A previously unknown plant species has been identified in the Horma Canyon area of Küre Mountains National Park, Turkey, in 2025. The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of the park, which is a crucial ecological zone.
The new species, belonging to the Rubiaceae family, was found during field studies in 2020 and officially recognized after five years of research. The plant is exclusively found in the Küre Mountains, a region designated as a global priority by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
With only about 80 individual roots spread across two hectares, the plant is classified as "Endangered" due to its limited range. Threats include ecotourism and forestry activities. A species action plan is planned in cooperation with the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks.
Küre Mountains National Park, established in 2000, spans 80,000 hectares and is a key biodiversity hotspot. It is home to diverse ecosystems and is part of the PAN Parks Network, recognized for wilderness conservation.
Conservation efforts face challenges like illegal logging and infrastructure development. Continued focus on low-impact tourism and biodiversity monitoring is essential to protect the park's ecological integrity.