A Haven Turned Battleground for Birds
Lebanon lies at the heart of one of the world’s most crucial migratory routes, the East Mediterranean Flyway. Millions of birds from over 400 species traverse this path, journeying between their breeding grounds in Central and Eastern Europe and their wintering habitats in Central and Eastern Africa. Among these species are the Common Crane, White-winged Tern, Glossy Ibis, Hoopoe, Northern Lapwing, Osprey, Pelican, Spur-winged Plover, and White Stork—each playing a vital role in the region’s rich biodiversity.
However, Lebanon’s skies are not as welcoming as they should be. Every year, an estimated 2.6 million birds are illegally killed as they migrate over the country. According to BirdLife International’s report on the illegal killing of birds in the Mediterranean, Lebanon ranks as the fourth most dangerous country for migratory birds in the region.
The Bekaa Valley: A Frontline for Conservation
The Bekaa Valley in East Lebanon, a critical stopover for migratory birds, has become both a refuge and a death trap. Birds that rely on thermals to conserve energy during migration—such as raptors, storks, and cranes—often find themselves at dangerously low altitudes due to weather conditions or fatigue. This vulnerability makes them easy targets for poachers.
Conservationists like Chadi Saad, an SPNL photographer and the manager of the Hima Hammana Raptor Project, are documenting the plight of these birds. Through his lens, the beauty and tragedy of Lebanon’s avian visitors are captured, reinforcing the urgency of action against illegal hunting.
The Role of SPNL and BirdLife International in the Fight Against Poaching
BirdLife International and its Lebanese partner, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), are leading the fight against the illegal killing of birds. SPNL has been instrumental in advocating for policy changes, raising awareness, and directly intervening to stop poaching through its Anti-Poaching Unit (APU).
The APU conducts field patrols, works with law enforcement, and engages local communities in conservation efforts. Their work has led to the identification and prosecution of poachers, contributing to a slow but steady shift in attitudes toward bird conservation in Lebanon.
Flight for Survival: A Global Campaign with Local Impact
BirdLife International’s Flight for Survival campaign sheds light on the threats faced by migratory birds and mobilizes international support for their protection. Lebanon is a key battleground in this campaign, with SPNL playing a crucial role in on-the-ground conservation efforts.
By working with local communities to establish Hima (traditional community-based conservation areas), SPNL fosters a culture of coexistence between humans and birds. These efforts not only protect birds but also promote sustainable livelihoods that benefit from ecotourism and birdwatching.
Brief About the Birds Captured
Common Crane (Grus grus)
A large, elegant bird known for its loud calls and synchronized dancing displays. It migrates through Lebanon in large flocks, using wetlands and open fields as stopover sites.
White-winged Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus)
A small, graceful waterbird that breeds in Eastern Europe and Asia before migrating south. It is often seen hovering over freshwater habitats in search of small fish and insects.
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
This wader has a distinctive iridescent plumage and a long, curved bill. It frequents wetlands and marshes, feeding on aquatic invertebrates during migration.
Hoopoe (Upupa epops)
Recognizable by its striking crown of feathers, the Hoopoe is a ground-foraging bird that prefers open landscapes. It is revered in many cultures and migrates across Lebanon in spring and autumn.
Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)
A striking bird with a greenish-black crest and bold wing patterns. It prefers farmlands and wetlands, where it feeds on invertebrates.
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
A powerful raptor that preys on fish, the Osprey is a seasonal visitor along Lebanon’s coasts and inland water bodies. It is known for its dramatic hunting dives.
Pelican (Pelecanus sp.)
Large waterbirds that travel in flocks along the coast and inland lakes. They use their expansive bills to scoop up fish from the water’s surface.
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 increasing, and hence the species does not 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.
Spur-winged Plover (Vanellus spinosus)
A territorial wader often seen near wetlands and agricultural areas. It is known for its loud alarm calls and striking black-and-white plumage.
White Stork (Ciconia ciconia)
A symbol of migration, the White Stork is famous for its large, elegant stature and black-and-white plumage. It is often seen soaring high on thermals during its long migratory journey between Europe and Africa.
A Call to Action
The fight against illegal bird killing in Lebanon requires sustained action on multiple fronts: stronger law enforcement, community engagement, and continued international support. With ongoing efforts by organizations like SPNL and BirdLife International, there is hope that Lebanon’s skies will one day be safe again for the millions of birds that depend on them.
The images captured by Chadi Saad serve as both a testament to the region’s avian diversity and a stark reminder of the threats they face. If we fail to act, we risk losing not only these magnificent creatures but also a crucial part of Lebanon’s natural heritage.
