A NEW MONUMENTARY TREE ON TEKKE MOUNTAIN, MERSIN: BOYLU ARDIÇ (JUNIPERUS EXCELSA M. BIEB.)

Abstract

Monumental trees are the memory of history, they can be defined as living things that exceed the usual measures of their own kind, have a special place in the folklore, culture and history of the region where they are located, and build a bridge between the past and the future. Today, many studies are carried out on the registration, protection and transfer of monumental trees to future generations, and these studies are extremely important. In this context; In 2015, during the Wildlife Monitoring and Follow-up studies carried out in the Cennetdere Wildlife Development Area (YHGS), which is among the registered and protected areas within the scope of duty of the "Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Nature Conservation and National Parks" 7th Regional Directorate – Mersin Branch Directorate, Juniperus excelsa M. Bieb. (Boylu ardıç) individual, which is thought to have the status of Monumental Tree, was identified on the summit of Teke Mountain in Cocakdere region. The dimensional characteristics of this tree (diameter ≅ 3 m; circumference ≅9.5 m and height ≅17 m) showed that it had a monumental quality. The Juniper excelsa detected in its natural distribution area should be considered as a contribution to the monumental tree existence of Mersin province and the registration procedures as a dimensional monumental tree should be carried out by the relevant institution immediately.