Sakarya University actively maintains and extends terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity within and around its campuses through long-term monitoring, ecological restoration, and habitat enhancement programs.
The flora and fauna of the Esentepe Campus have been systematically recorded and mapped for educational and research purposes. To date, 115 plant species from 39 families have been identified, with 53% native to Türkiye. Native species include Quercus cerris, Quercus robur, and Quercus frainetto, while Pinus pinea and Cupressus sempervirens represent drought-tolerant exotics that support ecosystem stability.
Regular wildlife monitoring via camera traps continues in forested zones, capturing the presence of key species such as roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), golden jackal (Canis aureus), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), and badger (Meles meles).
Captured data are used in biodiversity studies and conservation planning.
Figure 1. Camera trap image of a animals recorded in the campus forest.
Figure 2. Flora and Fauna Catalogue of Sakarya University
Habitat Maintenance and Restoration
The campus is nearly fully vegetated, eliminating erosion-prone areas. Landscape maintenance, selective pruning, and seasonal care are conducted regularly by the Department of Construction and Technical Works to sustain plant health and ecological balance.
The Plant Tissue Research and Production Laboratory reproduces native species in controlled environments to aid ecological restoration both on and off campus. These plants are periodically transplanted to degraded green areas and municipal sites through partnerships with the Ministery of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change.
Figure 3. Plant propagation studies at the Plant Tissue Laboratory.
Sakarya University contributes directly to national ecosystem protection efforts through collaborations on major ecological research projects:
Strengthening the Protected Area System by Determining Ecological Corridors of Turkey’s Green Vascular Plants
Ecological-Based Research for Potential Natural Sites in Erzurum, Karabük, Samsun, and Trabzon
Uzungöl Special Environmental Protection Area Management Plan Revision
Additionally, student and community engagement activities, such as the Fruit Tree Planting Event (2024) and Forest Week Tree Planting Ceremony, help strengthen biodiversity on campus and raise awareness of habitat preservation.
Figure 4. Tree planting activity in the Conservatory Garden (2024).
Through systematic biodiversity monitoring, restoration practices, native plant propagation, and community-based tree planting events, Sakarya University demonstrates an active and measurable commitment to maintaining and extending terrestrial ecosystems. These integrated initiatives ensure long-term protection of campus biodiversity and support Türkiye’s national conservation objectives under SDG 15.
