A Tale of Resilience, Conservation, and the Struggle for Survival
Nestled in the heart of Lebanon’s mountains, Hammana has long been a sanctuary for migrating birds, particularly raptors. Each year, thousands of these magnificent birds, including the short-toed snake eagle (Circaetus gallicus), traverse its skies, pausing briefly before continuing their long journeys. But for one special pair, Hammana became more than just a stopover—it became home.
A Nest in the Pines
In 2020, a pair of short-toed snake eagles chose Hammana’s Hima, a protected area, as their nesting site. For three years, they raised their young amidst the sheltering arms of towering pine trees, their nest delicately perched on a mid-sized pine, safeguarded by larger trees. Here, the parents nurtured their chick, teaching it to soar above the valley, hunt for snakes and small prey, and ultimately prepare for independence.
Birdwatchers and conservationists alike marveled at their presence. The eagles’ residency was a testament to Hammana’s ecological significance, proving that conservation efforts were making a difference. But nature’s triumph was soon challenged by human recklessness.
Take Action: Help Protect These Eagles and Their Habitat
Conservation efforts like Homat Al Hima rely on community support to safeguard these birds and their environment. You can make a difference by contributing to SPNL’s conservation initiatives.
🌿 Donate today and support the protection of Hammana’s eagles and their habitat:
👉 Support Homat Al HimaEvery donation helps preserve Lebanon’s natural heritage, ensuring that future generations can witness the beauty of these incredible raptors in the wild.
A Fire in the Forest
On September 18, 2022, tragedy struck. A fire, deliberately set, tore through the forest where the eagles had built their nest. The flames, fueled by dry underbrush, quickly consumed the tree and its precious structure. Although the fire was extinguished before it could spread further, the damage was done—the nest was reduced to ashes.
In the wake of destruction, there was fear that the eagles might abandon the area altogether. The loss of a nest often signals the end of a breeding territory for raptors, pushing them to search for safer grounds elsewhere. But these eagles were not so easily deterred.
A New Beginning
Determined to survive, the pair relocated. In a nearby location, still within reach of Hammana, they built a new nest. The following spring, they laid another egg, hatching a new generation. Since then, each year, a chick has been raised, trained, and sent soaring into the skies of Hammana.
The presence of these raptors is more than just a marvel for bird enthusiasts—it is an affirmation of resilience, of nature’s ability to adapt and persevere despite adversity. It is also a reminder of the critical need for conservation.
The Watchful Eyes of Conservationists
This extraordinary story would have remained untold if not for the dedicated efforts of conservationists. Chadi Saad, an SPNL Homat Al Hima activist and the Manager of the Hima Hammana Raptor Counting Site, has been at the forefront of documenting and protecting these birds. Through careful monitoring, photography, and awareness campaigns, he and other conservationists ensure that Hammana remains a haven for raptors.
Their work highlights an important truth: conservation is not just about protecting wildlife—it is about preserving the delicate balance of nature and fostering a sense of responsibility among communities.
Echoes in the Sky
From March to December, the skies of Hammana are filled with the unmistakable calls of these eagles—parents guiding their young, chicks testing their wings, and the wind carrying their cries over the valley.
Their story is one of endurance, of a species refusing to be silenced. It is also a call to action, urging us to be stewards of the environment and to safeguard the fragile ecosystems that sustain both wildlife and humanity.
For now, the short-toed snake eagles of Hammana continue to grace its skies, their wings spread wide over a land that has become both their sanctuary and their battleground. And thanks to the unwavering efforts of conservationists, their story is far from over.
