The Charming Yellow Bird and the Conservation Hero
The adorable yellow bird depicted in the painting above is the Syrian Serin, a species threatened with extinction. This artwork was gifted by BirdLife International to Assad Serhal, Director General of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), in recognition of his dedication to protecting this rare species.
This award is granted by BirdLife International’s Rare Bird Club, an exclusive group that honors conservation heroes who dedicate their efforts to saving globally threatened birds. The club’s mission is to protect and rescue 1,286 endangered bird species worldwide, as one in every eight bird species faces the risk of extinction.
The Rare Bird Club consists of exceptional individuals who contribute £5,000 (approximately $5,600) or more to join, followed by an annual donation of £1,000 ($1,300) or more. These generous contributions enable BirdLife International to protect birds in the most critical areas.
These donations reflect the deep commitment of these individuals to bird conservation and environmental protection, offering them a unique opportunity to contribute to nature’s preservation. Members also become part of a like-minded community, staying connected with BirdLife International through special events, webinars, online meetings, and exclusive trips.
As the “Champion of the Syrian Serin” within the Rare Bird Club, Assad Serhal played a pivotal role in saving this bird by preserving its habitat in the Anjar-Kfar Zabad wetlands. In 2005, he helped declare the area a Hima (community-based protected area) in partnership with local municipalities.
Over the past decade, SPNL’s efforts in the region have secured millions of dollars for conservation, created hundreds of jobs for local communities, and regulated hunting, including the establishment of Lebanon’s first Responsible Hunting Area—ensuring that this rare bird has a future in its natural habitat.
Testimonials from Rare Bird Club Members
🔹 Mary Matthews, Member Since 2016
“I’m not a bird expert, but I love learning about their behavior, habitats, and the challenges they face. Through BirdLife, I gain firsthand knowledge from scientists and have the chance to travel with experts and fellow members on unforgettable wildlife expeditions.”
🔹 Richard Porter, Member Since 2008
“I joined the Rare Bird Club after my wife, Julia, told me: ‘Wildlife conservation has given you a wonderful life—now it’s time to give back.’ It’s incredibly rewarding to know that our contributions directly support BirdLife’s critical conservation projects.”
The Syrian Serin
The Syrian Serin (also known as the Goldfinch) is distinguished by its golden plumage and melodic song. This rare bird is endemic to the Levant, where it now faces a serious risk of extinction, with fewer than 10,000 individuals remaining in the wild.
Typically found in temperate pine forests, which serve as its primary habitat, the Syrian Serin’s survival is increasingly threatened by urban expansion and human activity, leading to a significant decline in its natural environment.
According to Lebanese ornithologist Dr. Ghassan Jaradi, the Syrian Serin is a rare species currently listed on the Red List of Threatened Birds. A member of the canary family, it closely resembles its relatives in plumage and song. The species is only found in Syria, Palestine, and Jordan, with Lebanon serving as its most vital refuge, where large flocks can still be observed, thanks to the country’s relatively suitable environmental conditions.
However, its numbers have drastically declined in areas such as Zabadani (Syria) and Dana (Jordan), and it may have already disappeared from Palestine. Urgent conservation efforts are needed to ensure the survival of this iconic Levantine bird.
We hope you enjoy reading the Magazine
Al-Hima-Magazine-Issue-No.-4
