With the arrival of winter, Lebanon’s landscapes come alive with the presence of majestic owls. These nocturnal birds of prey are often elusive, but through the skillful lens of Chadi Saad from the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), their beauty and mystery have been brought into focus. Saad has documented three remarkable species in Lebanon: the Long-eared Owl chick, the Long-eared Owl, and the Barn Owl.
Owls play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, controlling rodent populations, and contributing to Lebanon’s biodiversity. As temperatures drop, these birds move into forested areas and agricultural landscapes, where they find ample food sources such as small mammals, insects, and songbirds. They prefer quiet woodlands, olive groves, and remote valleys, where they can hunt undisturbed.
The Owls Captured by Chadi Saad
1. Long-eared Owl Chick (Asio otus)
The Long-eared Owl is one of Lebanon’s most captivating nocturnal species, and its chicks are particularly fascinating. With fluffy plumage and large, inquisitive eyes, these young owls are often seen perched close to their nests, waiting for their parents to return with food. Unlike some other owl species, Long-eared Owls prefer roosting in dense vegetation, making them difficult to spot. Saad’s photography offers a rare glimpse into the early life stages of this elusive species.
2. Long-eared Owl (Asio otus)
As adults, Long-eared Owls are striking birds with slender bodies, elongated ear tufts, and intricate feather patterns that provide excellent camouflage. They are known for their silent flight and exceptional hunting skills, preying on field mice, voles, and small birds. These owls are semi-migratory, with some individuals traveling south while others remain in Lebanon’s forests and wetlands throughout the winter.
3. Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
The Barn Owl, with its ghostly white face and heart-shaped facial disc, is one of the most recognizable owl species in Lebanon. It is often found in abandoned buildings, barns, and rocky cliffs where it nests and hunts for small rodents. These owls play a vital role in natural pest control, helping farmers by keeping rodent populations in check. Barn Owls are known for their eerie, screeching calls, which can be heard echoing through Lebanon’s rural landscapes at night.
A Haven for Lebanon’s Owls
Lebanon’s diverse habitats, from coastal plains to mountain forests, provide an ideal environment for a variety of owl species. However, habitat loss, urban expansion, and illegal hunting pose significant threats to these magnificent birds. Conservation efforts led by organizations like SPNL are essential in ensuring that owls continue to thrive in the region.
The Role of Anti-Poaching Unit and the Homat Al Hima Program
SPNL has been at the forefront of wildlife conservation in Lebanon through initiatives like the Homat Al Hima Program and its Anti-Poaching Unit. The Homat Al Hima program engages local communities in protecting natural habitats, promoting sustainable hunting practices, and educating people about the importance of biodiversity. By empowering local guardians (Homat), SPNL ensures that protected areas remain safe havens for owls and other wildlife.
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The Anti-Poaching Unit, a dedicated team within SPNL, plays a crucial role in monitoring and preventing illegal hunting activities. Lebanon has long struggled with poaching, which threatens owls and many other bird species. Through on-the-ground patrolling, reporting violations, and collaborating with authorities, this unit has rescued and rehabilitated numerous owls that were caught or injured due to illegal hunting practices. Their efforts have significantly contributed to the preservation of Lebanon’s rich birdlife.
BioConnect: Supporting and Funding Anti-Poaching efforts
The expansion and sustainability of anti-poaching efforts are driven by BioConnect, a program committed to enhancing biodiversity conservation and ecological resilience. By providing financial support, technical expertise, and capacity building, BioConnect empowers anti-poaching activists to take the lead in conservation.
About BioConnect
BioConnect is a collaborative project funded by the European Union, aiming to ensure effective management and governance of sites of ecological importance and expand biodiversity protection in Southern Lebanon. The initiative brings together four Lebanese partners—Al Shouf Cedar Society (ACS), Association for the Development of Rural Capacities (ADR), Association for Community and Environment (ACE), and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL)—to work towards enhancing ecosystem health, socio-economic benefits, and community support.
#EUBioConnect4Lebanon
The European Union supports Lebanon’s stability, independence and sovereignty, its prosperity and democratic order. It strives also to help protect its environment and natural resources by supporting sustainable enterprise and development.
Find out more about the EU’s work in Lebanon or follow it on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @EUinLebanon
