A scientific study revealing the diversity of butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) in Cyprus, in which Prof. Dr. Özge Özden, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture from Near East University, participated as a co-researcher, was published as the cover story in Insects, a prestigious scientific journal in the Q1 category.
A comprehensive study shedding light on the biological diversity of Cyprus has made a splash in the scientific world by revealing that the island’s butterfly and moth fauna is much richer than previously thought. The internationally significant research has revealed with scientific data that Cyprus has a much richer butterfly and especially moth fauna than previously believed. Within the scope of the study, which was carried out using modern genetic methods, 1,213 butterfly and moth species were confirmed on the island; over 100 new species for Cyprus, 10 species recorded for the first time in Europe, and numerous endemic species found only in Cyprus, were identified. The study, published as the cover story in the journal of Insects, once again highlights Cyprus as a biodiversity bridge between Europe, Asia, and Africa, while strongly demonstrating the contribution of Near East University, which is among the top 500 universities in the world, to international scientific production.
Scientists from six countries collaborated on the study.
The study was authored by Prof. Dr. Özge Özden, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Near East University, along with experienced scientists from Germany, Austria, Finland, the Netherlands, and Canada. The research team included Peter Huemer, Erwin Rennwald, Ian Barton, Jari Junnilainen, Axel Hausmann, Erik J. van Nieukerken, and Paul D. N. Hebert. The interdisciplinary collaboration of experts in molecular biology, classical taxonomy, and biodiversity significantly increased the scientific strength and impact of the study.
Dr. Peter Huemer, a key project partner in the research, has been working for many years on Lepidoptera systematics and biodiversity at the Tyrolean State Museum Ferdinandeum, one of Austria’s leading scientific institutions. Well-known as an international authority on European butterfly and moth fauna, Dr. Huemer is particularly known for his research in molecular taxonomy, DNA barcoding, and the identification of cryptic species. The strong collection infrastructure and scientific expertise of the Tyrolean State Museum Ferdinandeum played a key role in the genetic evaluation of the Cypriot Lepidoptera fauna and in the highly reliable scientific verification of species.
The most comprehensive species list was created with genetic data.
In the research, which is based on more than twenty years of fieldwork, systematic sampling was carried out with artificial light sources, especially to identify moths that are active at night. Within the scope of the study, 1,859 DNA barcodes were created, genetically documenting approximately half of the Lepidoptera fauna of Cyprus. Thanks to the support of genetic analyses with morphological examinations and literature reviews, the most reliable and comprehensive species list prepared for the island to date was produced.
The research also revealed that 158 species records in the scientific literature were misidentified, while 105 genetic groups could not be assigned to any known species. These findings indicate that there are many cryptic species in Cyprus that have not yet been introduced to the scientific world.
A critical study in terms of biodiversity and nature conservation
Given the vital role that butterflies and moths play for ecosystems, the study is of great importance not only academically but also in terms of nature conservation policies. The accurate identification of these species, which are important bioindicators due to their sensitivity to environmental changes, stands out as a fundamental element in the development of effective conservation strategies.
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “One of the most important factors that makes Near East University, which is among the top 500 universities in the world, sustainable is such high-quality and long-term scientific studies.”
Emphasizing that Near East University considers the production of knowledge on a universal scale and its visibility through high-impact publications as a fundamental academic responsibility, the Rector of Near East University, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, said, “I sincerely congratulate our Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Dr. Özge Özden, who contributed to this high-quality study that sheds light on the biological diversity of Cyprus and resonates in the international scientific community.”
Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ added, “One of the most important factors that makes Near East University, which is among the top 500 universities in the world, sustainable is such high-quality and long-term scientific studies.” Şanlıdağ further added; “We consider scientific production not only as an academic achievement but also as a social and environmental responsibility. With this understanding, we will resolutely continue to support research conducted in areas of global importance such as biodiversity, sustainability, and nature conservation, and to further strengthen our academics within international scientific networks.”
Prof. Dr. Özge Özden: “This important study, of which I am taking place as a researcher, also reveals the strength of Near East University’s capacity to produce science on a global scale and its research infrastructure, as one of the top 500 universities in the world.”
Prof. Dr. Özge Özden, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Near East University, added, “This comprehensive study on the butterfly and moth fauna of Cyprus is of great importance in terms of bringing the island’s biodiversity to light. Combining over twenty years of fieldwork with modern genetic analysis has made it possible to both confirm known species and identify previously unrecorded, and even entirely new, species for the scientific community. The publication of this important study, in which I took place as a researcher, as the cover story in the Q1 category journal of Insects is a result of Near East University’s capacity to produce science on a global scale, its strong research infrastructure, and its management approach that prioritizes scientific excellence, making it one of the top 500 universities in the world.”
Prof. Dr. Özden continued, “The data obtained not only contributes to the academic literature but also forms a strong scientific basis for developing sustainable nature conservation policies aimed at protecting Cyprus’ unique biological heritage. With such studies, we aim to both make the biological richness of our country visible and create a scientific ecosystem that will serve as an example at the international level for young researchers.”