Latmos Mountains conservationists call for national park status

Conservationists are calling for the Latmos (Beşparmak) Mountains to be granted national park status to protect its significant biological and cultural heritage. Located across the Söke and Koçarlı districts of Aydın and the Milas district of Muğla, the region is a vital ecological zone north of Bafa Lake.

Biological surveys have identified immense biodiversity, including 16 endemic plant species and a wide array of fauna such as 180 bird species, 22 reptile species, and 20 mammal species. Rare animals like the caracal and jungle cat have been noted in the area.

Beyond its ecology, Latmos holds immense archaeological value. The region contains ancient stone roads, Byzantine fortifications, monasteries, and rock frescoes. Notably, rock paintings discovered by German archaeologist Dr. Anneliese Peschlow in 1994 depict human figures and family life, making them globally significant. Bahattin Sürücü, President of the Ecosystem Protection and Nature Lovers Association (EKODOSD), emphasized the need to finalize the national park designation to ensure effective protection of these assets.