By Bassam Al Kantar
Head of Campaign Strategy & Communications
🌿 Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL)
In the vast and arid landscapes of Lebanon’s northern Bekaa, a remarkable discovery has unfolded—one that has reshaped our understanding of the country’s biodiversity. For the first time, researchers have confirmed the presence of the long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus) within Lebanese borders, an astonishing addition to the nation’s wildlife records.
The discovery was made in Ras El Assi, Hermel, where a single hedgehog was observed sheltering under a south-facing rock. The research, led by Rami Khashab, Ehab Eid, and Johnny Baakliny, was published in Mammalia, officially documenting the species’ presence in Lebanon for the first time. “This finding extends the known range of the species in the region and globally,” noted Khashab, emphasizing its significance in understanding Lebanon’s evolving biodiversity.
Rami Khashab is a Lebanese wildlife researcher and conservationist with a strong focus on herpetology and biodiversity documentation. As the founder of Herping Lebanon, he has dedicated his work to studying and raising awareness about Lebanon’s reptile, amphibian, and mammal species. His efforts aim to promote conservation initiatives, citizen science, and ecological research in the region.
An Unexpected Guest in Lebanon’s Ecosystem
The long-eared hedgehog is no stranger to the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of South Asia. Previous records have documented its presence in Jordan, Palestine, and Syria, but Lebanon had remained a blank spot on the map. This latest finding connects Lebanese populations to those found in neighboring Syria, suggesting that the hedgehog’s presence is not an anomaly but part of a broader regional distribution.
The individual recorded in Ras El Assi was identified by its distinctive features—elongated ears, a slender snout, and pale spines with dark banding. These traits differentiate it from the already-documented Erinaceus concolor, a hedgehog species more commonly found in Lebanon. Unlike its counterpart, which thrives in agricultural landscapes, the long-eared hedgehog appears to prefer semi-arid habitats, using burrows under rocks to escape the heat and potential predators.
“This species demonstrates remarkable adaptability,” said Khashab. “Its presence in Lebanon reinforces the importance of continued biodiversity surveys, especially in underrepresented regions.”
The Importance of Biodiversity Research
Lebanon’s biodiversity has long been understudied, particularly in its arid and semi-arid regions. The documentation of the long-eared hedgehog underscores the necessity of further research into the country’s mammalian fauna. Biodiversity assessments in the Levant have historically been fragmented, and new records like this help refine species distribution models and conservation priorities.
According to the research team, the hedgehog’s presence in Lebanon could represent a natural range expansion rather than an isolated introduction. Given the proximity of recorded populations in Syria, it is likely that these creatures have always inhabited Lebanon but remained undetected due to the region’s limited survey efforts.
Biodiversity experts agree that findings like these are critical for conservation strategies. “Understanding species distribution is a key factor in conservation,” said Eid. “Without proper documentation, we cannot develop targeted efforts to protect wildlife and their habitats.”
A Harsh but Livable Environment
The discovery site, Ras El Assi, is characterized by harsh climatic conditions—high temperatures, limited vegetation, and semi-arid terrain. Yet, the long-eared hedgehog has managed to thrive by leveraging microhabitats such as rock formations and burrows for shelter and thermoregulation. These behaviors are consistent with findings from other regions where the species is known to inhabit riparian zones and desert margins.
The hedgehog’s resilience is a testament to the adaptability of small mammals in extreme environments. The team’s observations suggest a potential spatial separation between Hemiechinus auritus and Erinaceus concolor, with the former preferring arid conditions and the latter favoring agricultural zones. This ecological distinction raises new questions about habitat partitioning and species coexistence in Lebanon’s ecosystems.
Implications for Conservation
Despite its adaptability, the long-eared hedgehog faces several threats across its range, including habitat degradation, climate change, and human activity. While Lebanon’s newly documented population remains unstudied in terms of size and stability, researchers stress the importance of proactive conservation measures.
“To protect species, we must first acknowledge their presence,” Khashab asserted. “This record should serve as a stepping stone for further ecological studies and conservation initiatives in Lebanon.”
The research team recommends targeted surveys to assess the hedgehog’s distribution, population density, and potential threats. Additionally, conservationists hope that such discoveries will raise awareness about Lebanon’s diverse but often overlooked wildlife.
A New Chapter in Lebanon’s Natural History
Lebanon’s first recorded sighting of the long-eared hedgehog is more than just an exciting scientific milestone—it is a reminder of the country’s rich and dynamic biodiversity. As research continues, the possibility of uncovering more hidden species remains high, reinforcing the importance of sustained ecological studies in the region.
“This discovery highlights how much we still have to learn,” Khashab reflected. “It is a call to action for further exploration, documentation, and conservation of Lebanon’s wildlife.”
For now, the long-eared hedgehog of Ras El Assi remains a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and the uncharted wonders still waiting to be found in Lebanon’s landscapes.
Khashab, Rami, Eid, Ehab and Baaliny, Johnny. “The first record of the long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus Gmelin, 1770) in Lebanon” Mammalia, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1515/mammalia-2025-0001
