations. Around 40% of the orchid population in Turkey can be found within Muğla and its surrounding areas, including species with limited and rare habitats. The Muğla orchid (Ophrys lycia) takes its name from its homeland, and it is amongst the species collected to make ‘salep’.
The Mediterranean Orchids project ran between 2012-2013 to lessen the pressure on orchid species in the Gökova Bay (Muğla) due to excessive picking. The project aims to minimise the harm and habitat intervention caused by the collection of orchid bulbs, and to encourage the cultivation of economically valuable orchid species. To this end, communication and awareness activities were targeted at orchid bulb collectors.
The Anatolian Orchids project was implemented with the support of Rufford Foundation and Taç Inova.