ENDEMIC PLANT SPECIES IN A KARSTIC CANYON (MEDITERRANEAN REGION, TURKEY): RELATION TO RELIEF AND VEGETATION DIVERSITY

Data collected from 85 sample plots in Yazili Canyon Nature Park (deep, limestone valley; length - 6 km, area - 600 ha, height - 100-400 m) located in Mediterranean region (Turkey) yielded 24 endemic vascular plants. The endemic plant diversity and all vascular plant diversity indices were calculated for each sample plot using Simpson index. Regression analysis was performed between environmental factors, plant diversity and canopy closure. Endemic plant diversity showed a positive correlation with vascular plant diversity, and a negative correlation with slope position and altitude. A significant quadric relationship was observed between the endemic plant diversity and aspect variable. RDA (redundancy analysis) and CCA (canonical correspondence analysis) based on linear regressions were applied to determine the environmental factors affecting the distribution of endemic species, and the best model based on total variance explained was selected. According to RDA based on linear regression, habitat selection of endemics is strongly correlated with aspect, slope position and altitude. Lower altitude zone (300-500 m), the north aspect and lower slope including valley bottom of Yazili canyon were observed to be the most suitable areas for endemics.