Tunceli authorities fine three individuals for illegal harvesting of endemic garlic

Three individuals have been issued a total administrative fine of 2,097,735 Turkish Lira for the unauthorized harvesting of endemic mountain garlic in Tunceli, Turkey. The plant, scientifically known as Allium tuncelianum, is a protected species that grows naturally only in this region and is categorized as ‘vulnerable’ in the Red Book of Turkish Plants.

Following a tip-off regarding illegal harvesting in the Ahpanos Valley, gendarmerie and Nature Conservation and National Parks (DKMP) teams tracked a vehicle within the Munzur Valley National Park. Authorities seized approximately 20 kilograms of the endemic garlic from the vehicle.

To prevent the loss of the species, DKMP teams worked to replant the confiscated garlic back into its natural habitat to ensure its survival.