Human Threats to Population of Endemic Sand Dune Cricket (Schizodactylus inexpectatus)

Endemic sand dune cricket, Schizodactylus inexpectatus, (Orthoptera: Schizodactylidae) occupy only in the sand dune habitats of Adana and Mersin provinces of Turkey in the world. Although human presence is prohibited on these sand dune protected areas, (Cukurova Delta & Goksu Delta) without a government permit the law is not enforced and tourism, grazing, sand excavation and agricultural lands to the protected areas are increasing. In this study, all localities, where S. inexpectatus lives were examined and relation between population dynamic of endemic sand dune cricket and some anthropogenic affects were determined. Endemic sand dune cricket was found with low population in disturbed sand dune habitats according to natural ones. (C) 2011 Friends Science Publishers