Population Status, Phenological Characteristics, and Threat Factors of Pancratium maritimum L. (Sand Lily) in the Göksu Delta, Belek, and Patara Special Environmental Protection Areas

This study assesses the population status, phenological characteristics, and threats to Pancratium maritimum L. in the Göksu Delta, Belek, and Patara Special Environmental Protection Areas (SEPA). Population density was estimated using the percentage cover in sample plots; phenological stages were monitored monthly, and threat factors were recorded through qualitative observations during fieldwork. Due to data not following a normal distribution (p < 0.001), the Kruskal–Wallis test was used for comparisons between regions, and the Mann–Whitney U test was used for pairwise comparisons. The average percentage cover of P. maritimum populations was 22.7% in the Göksu Delta SEPA, which was found to be significantly higher than in the Belek (14.2%) and Patara (10.3%) SEPAs (p < 0.001); no significant difference was detected between Belek and Patara. The species’ life cycle spans from April to November, with overlapping phenological stages. It is assessed that the low percentage cover observed in the sample plots of the Belek SEPA may be related to heavy beach use and tourism, while in Patara, abiotic factors—particularly difficulties in seedling root establishment in shifting sand dunes—may play a comparable role. Conservation measures—including habitat restoration, regulation of visitor access, construction of wooden boardwalks, public awareness campaigns, species monitoring programs, and strengthened collaboration with stakeholders—are expected to be beneficial for this species. This study provides a fundamental reference dataset for ecosystem-based conservation planning and coastal biodiversity management.