The Mount Hermon Nature Reserve, a jewel of biodiversity in Lebanon, has taken center stage in conservation efforts under the Bioconnect Project, funded by the European Union. The reserve is home to unique and endangered species such as the Montivipera bornmuelleri (Bornmueller’s Viper), Quercus look oak trees, and the Syrian Serin, underscoring its ecological significance not just for Lebanon but for the entire Mediterranean region.
Through the Bioconnect Project, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) has been working to address threats to the reserve and ensure a sustainable future for its rich biodiversity.
A Critical Site for Biodiversity
Mount Hermon Nature Reserve is a biodiversity hotspot, harboring species that are endemic, endangered, or globally significant. The unique terrain of Mount Hermon supports a range of habitats, from forests and grasslands to rocky cliffs, providing an essential refuge for wildlife.
Key Species in Mount Hermon Nature Reserve
- Montivipera bornmuelleri (Bornmueller’s Viper):
Montivipera bornmuelleri syn Vipera bornmuelleri at Mount Hermon- Classified as globally endangered by the IUCN Red List.
- Found only in specific mountainous areas in Lebanon, with a population increasing from 43 individuals in 2022 to 65 in 2025 due to targeted conservation efforts.
- Threatened by killing by villagers and predation by eagles.
- Quercus look (Oak):
A Quercus look oak, a small to medium-sized deciduous tree reaching 10–15 meters in height. Its glossy, toothed leaves range from 5–11 cm, while its large acorns have a distinctive cup covering about two-thirds of the nut. 🍃🌳
📷 Source: iNaturalist- An endangered tree species vital to the forest ecosystem, providing habitat and resources for other wildlife.
- Threatened by excessive logging, which has degraded its population to an undetermined level.
- Syrian Serin:
A small and elegant finch, more elongated than the European Serin and notably plainer. It features unstreaked underparts, green wing coverts, and a bright yellow face in adults, while juveniles are browner. Its call is a high-pitched, buzzing trill. Breeding in high mountain woodlands and rocky slopes, it descends to arid and semi-arid habitats in winter.
📷 Source: SPNL- A rare and significant bird species, highly dependent on Mount Hermon’s unique habitats.
These species highlight the reserve’s ecological importance and the urgent need for conservation measures.
Threats Facing the Reserve
Mount Hermon faces multiple challenges that threaten its ecological integrity, including:
- Habitat destruction caused by logging and urban encroachment.
- Human-wildlife conflicts, particularly with species like the Bornmueller’s Viper.
- Lack of awareness among local communities about the importance of preserving biodiversity.
Bioconnect Project: Safeguarding Mount Hermon’s Biodiversity
The Bioconnect Project has been instrumental in addressing these threats and laying the groundwork for long-term conservation. The project aims to ensure effective management of Sites of Ecological Importance in Lebanon and expand biodiversity protection in regions like Mount Hermon.
Conservation Achievements Under Bioconnect
- Habitat Restoration and Reforestation:
- Restoration projects are focused on protecting the endangered Quercus look oak by mitigating logging practices and reforesting degraded areas.
- Awareness and Community Engagement:
- Awareness campaigns have been launched to educate local communities about the ecological importance of the Bornmueller’s Viper and other species.
- Misconceptions about the viper as a threat to humans and livestock are being addressed, promoting coexistence.
- Species Monitoring:
- Regular monitoring of species like the viper has led to an increase in population numbers, demonstrating the success of conservation measures.
- Biodiversity Protection Framework:
- Mount Hermon has been integrated into a broader biodiversity protection framework under the Bioconnect Project, ensuring sustainable conservation practices for the reserve and its species.
Why Mount Hermon Matters
Mount Hermon Nature Reserve is more than just a local treasure—it is an integral part of the Mediterranean biodiversity corridor, connecting ecosystems and supporting migratory species. The reserve’s importance lies in its ability to sustain endemic species, protect biodiversity, and provide critical ecosystem services such as carbon storage, soil stabilization, and water regulation.
Furthermore, protecting the biodiversity of Mount Hermon has a ripple effect, contributing to Lebanon’s environmental resilience and strengthening global efforts to combat biodiversity loss.
A Call to Action
The success of conservation efforts in Mount Hermon under the Bioconnect Project demonstrates the power of collaboration between local stakeholders, international funders, and conservation organizations. However, the work is far from over.
SPNL calls on government bodies, local communities, and international partners to:
- Continue supporting restoration and protection initiatives.
- Promote sustainable land-use practices in and around the reserve.
- Raise awareness about Mount Hermon’s ecological importance and the need to safeguard its biodiversity.
About Bioconnect Project
Funded by the European Union, the Bioconnect Project aims to enhance the management and protection of Sites of Ecological Importance in Lebanon, with a focus on restoring habitats, monitoring key species, and engaging local communities in conservation efforts.
