Sustainability

At XO Cape Arnna, we are actively committed to preserving biodiversity and protecting endangered and endemic species. We inform our guests and staff on this issue, support regional associations, and collaborate on their conservation efforts.

Endangered and Endemic Species of Fethiye

Sand Lily (Pancratium maritimum)
This rare and endangered plant grows on coastal dunes. It can be seen in Karaot and Ölüdeniz during August–September. It is under protection due to habitat destruction.

Caretta Caretta (Loggerhead Sea Turtle)
An iconic species of the Mediterranean. It nests on the beaches of Çalış, Karaot, İnlice, and Karataş in Fethiye. Due to habitat degradation, it is protected globally.

Dusky Grouper (Epinephelus marginatus)
One of the largest yet most vulnerable bony fish in the Mediterranean. Its numbers have declined due to late sexual maturity. It can still be found off the coast of Fethiye, but fishing poses a major threat.

Wild Goat (Capra aegagrus)
This species lives in rugged mountainous areas and is declining due to hunting and habitat loss. In Fethiye, it can only be observed in the high elevations of Babadağ.

Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra)
The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) population has been declining rapidly both in Türkiye and worldwide. As a result, the species is listed under Appendix I of the CITES Convention and Appendix II of the Bern Convention, granting it protected status.

It is also included among the species whose hunting is prohibited by the Central Hunting Commission of Türkiye. The Eurasian otter inhabits a wide range of aquatic environments, including freshwater, brackish water, and marine habitats. It can be found in lakes, reed beds, wetlands, irrigation canals, rivers, streams, and coastal areas. Water bodies of various sizes provide suitable habitats for this species.

Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus)
The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), as its name suggests, is a marine mammal native to the Mediterranean region and is considered one of the rarest seal species in the world. Its global population is estimated at only 600–700 individuals, while approximately 100 individuals are believed to inhabit the coasts of Türkiye.

Coastal development, habitat degradation, and tourism-related activities represent significant threats to the survival of this species. Mediterranean monk seals generally avoid human interaction and can occasionally be observed along the coast of Fethiye. For breeding, they prefer caves located along remote and undisturbed rocky shorelines.

Turkish Red Damselfly (Ceriagrion georgifreyi)
The Turkish Red Damselfly (Ceriagrion georgifreyi) is found in only a limited number of locations in southern Türkiye, where it inhabits rivers, lakes, marshes, and other wetland ecosystems.

The species is considered threatened according to IUCN criteria, primarily due to habitat loss caused by the drainage of wetlands and streams, increasing development pressures, and the impacts of climate change. This rare damselfly can still be observed in the Fethiye region, particularly around Akgöl and the Çalış Bird Sanctuary, where suitable habitats continue to support its population.

Fethiye’s Endemic Species

Sweetgum Tree (Liquidambar orientalis)
An endemic tree that grows only in Southwestern Anatolia and can live for 200–300 years. Its oil is used for medicinal and aromatherapeutic purposes. Common in forests around Fethiye.

White Autumn Daffodil (Sternbergia candida)
A white-flowered daffodil species that grows naturally only around Fethiye. It is forbidden by law to collect its bulbs from nature.

Morel and Saffron Milk Cap Mushrooms
Morels, which appear in spring, and saffron milk cap mushrooms, seen in autumn, are among the prized natural edibles of Fethiye’s forests. They are especially common in post-wildfire areas.

How Can We Protect the Caretta Caretta?

Please do not light fires on the beach — this may harm sea turtle eggs and threaten their natural habitat. Avoid using umbrellas or sunbeds in nesting areas, as they may damage or obstruct nests. Leaving items on the beach at night can block hatchlings from reaching the sea. Littering on the beach or in the sea, especially plastic waste, can be fatal to sea turtles. Refrain from touching hatchlings or picking them up by the belly — this may negatively affect their development. Do not pour water on nesting sites, and if you notice a nest, report it to the authorities so proper protection measures can be taken.

How Can We Protect Sand Lilies?

Sand lilies are endemic plants that grow only in specific coastal areas and must be protected. Picking, uprooting, or damaging them poses a serious threat to biodiversity and is also illegal. Since their roots lie close to the surface, even stepping on them can cause harm. Please admire these delicate flowers without touching — take only photographs, and leave them in nature. Keep the beaches clean; litter, chemicals, and human impact threaten their survival. Protecting sand lilies is our shared responsibility. If you see any harm being done, please notify the authorities.