The highly anticipated “A Pictorial Guide to the Animals of Lebanon” by Husein Ali Zorkot has been released, offering an unprecedented look into the country’s diverse mammalian, reptilian, and amphibian species. This groundbreaking field guide, the first of its kind, is funded by the BioConnect EU-funded project and aims to raise awareness and enhance conservation efforts across Lebanon and the wider Middle East.

The guide presents 165 species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians found in Lebanon, excluding birds and fish, in a portable and accessible format. With striking high-resolution photographs, colorful illustrations, detailed black-and-white sketches, and comprehensive species descriptions, the book is a valuable resource for researchers, conservationists, students, and nature enthusiasts alike.

A Comprehensive and Essential Resource

Lebanon is home to a unique biodiversity due to its varied landscapes and climates, spanning coastal plains, mountainous forests, semi-arid plateaus, and wetland ecosystems. However, many of these species are threatened by habitat loss, human encroachment, climate change, and poaching. By offering an in-depth look at the country’s animal life, the guide serves as both an educational tool and a call to action for conservation.

The book is meticulously designed for field identification, including species descriptions that highlight key diagnostic features, size measurements, habitat preferences, life habits, feeding and breeding behaviors, vocalizations, and conservation status. Each species is also listed with its common, scientific, and Arabic names, including local Lebanese dialect variations, making it a truly inclusive reference for diverse audiences.

“This guide is a crucial step in educating people about Lebanon’s often elusive and little-known animals, many of which are facing significant conservation threats,” said Husein Ali Zorkot, the author of the guide. “By bringing these species into the spotlight, we hope to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the natural world and encourage efforts to protect it.”

Connecting Science with Conservation

One of the key highlights of the book is its emphasis on conservation and environmental awareness. Lebanon’s rich natural heritage is under constant pressure due to deforestation, urban expansion, pollution, and climate change. The BioConnect EU-funded project plays a critical role in supporting research and environmental education initiatives such as this guide, helping to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and community-based conservation efforts.

A Guide for All Nature Lovers

The book is not only aimed at biologists and conservationists but also at a broader audience, including hikers, ecotourists, educators, and wildlife enthusiasts. Whether someone is exploring Lebanon’s forests, trekking through the Bekaa Valley, or studying animal behavior in local ecosystems, this guide provides a practical and visually engaging reference to Lebanon’s remarkable wildlife.

The guide includes special sections on animal tracking, field signs, and behavioral patterns, making it an indispensable tool for those interested in wildlife observation and research. Additionally, species that are venomous or pose a potential threat are clearly highlighted, ensuring that users can safely navigate their encounters with Lebanon’s fauna.

Protecting Lebanon’s Wildlife: A Call to Action

Lebanon is home to several endangered species, including the Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana), the Mountain Gazelle (Gazella gazella), and critically endangered sea turtles that nest along its Mediterranean coastline. The book underscores the urgent need for conservation and provides insights into how local communities, researchers, and policymakers can contribute to safeguarding these species.

As part of a broader initiative, the book will also be used in educational workshops, environmental campaigns, and community outreach programs, helping to inspire the next generation of conservationists and promote sustainable practices.

Availability and Future Initiatives

Pre-order your copy today! Delivery starts on March 3, 2025. “A Pictorial Guide to the Animals of Lebanon” is now available for pre-order through SPNL (Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon) and other leading conservation organizations. The book will also be distributed to schools, universities, and research institutions as part of a nationwide environmental education campaign. Secure your copy now from Souk Al Hima Shop via this link: https://soukalhima.spnl.org/product/a-pictorial-guide-to-the-animals-of-lebanon/.

This initiative, supported by BioConnect EU, is part of a larger effort to document, protect, and celebrate Lebanon’s natural heritage. Future projects will focus on wildlife monitoring, habitat restoration, and the development of more educational resources to enhance conservation awareness across the region.

About the Author

Husein Ali Zorkot is a field Biologist, Naturalist, Researcher and Scientific Illustrator at the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon with a passion for Lebanon’s rich biodiversity. Through his extensive fieldwork and documentation, he has contributed significantly to the understanding of Lebanon’s wildlife and the urgent need for conservation.

Pre-order your copy today. Delivery starts on 3 March 2025.

Featured  Illustrations:

🔹 Chelonia mydas (Green Sea Turtle) – Beautifully illustrated with photographs of this iconic marine species, showing its distinct olive-green shell and unique nesting behavior along the Lebanese coastline.

🔹 Sciurus anomalus (Caucasian Squirrel) – A vibrant depiction of this agile tree-dweller, highlighting its distinctive bushy tail and habitat in Lebanon’s oak and pine forests.

🔹 Monachus monachus (Mediterranean Monk Seal) – Rare photographs and illustrations of this critically endangered marine mammal, emphasizing its importance in Mediterranean conservation efforts.

🔹 Lutra lutra seistanica (Eurasian Otter – Seistan Subspecies) – Captivating imagery of this elusive semi-aquatic predator, along with details on its presence in Lebanese rivers and wetland habitats.

🔹 Ursus arctos (Brown Bear) – A detailed page showcasing Lebanon’s historical bear population, with striking images and insights into its ecological significance.

🔹 Vulpes vulpes palaestina, flavescens, arabica (Palestinian, Flavescent, and Arabian Red Foxes) – A comparison of these three subspecies found in Lebanon, with breathtaking illustrations capturing their variations in coat color, habitat preferences, and adaptations to diverse terrains.