Under the BioConnect project funded by the European Union, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) has conducted an extensive study documenting the herpetofauna of various Hima sites across Lebanon. Led by Dr. Riad Sadek, the study highlights the ecological importance of these protected areas and underscores the need for continued conservation efforts.
Methodology
The study employed a rigorous fieldwork approach, with site visits conducted both during the day and night across all seasons. Visual observations were made, and specimens were collected for identification and photographic documentation. Some species were captured by hand or using a noose for further confirmation of identification. The study also relied on indirect information provided by local residents, particularly those with extensive experience in nature and fieldwork. However, such reports were carefully verified before inclusion in the findings.
Amphibians were observed in various stages of development, with some detected as adults at night and others identified in aquatic habitats as tadpoles or nymphs. Given the importance of wetland habitats for amphibians, a key component of the research focused on assessing the availability of water bodies that could support these species.
The Hima sites studied included:
- Ebel El Saqi: A pine forest with open ground and rocky areas, hosting species such as the Marsh Frog (Pelophylax bedriagae), Green Toad (Bufotes sitibundus), and Fan-fingered Gecko (Ptyodactylus puiseuxi). The presence of amphibians here is limited due to the lack of natural water bodies, although artificial reservoirs provide some refuge.
- Ain Zebdeh and Khirbet Qanafar: These two similar sites revealed species like the Salamander (Salamandra infraimmaculata), Mountain Rock Lizard (Phoenicolacerta kulzeri), and House Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus). The salamander, in particular, was observed in small water holes, indicating the need for sustained wetland conservation.
- Ras El Meten: A Mediterranean landscape comparable to Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve, where the presence of the Palestinian Viper (Daboia palaestinae) was confirmed. The habitat supports a diverse range of reptiles, with many species relying on rocky outcrops for shelter.
- Hammana-Dahr El Baydar: A site with diverse habitats ranging from oak woodlands to garrigue, hosting species such as the Lebanon Wall Lizard (Phoenicolacerta laevis) and Bridled Skink (Heremites vittatus). The area’s variation in altitude contributes to its rich herpetofauna diversity.
- Mansouri Beach: A coastal habitat crucial for the conservation of the endangered Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtles, as well as the Fringe-toed Lizard (Acanthodactylus boskianus). The sandy environment provides nesting sites for these marine species, although threats from human activity remain a significant concern.
- Qleileh Beach: A narrow pebble beach with limited reptile diversity, requiring further seasonal study to confirm the presence of amphibians. The absence of substantial water bodies in the immediate vicinity limits amphibian populations.
Key Findings
The research revealed a wide range of herpetofauna species across the studied Himas, underscoring the significance of these protected areas in Lebanon. Among the notable findings:
- Amphibian Distribution and Habitat Dependence: Amphibian populations were found to be particularly sensitive to habitat conditions, with species like the Marsh Frog and Salamander relying on stable water sources. The study recommends creating and maintaining small ponds to support these populations.
- Reptile Abundance in Rocky and Forested Habitats: Many lizard and snake species, such as the Hardun (Laudakia stellio) and Bridled Skink, were found to thrive in rocky outcrops and dry stone walls. These microhabitats should be preserved to maintain biodiversity.
- Presence of Venomous Species: The Palestinian Viper was confirmed in multiple sites, highlighting the need for awareness programs to educate local communities on how to coexist with these reptiles safely.
- Threats from Habitat Loss and Human Activities: The study identified habitat destruction, deforestation, and urban encroachment as major threats to herpetofauna in Lebanon. In coastal areas, sea turtle nesting sites are particularly vulnerable to human disturbances, such as artificial lighting and unregulated tourism.
Conservation Significance and Recommendations
This research contributes significantly to understanding Lebanon’s herpetofauna and lays the groundwork for future conservation strategies under the BioConnect project. Based on the findings, the study proposes the following conservation measures:
- Enhancing Habitat Availability: Increasing the availability of water bodies can help support amphibian populations, especially in Himas where such habitats are currently limited. This can include the construction of artificial ponds or the restoration of natural wetland areas.
- Protection of Key Species: Certain species, such as the Mountain Rock Lizard and Loggerhead Turtle, require targeted conservation efforts. Protecting known nesting sites for turtles and ensuring that key rocky habitats remain undisturbed can significantly benefit these species.
- Community Engagement and Education: Raising awareness among local communities about the ecological importance of herpetofauna can lead to better conservation outcomes. Encouraging responsible behavior, such as discouraging the collection of reptiles for the pet trade, is crucial.
- Mitigating Human-Wildlife Conflict: Given the presence of venomous species like the Palestinian Viper, it is essential to develop educational programs that teach safe practices for human-wildlife interactions. Avoiding unnecessary killings of these snakes will help maintain ecological balance.
- Long-Term Monitoring and Research: Establishing regular monitoring programs in these Hima sites can help track population trends and identify emerging threats. Further studies on species distribution and habitat use can refine conservation strategies over time.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Herpetofauna Conservation in Lebanon
The findings of this study highlight the need for a coordinated conservation approach to protect Lebanon’s herpetofauna. The BioConnect project, supported by the EU, aims to continue its efforts in safeguarding these species and their habitats by implementing sustainable conservation practices.
Future research initiatives should focus on expanding surveys to additional Hima sites, assessing the impact of climate change on species distributions, and enhancing collaboration between conservation organizations, government agencies, and local communities.
With the right conservation measures in place, Lebanon’s rich herpetofauna can be preserved for future generations, ensuring that its diverse ecosystems continue to thrive.
Download the study from this link
Click to access Herpetofauna-of-the-studied-Himas.pdf
Overview of the BioConnect Project
The BioConnect Project, funded by the European Union, aims to enhance the management and governance of environmentally significant sites in southern Lebanon and establish new protected areas to preserve natural landscapes and biodiversity on a broader scale in the region.
Project Partners
Four main partners implement the project:
- Shouf Biosphere Reserve Association (ACS)
- Association for Rural Capacities Development (ADR)
- Association for Community and Environment (ACE)
- Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL)
These partners work collectively to:
- Improve the management of significant environmental sites.
- Establish new protected areas.
- Implement “Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures” (OECMs) for more comprehensive landscape preservation.
Main Objectives
The project seeks to achieve the following goals:
- Enhancing Ecosystem Health
- Improve social and economic benefits derived from ecosystems.
- Reducing Biodiversity Pressures
- Support local communities to ensure the sustainability of conservation efforts.
Geographical Scope
The project focuses on four main regions:
- Southern Coastal Lebanon
- Western Bekaa
- Mount Lebanon
- Southern Lebanon Mountains
Targeted Sites
The project covers the following Himas:
- Qolaila and Mansouri
- Khirbet Qanafar
- Ain Zebdeh
- Hammana
- Ras el-Metn
- Ibl es-Saqi
Project Duration
The project spans 45 months, from February 1, 2022, to October 31, 2025.
Strategic Goals
1. Biodiversity Conservation
- Develop and implement monitoring protocols for biodiversity, including plants, birds, mammals, and other wildlife.
- Increase knowledge of biodiversity in the targeted areas.
- Create citizen science protocols to ensure the sustainability of research efforts.
- Reduce habitat fragmentation by improving connectivity between natural landscapes.
2. Empowering Traditional Practices
- Support farmers through the “Hima Farm Program” to promote the transition to more sustainable agricultural practices.
3. Education and Capacity Building
- Deliver educational programs through initiatives such as:
- “School Without Walls” (SNOW) for children.
- “Youth Hima Rangers” for young conservationists.
- Develop eco-tourism activities to enhance the ecological tourism value of targeted areas.
- Organize annual Hima Forums to enable Hima leaders to share success stories.
4. Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
- Establish an ecosystem-based framework to address climate change challenges.
- Strengthen the resilience of protected areas to climate change impacts.
5. Policy-Making
- Collaborate with municipalities to draft local policies for biodiversity conservation.
- Promote sustainable resource use in hunting, farming, and fishing activities.
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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.
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