Beste Gizem Özbey

This study undertakes a taxonomic examination of hypogeous fungi collected in Konya Province, Türkiye, on May 11, 2023. An integrative method merges macroscopic and microscopic morphological evaluations with molecular phylogenetic assessments of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) region. The phylogenetic analysis indicates more than 99% sequence similarity to Terfezia albida Ant. Rodr., Mohedano & Bordallo, thus confirming the specimens' taxonomic classification. Although Terfezia albida was previously reported in Türkiye based on morphological features, this research marks the first molecularly verified occurrence outside the Iberian Peninsula, supported by comprehensive morphological and ecological data. The study also includes documentation of habitat specifics, geographic coordinates, collection dates, and photographic evidence. These results expand the range of Terfezia albida and highlight the importance of integrative taxonomic methods in deepening our understanding of hypogeous fungal diversity.

Ultramafic (serpentine) soils, derived from magnesium‐ and iron‐rich rocks, impose extreme edaphic conditions characterized by generally low nutrient availability, high Mg:Ca ratios, and elevated concentrations of metals such as Ni, Cr, and Co. These “harsh environments” act as natural laboratories for studying plant adaptation, endemism, and metal tolerance. Türkiye, with its extensive and geologically diverse ultramafic outcrops, harbors one of the richest serpentine floras in the Northern Hemisphere yet remains understudied relative to other regions. This review synthesizes the historical and contemporary understanding of plant life on Turkish ultramafics, tracing early botanical exploration, herbarium‐based chemical analyses, and field discoveries that have revealed over 60 Ni‐hyperaccumulating taxa and at least 130 serpentine endemics. We highlight how advances in analytical techniques, from portable X‐ray fluorescence (pXRF) to molecular and genomic tools, have expanded the detection and ecological interpretation of metal accumulation. Despite this progress, large geographic and taxonomic gaps persist, particularly for central and eastern Anatolia. Future research priorities include comprehensive chemical reanalysis of herbarium specimens, targeted field surveys of unexplored ultramafic regions, integrative molecular–ecophysiological studies to clarify the mechanisms of serpentine tolerance as well as phylogenetic origins of serpentine endemic plants, and applied studies on conservation approaches for Turkish serpentinophytes. Together, these efforts will enhance our understanding of plant evolution in metal‐rich environments and contribute to both biodiversity conservation and applied fields such as phytoremediation and biogeochemical prospecting.

Biodiversity loss and wildlife decline are two of the most urgent environmental challenges threatening ecosystem services and sustainable development of our planet. The United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) that were adopted in 2015 provide a general model to safeguard social and economic development. This review considers the contribution of wildlife and biodiversity to the SDGs, and specifically SDG 15 as the goal that directly relates to the problem of wildlife and biodiversity and the interrelations of this goal with other objectives. We address the goals of biodiversity, turning challenges of goals into practice, and mainstreaming conservation into sustainable development. This paper presents the importance of multi-sectoral interventions in balancing human health and environmental integrity to ensure a sustainable and dependable future for everyone through a combination of scientific research and global reports. The sustainability of biodiversity in the future depends on the actions displayed by individuals today.

The samples were collected from Ankara, Gaziantep, Konya, Niğde, and Şanlıurfa (Türkiye), between 2020 and 2023. Morphological analyses and nrITS rDNA sequence-based phylogenetic methods were used to examine the samples. Twenty-one specimens displayed morphological features consistent with Terfezia claveryi Chatin at both macro and micro levels. Genetic analysis revealed over 99% sequence similarity with this species. Detailed documentation included habitat descriptions, geographical coordinates, collection dates, and photographic records of macroscopic and microscopic structures. These findings contribute valuable insights into the distribution and taxonomy of T. claveryi in Türkiye.