In the heart of Lebanon’s Mount Lebanon range, the skies above Hammana tell a story of survival, dedication, and hope. A breathtaking spectacle recently unfolded in this scenic village, where a congregation of Egyptian Vultures (Neophron percnopterus) was captured through the lens of Chadi Saad, a devoted Homat Al Hima activist and Manager of the Hima Hammana Raptor Counting Site. This rare and inspiring sighting marks another chapter in the ongoing efforts to protect one of the world’s most endangered raptors.
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 Egyptian Vultures:
👉 Support Homat Al Hima
Every donation helps preserve Lebanon’s natural heritage, ensuring that future generations can witness the beauty of these incredible raptors in the wild.
A Guardian of Raptors
For years, SPNL has been at the forefront of conservation efforts, monitoring Lebanon’s raptor migration routes and ensuring the survival of threatened species. Our commitment to avian conservation has been instrumental in the protection of the Egyptian Vulture, a species that faces numerous threats, including habitat loss, poisoning, and illegal hunting.
At the Hima Hammana Raptor Counting Site, a strategic observation point for migratory birds, SPNL team dedicate themselves to monitoring and documenting these majestic creatures. The recent congregation of Egyptian Vultures in Hammana was a moment of triumph, symbolizing the success of local conservation initiatives and the resilience of nature when given a chance to thrive.
On September 14, 2020, in a rare sighting in terms of numbers, six birds were observed, documented, and photographed at the Hima Hammana Bird Observatory—four of them adults and two juveniles. On September 1, 2022, a hen and a chick were recorded and documented. Every year in the fall, a bird is recorded passing through, except in the fall of 2024, when no birds were observed.
The Legacy of Anahita
This extraordinary sighting of Egyptian Vultures in Hammana echoes the remarkable story of Anahita, a vulture whose journey captured the hearts of conservationists worldwide. Rescued in Lebanon after being shot down, Anahita’s survival was nothing short of miraculous. Following her rehabilitation, she was transferred to Prague Zoo, where she found safety and the opportunity to contribute to the species’ future through a captive-breeding program.
Anahita’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges these birds face and the importance of international conservation efforts. Alongside her, several other Egyptian Vultures rescued in Lebanon have been given a second chance, emphasizing the crucial role that local initiatives, such as those led by SPNL and the Hima Hammana network, play in global wildlife preservation.
Conservation Through Community
The Hima approach, deeply rooted in Lebanon’s cultural heritage, has proven to be a successful model for conservation. By engaging local communities as stewards of their natural environment, the initiative fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility for wildlife protection. In Hammana, this philosophy is brought to life through the efforts of Homat Al Hima, whose work ensures that future generations can continue to witness the awe-inspiring migration of raptors across the Lebanese skies.
A Future of Hope
The recent spectacle of Egyptian Vultures in Hammana is a testament to the resilience of nature and the power of dedicated conservation efforts. While challenges remain, the sight of these majestic birds soaring freely serves as a beacon of hope for their species. With continued advocacy, research, and community involvement, Lebanon’s skies may one day be filled with even more of these extraordinary raptors, heralding a brighter future for one of nature’s most remarkable travelers.
