Contribution to the butterfly diversity of Saimbeyli district (Adana-Turkey) and their conservation status

ATAY E., CEBECİ Z.

Fresenius Environmental Bulletin, vol.29, no.6, pp.4151-4162, 2020 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 29 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2020
  • Journal Name: Fresenius Environmental Bulletin
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Aerospace Database, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, Aqualine, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, Communication Abstracts, Environment Index, Geobase, Greenfile, Metadex, Pollution Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Page Numbers: pp.4151-4162
  • Keywords: Adana, Butterfly protection, Lycaenidae, Polyommatus theresiae, Saimbeyli
  • Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

In this study, the butterfly diversity in different habitats of Saimbeyli district was investigated. A total of 161 butterfly species belonging to six families were identified in the field and laboratory works in the scope study. In addition to 121 species listed in the literature, and in this study totally 40 species were also newly recorded and added to butterfly species checklist of Saimbeyli district (13 species from Lycaenidae, 10 species from Hesperidae, 7 species from Nymphalidae, 5 species from Satyridae, 3 species from Pieridae and 2 species Papilionidae). This extraordinary diversity of butterfly species in this small district constitutes approximately 40% of butterfly diversity of Turkey, 87% of provincial diversity of butterfly species in Adana. Among them 12 species are endemic (E) and 2 species are near-toendemic (NE). Moreover Saimbeyli Blue (Polyommatus theresiae) endemic to the district only in Turkey. When the butterfly species of Saimbeyli district are classified according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List Categories, 156 species of butterflies have been included in LC (Least Concern) status, 2 species have been included EN (Endangered) status and 3 species have been evaluated in DD (Data Deficient) category. In our study, the main threats that directly or indirectly affect the Saimbeyli butterfly habitats were also determined. It is understood that the most important of these threats are hydroelectric power plants, mining structures and quarries in the district in addition to the thermal power plant in neigbour district Tufanbeyli. Since the district Saimbeyli has important butterfly habitats it has been concluded that the whole of the district is should be included as one of the Important Nature Areas in Turkey.