Water birds play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, especially in wetland habitats. As Lebanon prepares to celebrate World Wetlands Day on February 2, 2025, under the theme “Wetlands and Waterbirds: A Vital Connection,” it is important to highlight the essential role these birds play in our environment. This year, we turn our focus to Ammiq Wetland, one of Lebanon’s most significant freshwater ecosystems and a haven for diverse bird species. Through the lens of Chadi Saad, SPNL photographer and manager of the Hima Hammana Raptor Project and birdwatching site, we explore the beauty of Lebanon’s water birds and the urgent need to protect them.
Ammiq Wetland: A Sanctuary for Water Birds
The recent documentation of 24 Marbled Ducks in a single shoot at Ammiq Wetland is an unprecedented record for Lebanon and a landmark event in monitoring efforts. Typically observed in much smaller groups, this sighting highlights the critical importance of Ammiq as a stronghold for this globally threatened species. The presence of such a large concentration suggests that the wetland offers an essential refuge and feeding ground, reinforcing the need for enhanced conservation measures to protect these birds from habitat degradation and illegal hunting. This rare documentation serves as a testament to the effectiveness of conservation initiatives and the resilience of Lebanon’s wetland ecosystems.
Ammiq Wetland, Lebanon’s largest remaining freshwater wetland, is a key stopover for migratory birds along the African-Eurasian Flyway. This unique ecosystem provides a habitat for numerous bird species, including residents and migrants. The wetland’s rich biodiversity underscores its importance as a conservation priority. Among the remarkable species documented at Ammiq Wetland are:
- Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)
The global population is estimated to number c.270,000-570,000 individuals (Wetlands International 2015). This roughly equates to 180,000-380,000 mature individuals. The European population is estimated at 31,600-46,000 pairs, which equates to 63,100-92,100 mature individuals (BirdLife International 2015).
Decreasing
- Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus)
Trend justification The overall population trend is decreasing, although some populations have unknown trends (Wetlands International 2015). The European population trend is unknown (BirdLife International 2015).
Breeding site The nest is a substantial cup of vegetation (del Hoyo et al. 1996, Taylor 1998) that is usually positioned in thick stands of reeds or rushes on the ground in or near water, or rarely on a tree stump or in the open (del Hoyo et al. 1996, Taylor 1998). Nests placed in water are built up if the water level rises (Urban et al. 1986).
- Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)
Population information: The global population is estimated to number c.450,000-780,000 individuals (Wetlands International 2015). The European population is estimated at 53,900-75,700 pairs, which equates to 108,000-151,000 mature individuals (BirdLife International 2015).
Current population trend
Increasing
Trend justification: The overall population trend is unclear, some populations may be stable, increasing or have unknown trends (Wetlands International 2015). The European population is estimated to be stable (BirdLife International 2015).
- Garganey (Spatula querquedula)
Population information: The global population is estimated to number c.2,600,000-2,800,000 individuals (Wetlands International 2015). The European population is estimated at 352,000-524,000 pairs, which equates to 704,000-1,050,000 mature individuals (BirdLife International 2015).
Current population trend
Decreasing
Threats impacting the species
Breeding The most significant threat encountered by this species on its breeding grounds in Europe is habitat deterioration through the drainage and reclamation of wetlands (Kear 2005b), the increasing climatic aridity and subsequent lowering of the water table, and the transformation of wetlands to dammed reservoirs (Scott and Rose 1996). Other threats to this species include the destruction of nests during the early mowing of meadows (Kear 2005b), increased human disturbance (Kear 2005b), lead poisoning, botulism during hot summers (Kear 2005b) and hunting disturbance in Africa and Europe (Vaananen 2001) (> 500,000 are shot annually in Russia, Ukraine, France and Poland) (Kear 2005b). The invasive species American Mink Mustela vison also poses a threat through nest predation (Opermanis et al. 2001), and the species is susceptible to avian influenza (particularly strain H5N1) so is therefore threatened by outbreaks of the virus (Melville and Shortridge 2006). Non-breeding On its wintering grounds in Nigeria and Senegal the species is threatened by habitat destruction through dam construction, vegetation overgrowth and desertification (del Hoyo 1992, Polet 2000, Triplett and Yesou 2000), and in West Africa it is threatened by large-scale river diversion and irrigation schemes (Scott and Rose 1996). The species is also at risk from avian influenza in its African wintering grounds (Gaidet et al. 2007) as well as in its breeding areas (Melville and Shortridge 2006). The proportion of the species which migrates via the West Siberian flyway is susceptible to West Nile Virus, and is therefore threatened by future outbreaks (Ternovoi et al. 2004).
Utilisation This species is hunted in Denmark , but there is evidence that this may be sustainable (Bregnballe et al. 2006). The species is also hunted for commercial and recreational purposes in Gilan Province, northern Iran (Balmaki and Barati 2006).
- Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra)
Population information: The global population is estimated to number c.7,950,000-9,750,000 individuals (Wetlands International 2016). This roughly equates to 5,300,000-6,500,000 mature individuals. The European population is estimated at 945,000-1,550,000 pairs, which equates to 1,890,000-3,090,000 mature individuals (BirdLife International 2015).
Current population trend
Increasing
Breeding site The nest is a platform of vegetation that may be resting on the bottom of shallow water, floating or on a foundation of trampled plant matter in emergent vegetation (del Hoyo et al. 1996). The species may also nest on artificial platforms, islands, rafts, tree stumps, tree forks or in bushes up to 3 m above the water (del Hoyo et al. 1996, Taylor and van Perlo 1998).
Management information A study in the Czech Republic found that fish ponds with a fish stock density of less than 400 kg/ha, water transparency of more than 50 cm, mixed fish stocks (e.g. tench and pike or perch) rather than monospecific stocks (e.g. of carp), and systems that include ponds with fish fry (to provide areas with low fish competition and high invertebrate availability) are more successful in supporting breeding pairs of this species (Musil 2006). The cyclical removal of adult fish from an artificial waterbody (gravel pit) in the UK (leaving small fish for piscivorous birds) resulted in increased winter use of the habitat by the species as result of an increase in the growth of submerged aquatic macrophytes (Giles 1994). The removed fish (dead or alive) were sold to generate funds (Giles 1994).
- Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)
Population information
The global population is estimated to number c.610,000-3,500,000 individuals (Wetlands International 2015). The European population is estimated at 129,000-208,000 pairs, which equates to 258,000-417,000 mature individuals (BirdLife International 2015).
Current population trend
Decreasing
Breeding site The nest is a floating platform of aquatic plant matter (del Hoyo et al. 1992) anchored to emergent vegetation (Fjeldsa 2004), submerged branches or bushes close to the edge of shallow wetlands (Brown et al. 1982).
Management information In France it was found that the presence of aquatic macrophytes was the most important factor in attracting the species to new artificial habitats (such as gravel pits) (Santoul and Mastrorillo 2004).
- Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) – Adult and Juvenile
This species has an extremely large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence <20,000 km2 combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). The population trend appears to be stable therefore it is not thought to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size is very large, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
- Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides)
Population information: The global population is estimated at 370,000-780,000 (Wetlands International 2015). The European population is estimated at 15,000-25,900 pairs, which equates to 30,000-51,700 mature individuals (BirdLife International 2015).
Trend justification: The overall population trend is unclear, some populations are thought to be stable and others may be increasing or decreasing (Wetlands International 2015). The European population trend is estimated to be stable (BirdLife International 2015).
- Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)
Behaviour This species is predominantly sedentary or locally dispersive, but makes partially or fully migratory movements in the northern parts of its range due to its vulnerability to freezing conditions (Taylor and van Perlo 1998). Most northern populations move south from September to December, returning again from March to May (del Hoyo et al. 1996). The species breeds in solitary territorial pairs during the spring, especially during wet months (the exact timing varying geographically) (del Hoyo et al. 1996). It remains largely solitary throughout the year although juveniles and adults may form diurnal feeding groups of up to 30 individuals in the winter, especially during hard weather (Taylor and van Perlo 1998), often congregating on sheltered lakes and ponds (del Hoyo et al. 1996).
Habitat The species inhabits freshwater wetlands, both still and moving, requiring easy access to open water (del Hoyo et al. 1996) and showing a preference for waters sheltered by woodland, bushes or tall emergent vegetation (del Hoyo et al. 1996, Taylor and van Perlo 1998). Suitable habitats include slow-flowing rivers (del Hoyo et al. 1996, Taylor and van Perlo 1998), oxbow lakes (Taylor and van Perlo 1998), streams, canals, ditches, lakes, reservoirs, sites with small open water surfaces such as pools and ponds only a few metres across, swamps, marshes (del Hoyo et al. 1996, Taylor and van Perlo 1998), seasonally flooded sites (del Hoyo et al. 1996) such as flood-plains (Taylor and van Perlo 1998), disused gravel pits, rice-fields (del Hoyo et al. 1996, Taylor and van Perlo 1998), sewage ponds (Taylor and van Perlo 1998), and occasionally seashores (Azerbaijan) (Taylor and van Perlo 1998). It generally avoids very open sites (especially those exposed to wind or wave action) (del Hoyo et al. 1996, Taylor and van Perlo 1998) and oligotrophic or saline habitats (although it may be found on brackish waters) (del Hoyo et al. 1996, Taylor and van Perlo 1998). When foraging the species may range onto drier grassland, agricultural land or meadows, and on migration and in the winter months it can often be observed on damp grassland away from water (Taylor and van Perlo 1998).
- Ruff (Calidris pugnax)
Population information
The European population is estimated at 265,000-1,650,000 calling or lekking males, which equates to 531,000-3,310,000 mature individuals or 797,000-4,970,000 individuals (BirdLife International 2015). Europe forms approximately 50% of the global range so a very preliminary estimate of the global population size is 1,594,000-9,940,000 individuals. The global population was previously estimated to number 2,000,000-2,600,000 individuals (Wetlands International 2006). The upper estimate of the European population size is considerably larger than the Wetlands International (2006) global estimate. The extrapolated European population size is therefore used here and the population placed in the band 1,500,000-9,999,999 individuals.
Current population trend
Decreasing
- Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)
Threats impacting the species: The main threat to this species is habitat degradation (Hancock et al. 1992, del Hoyo et al. 1992, Balian et al. 2002, Lohmus and Sellis 2003, Diagana et al. 2006). The area of suitable habitat available for breeding is being reduced in Russia and Eastern Europe through deforestation (del Hoyo et al. 1992) (particularly the destruction of large traditional nesting trees) (Hancock et al. 1992, Lohmus and Sellis 2003), the rapid development of industry and farming (Hancock et al. 1992), the building of dams (Diagana et al. 2006) and lake drainage for irrigation and hydroelectric power production (Balian et al. 2002). The species’s wetland wintering habitats in Africa are further threatened by conversion (del Hoyo et al. 1992), agricultural intensification, desertification and pollution caused by the concentration of pesticides and other chemicals (del Hoyo et al. 1992, Diagana et al. 2006). The species is also occasionally killed by collisions with power-lines and overhead cables (Hockey et al. 2005), and hunting in southern Europe and tropical Asia (especially during migration) have caused population declines (Hancock et al. 1992).
- Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)
Trend justification: The overall population trend is uncertain, as some populations are decreasing, while others are increasing or have unknown trends (Wetlands International 2015). In Europe the population is estimated to be declining moderately rapidly (BirdLife International 2015, EBCC 2018).
Behaviour The majority of this species is fully migratory although some populations may only undergo local dispersive movements (del Hoyo et al. 1992). It breeds between April and September in Europe, in all months of the year in Africa (peaking during the long rainy season) and from November to March in Australasia, nesting either in solitary, dispersed pairs or in loose colonies (forming only where safe nesting sites are few and feeding areas are extensive) (del Hoyo et al. 1992, Fjeldså 2004). After breeding (from August to October), adults may disperse locally to large lakes and reservoirs to undergo a flightless moulting period, during which gatherings of hundreds of individuals (occasionally even greater than 10,000) may form (del Hoyo et al. 1992, Fjeldså 2004). During the winter the species largely remains solitary, especially when feeding, but temporary congregations of up to 5,000 individuals may form in some areas (Snow and Perrins 1998, Fjeldså 2004).
- Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
This species has an extremely large range and the population size is very large, hence does not approach threatened thresholds for the range or population size criteria. Despite the fact that the population trend appears to be decreasing, the decline is not believed to be sufficiently rapid to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion. For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
- Eurasian Teal (Anas crecca)
Population information: The global population is estimated at c. 2,800,000 mature individuals (per Partners in Flight 2019, Wetlands International 2020). The European population is estimated at 557,000-915,000 pairs, which equates to 1,110,000-1,830,000 mature individuals (BirdLife International 2015).
- Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata)
Population information
The global population is estimated to number 6,500,000-7,000,000 individuals (Wetlands International 2015). This roughly equates to 4,300,000-4,700,000 mature individuals. The European population is estimated at 170,000-233,000 pairs, which equates to 340,000-466,000 mature individuals (BirdLife International 2015).
Current population trend
Decreasing
- White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis)
Trend justification: The species is suspected to be increasing owing to its ability to colonise gardens and palm oil plantations. Its range has expanded into Sumatra but it appears to be absent from Singapore where it previously occurred (del Hoyo et al. 2001). In Europe the population size is estimated to be decreasing by at least 10% in 11.4 years (three generations) (BirdLife International 2015).
- Pygmy Cormorant (Microcarbo pygmaeus)
Trend justification: The overall population trend is increasing, although some populations have stable trends (Wetlands International 2015). The European population is estimated to be increasing (BirdLife International 2015).
- Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
Trend justification: The overall population trend is increasing, although some populations may be stable and others have unknown trends (Wetlands International 2006). The European breeding population trend is estimated to be decreasing (BirdLife International 2015) or stable (EBCC 2015) in the short-term.
- Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) – Adult and Juvenile
Trend justification: The overall population trend is increasing, although some populations may be stable, decreasing or have unknown trends (Wetlands International 2015). This species has undergone a small or statistically insignificant decrease over the last 40 years in North America (data from Breeding Bird Survey and/or Christmas Bird Count: Butcher and Niven 2007) Note, however, that these surveys cover less than 50% of the species’s range in North America. The European population is estimated to be decreasing by less than 25% in 24.3 years (three generations) (BirdLife International 2015).
- Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus)
Population information: The global population size has not been estimated owing to recent taxonomic splits. The European population is estimated at 63,100-111,000 pairs, which equates to 126,000-222,000 mature individuals (BirdLife International 2015). Europe forms approximately 20% of the global range so a very preliminary estimate of the global population would be 630,000-1,110,000 mature individuals although further validation of this estimate is needed. The population is therefore placed in the band 600,000-1,199,999 mature individuals.
Current population trend
Decreasing
- Gray Heron (Ardea cinerea)
Behaviour Most Palearctic populations of this species are fully migratory, dispersing widely in September-October after the breeding season and returning to breeding grounds in February (Kushlan and Hancock 2005). Further south, populations tend to be sedentary or only partially migratory. Most migratory movements occur nocturnally, with birds moving in small parties or larger flocks of 200-250 (Brown et al. 1982). The species breeds January-May in the Palearctic Region, and in spring and summer in temperate areas, but mainly during the rains in Africa and the tropics (although here it may also breed in any month of the year) (Kushlan and Hancock 2005). It breeds in mixed colonies of hundreds or thousands of pairs (the largest colony in Europe is 800-1,300 pairs), although it may also nest solitarily or in small groups of 2-10 nests (Kushlan and Hancock 2005). The species is typically a solitary feeder but at abundant temporary food sources, or where available feeding areas are restricted, large congregations may occur (Snow and Perrins 1998, Kushlan and Hancock 2005). It feeds at any time day or night, but is most active at dawn or dusk, typically roosting communally or solitary during the middle of the day and at night in trees and on cliffs, low rocks, islets or along shores (Brown et al. 1982, Kushlan and Hancock 2005).
Habitat This species is a generalist in its habitat use, although shallow water, relatively large prey, and four or five months of ice-free breeding season are among the essential characteristics of its habitat (Kushlan and Hancock 2005). It occurs from sea-level up to 500 or even 1,000 m, occasionally breeding much higher (Snow and Perrins 1998) (2,000 m in Armenia, 3,500-4,000 m in Ladakh, north-west India), inhabits any kind of shallow water, either fresh, brackish or saline, both standing or flowing, and shows a preference for areas with trees as it is commonly an arboreal rooster and nester. Some degree of isolation and protection are also typical of places chosen for roosting and nesting (Kushlan and Hancock 2005). The species is found inland on broad rivers, narrow streams, lake shores, ornamental ponds, fish-ponds, marshes, flood-plains, reeds swamps, rice-fields and other irrigated areas, river oxbows, reservoirs, ditches, canals, sewage farms, inland deltas, and on islets and emerging rocks (Brown et al. 1982, Snow and Perrins 1998, Kushlan and Hancock 2005). On the coast the species also frequents deltas, salt-marshes, mangroves, estuaries, tidal mudflats, muddy and sandy shores, and sand-spits (Brown et al. 1982, Snow and Perrins 1998, Kushlan and Hancock 2005).
Diet Its diet consists predominantly of fish and eels 10-25 cm long, as well as amphibians, crabs, molluscs, crustaceans, aquatic insects, snakes, small rodents, small birds and plant matter (although this may be incidental, or only to aid in pellet formation) (Brown et al. 1982, Snow and Perrins 1998, Kushlan and Hancock 2005).
Breeding site The nest is a stick platform that is often re-used over successive years, usually positioned high in a tall tree up to 50 m, but also on the ground or on cliff edges, in reedbeds or in bushes. In reed-beds nests may be built of reeds, and ground nests may be reduced to a slight scrape, ringed with small stones and debris (Snow and Perrins 1998, Kushlan and Hancock 2005). The species commonly nests in colonies, and nesting sites are typically situated 2-38 km (convenient flying distance) from preferred feeding areas (Kushlan and Hancock 2005).
- Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)
Population information
The total population is estimated to number over 4,000,000 individuals (Wetlands International 2006). The European population alone has recently been estimated at 2,670,000-5,060,000 pairs, which equates to 5,350,000-10,100,000 mature individuals (BirdLife International 2015). Europe forms approximately 35% of the species’s global range therefore a very preliminary estimate of the species’s global population size would be 15,000,000-29,000,000 mature individuals although further validation of this estimate is needed.
Current population trend
Decreasing
- Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula)
Population information: The global population is estimated to number c.415,000-1,400,000 individuals (Wetlands International 2015). National population sizes have been estimated at < c.1,000 individuals on migration and < c.1,000 wintering individuals in Japan and c.10,000-100,000 breeding pairs and c.1,000-10,000 individuals on migration in Russia (Brazil 2009). The European population is estimated at 140,000-213,000 pairs, which equates to 280,000-426,000 mature individuals (BirdLife International 2015).
Current population trend
Decreasing
Threats impacting the species: Important migratory stop-over habitats for this species on the Baltic Sea coastline are threatened by petroleum pollution, wetland drainage for irrigation, land abandonment and changing land management practices leading to scrub overgrowth (Grishanov et al. 2006). The species is also susceptible to avian botulism (so may be threatened by future outbreaks of the disease) (Blaker 1967), and suffers predation from feral America mink Neovison vison in some regions (Nordstrom et al. 2003).
The species is suspected of having undergone a moderately rapid decline across its range, with evidence of reductions in the south Asian and east Mediterranean populations (where the species has become extinct as a breeding species in Georgia and Türkiye), suspected declines in the largest south west Asian population centred on the Mesopotamian marshes, while the north African population appears to be stable. Overall the rate of reduction is suspected to approach the threatened thresholds, and Marbled Teal is assessed as Near Threatened.
Drivers of the decline are thought to be habitat destruction through wetland loss, degradation and disturbance as well as climate change, which amplifies the impacts of wetland loss and degradation through extreme weather events. Direct mortality from hunting is also thought to contribute to declines in parts of the range. Mitigation action does not appear to be sufficient to adequately address these threats and the long-standing declines in the population of this species are therefore suspected to continue.
The Importance of Water Birds for Lebanon’s Biodiversity
Water birds play an essential role in wetland ecosystems. They contribute to pest control, nutrient cycling, and maintaining ecological balance. The presence of diverse water bird species indicates a healthy environment. However, illegal hunting and habitat destruction threaten their populations. Protecting these birds is critical to sustaining Lebanon’s rich biodiversity.
SPNL’s Anti-Poaching Efforts
The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) has been at the forefront of conservation efforts, particularly in combating illegal hunting through its Anti-Poaching Unit (APU). The APU works to enforce hunting regulations, raise awareness among local communities, and promote responsible birdwatching practices. Through collaborations with governmental agencies and local conservationists, SPNL continues to safeguard migratory birds from poaching threats.
Ammiq Wetland: The Beacon of Conservation
As we celebrate World Wetlands Day 2025, let us recognize the vital role of wetlands and water birds in Lebanon’s natural heritage. Ammiq Wetland stands as a beacon of conservation, showcasing the beauty and importance of these species. Through the dedicated efforts of SPNL, including the work of Chadi Saad and the Anti-Poaching Unit, we can ensure a future where water birds continue to thrive. Protecting Lebanon’s wetlands is not just about preserving wildlife—it is about securing a sustainable environment for future generations.
Source of information : https://datazone.birdlife.org/
