ENDEMIC CARABIDAE SPECIES IN THE WESTERN BLACK SEA REGION OF TÜRKIYE WITH NEW LOCALITY RECORDS

Abstract

The Western Black Sea Region of T & uuml;rkiye, comprising seven provinces, hosts forest ecosystems rich in biodiversity, along with nature parks, conservation areas, national parks, and wetlands. In this context, a comprehensive survey was conducted between 2022 and 2023 to document the distribution and conservation relevance of endemic Carabidae taxa. Specimens were collected by hand and pitfall trap method, subsequently pinned, labelled, and identified, while relevant literature from the region was also thoroughly reviewed. Based on combined field and literature data, a total of 17 endemic species and 30 endemic subspecies of the family Carabidae were identified, with new locality records added to the Western Black Sea Region. These findings not only provide critical faunistic data but also underscore the region's role as a biodiversity hotspot and a conservation priority area.