Anti-Poaching Unit Praises Lebanese Army Command’s Circular to Prevent the Hunting of Migratory Birds

Coinciding with the spring bird migration season, which begins in mid-February and lasts until early June, and due to the rise in cases of hunting migratory birds such as vultures, eagles, pelicans, cranes, hawks, and storks—where hunters resort to using hunting rifles and military-grade weapons to kill them—this phenomenon has spread across various Lebanese regions, especially near nature reserves, in Zgharta, around Mount Terbol, and along the coastal road in Akkar. Hunters have even used boats to chase and hunt birds at sea.

In response, the Lebanese Army Command, through a decision issued on March 12, 2025, has decided to implement a series of preventive measures. The Intelligence Directorate was tasked with intensifying security and intelligence efforts to stop the hunting of migratory birds, particularly in the North.

According to an internal circular, the army emphasized the need to enforce the hunting ban, especially concerning soaring and migratory birds. It called for increased patrols and on-ground actions to prevent illegal hunting, including car inspections at checkpoints to detect unlicensed hunting weapons or military arms.

The 2nd and 10th Infantry Brigades were instructed to rigorously implement these measures, especially at the Deir Ashash checkpoint, around Mount Terbol, and along the coastal road in Akkar. The Navy was also tasked with stepping up patrols and arresting boats chasing and hunting migratory birds at sea. The army command stressed the need for coordination between intelligence branches and relevant authorities to ensure proper implementation of these measures.

Lebanon’s Anti-Poaching Unit praised the circular issued by the Lebanese Army Command, viewing it as a reflection of the military’s commitment to protecting biodiversity and wildlife in Lebanon—particularly in light of increasing violations against soaring and migratory birds in areas including Akkar, Zgharta, Mount Terbol, and near natural reserves.

The Anti-Poaching Unit also commended the close cooperation with the Lebanese Army Command, particularly the effective coordination with the Intelligence Directorate, which has led to several joint field operations in the Bekaa and Mount Lebanon regions. These operations included field monitoring, seizure of unlicensed hunting weapons, and arrests of violators—a significant step toward curbing violations and protecting endangered migratory birds.

The unit called on all citizens and hunters to fully comply with applicable environmental laws and to report any violations against birds and wildlife in order to preserve biodiversity and ensure a safe passage for migratory birds through Lebanese airspace.

About the Anti-Poaching Unit

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) established the Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) in partnership with the international Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) and the Middle East Sustainable Hunting Center (MESHC).

The unit aims to monitor and prevent illegal practices that threaten birds and wildlife in Lebanon. With trained field teams, the unit conducts awareness campaigns, monitors hunting areas, and coordinates with authorities to enforce environmental laws, contributing to the protection of endangered species and the sustainability of ecosystems.

Supported by more than 40 volunteers and environmental activists, the unit carries out multiple initiatives to combat poaching. Its success is bolstered by generous support from the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, the EU-funded BioConnect Project, and its partnership with BirdLife International.

The unit operates within a national environmental alliance involving Internal Security Forces, the Lebanese Army under the Ministry of Defense, forest rangers from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Environment, municipal federations, local councils, and municipal police. Together, they work to promote sustainable hunting practices, enforce wildlife protection laws, and safeguard Lebanon’s rich biodiversity.

Overview of Hunting Law in Lebanon – Penalties

Lebanon’s hunting law (Law No. 580, dated February 25, 2004) regulates hunting practices to protect wildlife and biodiversity. It imposes strict penalties for violations, including:

1. Hunting without a license

   • Fine: Between 200,000 and 500,000 LBP

   • Confiscation of weapons and equipment

2. Hunting outside the designated season

   • Fine: Up to 2,000,000 LBP

   • Confiscation of hunted animals

   • Possible imprisonment for hunting protected species

3. Using prohibited methods or weapons

   • Ban on use of military-grade weapons, automatic rifles, nets, poisons, and bird-calling devices

   • Fines may exceed 3,000,000 LBP

   • Legal action for use of military weapons

4. Hunting in reserves or restricted areas

   • Fine: Up to 5,000,000 LBP

   • Temporary or permanent revocation of hunting license

   • Possible imprisonment by judicial order

5. Hunting protected or endangered species

   • Direct referral to the environmental public prosecutor

   • Imprisonment from one month to three years, along with fines and confiscation

6. Repeat offenses

   • Harsher penalties:

     • Imprisonment from two months to one year

     • Additional fines

     • Permanent ban from obtaining a hunting license