Taurus Mountains

Located in the Central Anatolian province of Konya, the Central Taurus Mountains lures visitors and onlookers with its vibrant colors during the autumn season. (AA Photo)

Turkey's unique and critically endangered Anatolian meadow viper is under threat from serious habitat loss caused by various factors, including the opening of new stone quarries, according to an expert.

We have completed our preparations for a fun trip along the Taurus Mountains from Termessos to Side. We turn toward Korkuteli from the city center of Antalya and follow the signs to Güllük Mountain National Park in Termessos. In order to reach the parking area by the ruins at the top, we need to climb for about eight kilometers on a crooked asphalt road.

Known as the "silent frog," the Taurus frog is a frog species living only in the Karagöl, Çiniligöl and Eğrigöl lakes in the Bolkar mountains in Turkey's Central Anatolian region. 

A new project will provide tourists ease of access to the two large sinkholes in the Taurus Mountains, known as the Cennet and Cehennem (Heaven and Hell) caves in Turkey's southern province of Mersin, Development Minister Lütfi Elvan has announced.

A starfish fossil has been found at an altitude of 1,200 meters in the southern Turkish province of Mersin's Bozyazı district, Doğan News Agency has reported. 

The fossil appears to prove that the Taurus Mountains were under the sea millions of years ago.

The starfish fossil was discovered in a rock, with locals saying there are many fossils of barnacles in the vicinity.