Important Bird Areas-IBAs: Anjar Kfar Zabad

Location:

Eastern Bekaa, at foot of the Anti-Lebanon mountain range, in the municipalities of Anjar and Kfar Zabad. Total area: 326 ha

 IBA Criteria met: A1

Explanation:

At least fifteen breeding pairs of Syrian Serins (Serinus syriacus) were present at the site in spring 2005, plus Lebanon’s second only record of Bearded Tit. Number of species observed: 69

Habitat:

Freshwater wetland, Agriculture / cultivation, Woodland / forest

Other wildlife interest:

Common Otter (Lutra lutra), Wild Cat (Felis sylvestris), reptiles and amphibians.

Threats:

Hunting, disturbance of birds, water abstraction, diversion of water/canalization, irrigation, agricultural intensification, grazing.

 Current conservation measures & future plans:

Declaration of Hima at Kfar Zabad, including hunting ban, access restriction, habitat creation / restoration. Current-declaration of Hima at Anjar from the mountain slopes along the riverside. Future – Extension of Hima conservation approach to the entire site.