 A Comparative Study on the Biogeography of Protected and Degraded Habitats in Dilek Peninsula - Turkey MUNIR OZTURK a , RECEP EFE b , ALI CELIK c , M. SERDAL SAKCALI d , VOLKAN ALTAY e a Ege University, Botany Department, Izmir, Turkey b Balıkesir University, Geography Department, Balıkesir, Turkey c Pamukkale University, Biology Department, Denizli, Turkey d Fatih University, Biology Department, Istanbul, Turkey e Mustafa Kemal University, Biology Department, Hatay, Turkey Abstract Dilek Peninsula National Park is 20 km long, located 23 km south of Kusadasi in the State of Aydin. The park shows a rich plant diversity. It is heavily forested because of its protection since 1966. Natural vegetation is typical Mediterranean type composed of different plant communities. The area is under severe pressure from several degradative forces. An attempt has been made here to present the biogeographical and ecophysiological aspects of the degraded and healthy sites in the area. Key words: Dilek Peninsula, Biogeography, Degradation, Water relations Introduction Dilek Peninsula is situated within the borders of Kusadasi city, the bay of Kusadasi lying in the east, Great Menderes river in the South and the Aegean sea in the west. Almost whole of the peninsula has been declared as a national park in 1966 with an area of 10.985 ha (Celik et al. 2003). Several investigations have been undertaken on this park due to its rich biodiversity, climatic features and geographical situation (Secmen, 1974; Ozturk et al. 1994, 1995; Gokmen et al. 1997; Celik et al. 1997, 2003), however, most detailed study belongs to Uslu (1981,1985). The area is full of rock formations from Paleozoic-Quaternary geological periods. The oldest rock formations are metamorphosites; forming Menderes massive; which belong to the Paleozoic age, covered by Mesozoic calcareous deposits, which have got crystallised at some places. In the north we come across Neogene formations. Miocene rock formations are observed between Soke-Kusadasi and the sedimentary rocks are composed of conglomerates, sandstones and clayey stones. Most recent formations in the area are slope debris, belonging to different times of Quaternary period, with stratified fillings all along the Great Menderes river valley in particular in the east of the area and alluvial deposits filling the valley bottom (Yuksel, 1971). Massive mountainous part extends from east to west with elevations above 1200 m, separated from the Sisam (Samos) island in the Aegean sea by a strait. Western coasts of the peninsula are very steep and deep valleys are found in the north and south of the area formed by short running streams flowing into the Aegean Sea. The streams flowing towards the Menderes river in the south have produced sedimentary conical formations and alluvial fans.