Endemic plant geographies: A case study on the Sultan Mountains

This thesis aims to investigate the distribution of endemic plant taxa in the Sultan Mountains, along with the effective plant species diversity (alpha and beta diversity) and environmental variables (topography, lithology, climate, vegetation, and human impact) associated with this distribution. Fieldwork was conducted in 95 main sampling sites and 380 sub-sampling sites, where data such as species information, population size, species abundance, area coverage, and habitat characteristics of plants were collected. The obtained data on endemic plants were analyzed to examine the relationship between alpha diversity values and beta diversity values. The relationship between alpha diversity indices and environmental variables concerning endemic plants was also explored. Spatial analyses and ecology-based modeling were employed to map the distribution characteristics of diversity values. According to the findings, the northern and eastern parts of the mountainous area were found to be richer in endemic plant taxa and plant diversity compared to other areas. Positive and significant relationships were observed between alpha diversity indices and endemic plant taxa, as well as generally positive relationships with beta diversity. Among environmental variables, it was observed that slope and ruggedness values were influential in plant diversity and the distribution of endemic plants. Positive correlations were found between ruggedness and slope values and diversity and endemic plants, whereas a negative relationship was identified between climatic variables and endemic plants. The information and data obtained in this study provide a quantitative approach to determining the biological diversity of the area, the distribution characteristics of endemic plant taxa, diversity values, and their relationship with environmental variables for the first time.