Biodiversity Along The Lycian Way

MACRO-PHOTO EXHIBITION

BEYDAGLARI NATIONAL PARK

ULUPINAR / KEMER / ANTALYA

A RARE VISUAL ARCHIVE SHAPED BY

A DECADE OF CLOSE-UP OBSERVATION

DOCUMENTING OVER 200 SPECIES

BETWEEN 2015 AND 2025

PHOTOGRAPHED BY SUMRU GÖNCÜ

'' There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.''

This quote—often attributed to Albert Einstein—feels tailor-made for the Lycian Way.—a renowned long-distance hiking trail winding through Türkiye's lush southwestern coast.

More than just a route with views of turquoise waters and ancient ruins, the trail, which stretches over 500 kilometers, offers a living mosaic of ecosystems teeming with rich biodiversity—something increasingly vital to us all. For nature lovers, biologists, conservationists, and hikers, every step along this path can feel like walking through a series of small miracles.

A Path Through the Past,

A Lifeline for the Future

Biodiversity Along The Lycian Way

One of the most ecologically vibrant sections of the Lycian Way runs through Beydağları (Olympos) National Park and home to approximately 865 plant species, 25 of which are endemic to the region.

The diverse terrain—ranging from coastal cliffs and pine forests to alpine meadows—creates ideal habitats for many species, both common and rare.

Nature's Intricate Designs, Essential To The Balance Of Life

Orchids And Wild Flowers

Spring along the Lycian Way brings a riot of color with the blooming of numerous wildflowers, including rare and endemic orchids. Notable among them are Orchis anatolica, Ophrys lycia, and Serapias orientalis. These orchids often flourish in rocky and semi-shaded areas.

Wildflowers, including wild orchids, are essential for maintaining biodiversity and supporting ecosystems by providing food and habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. Wild orchids also serve as indicators of environmental health due to their sensitivity to habitat changes.

The flora is representative of the Mediterranean biome, with a mixture of evergreen shrubs, aromatic herbs, and colorful seasonal flowers.

Pillars of Floral Diversity

Pollinators of the Lycian Way

Insect pollinators, particularly butterflies and bees, support plant reproduction and biodiversity across the region’s varied habitats.Notable species include the endemic Lycia Apollo (Parnassius apollo lycius), Southern Swallowtail (Papilio alexanor), and the Two-tailed Pasha (Charaxes jasius), which frequent flowering shrubs and forest clearings.

The trail also lies along a key migratory route for numerous bird species, such as the European roller (Coracias garrulus), blue rock thrush (Monticola solitarius), and various warblers and raptors. These birds contribute to ecosystem health through seed dispersal, insect population control, and habitat dynamics.

Together, these species underscore the ecological richness of the Lycian Way, making it both a biodiversity hotspot and a living laboratory for conservation.

A Closer Look At
What Sees Us Back

Documenting Biodiversity Along
The Lycian Way In A Time of Change

Given Türkiye's standing as one of the most biodiverse countries in Europe and the Middle East, with over 13,000 identified plant and animal species, the Lycian Way is a microcosm of this natural wealth.

Educational signage, conservation programs are helping to raise awareness and ensure that future generations can continue to experience the Lycian Way not just as a hiking trail, but as a living, breathing ecosystem.