A Tale of Survival and Loss: The Long-legged Buzzard of Hima Hammana

Hima Hammana has long been a sanctuary for birds of prey, a place where the sky comes alive with the graceful flight of raptors. Among its most cherished residents has been a pair of Long-legged Buzzards, nesting in the region since 2019. Their presence was a symbol of resilience, a testament to the success of conservation efforts in Lebanon’s Hima sites. However, as 2024 came to a close, tragedy struck, leaving a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between nature and human intervention.

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 Widlife:
👉 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.

On December 31, 2024, a female buzzard suffered a severe spinal injury. The cause remains unknown, but the urgency of the situation demanded immediate action. Conservationists and local activists, deeply committed to her well-being, rushed her to the Chemlan Biblical Garden in a desperate attempt to save her life.

At the Garden, SPNL had established a temporary shelter for birds in critical condition, offering a safe haven before they could be transported or released back into the wild when appropriate. Additionally, SPNL built a large aviary to support species requiring long-term rehabilitation, ensuring injured birds receive proper medical care and a suitable diet under the supervision of its expert team.

Meanwhile, the male buzzard continues to soar alone over Hammana, a poignant symbol of nature’s resilience and a reminder of the urgent need to protect Lebanon’s wildlife. His fallen mate’s legacy lives on through strengthened conservation efforts, reinforcing the call for continued support in safeguarding the region’s birds.

Photography by Chadi Saad, SPNL Homat Al Hima Activist and Manager of the Hima Hammana Raptor Counting Site.