In a gesture reflecting a commendable sense of environmental responsibility, Lebanese hunter Khaled Al-Kurdi handed over three long-eared owl chicks to the Anti-Poaching Unit (APU), after receiving them from a concerned citizen who discovered them in a pigeon nest on the rooftop of his building.
According to the citizen’s account, the chicks were found inside an abandoned pigeon nest. He observed the site for several days, hoping the mother would return, but to no avail. He suspects the mother may have been killed by a poacher.
It is not uncommon for owls, particularly the long-eared owl, to nest in abandoned pigeon nests in urban environments—a behavior that is natural and well-documented in such habitats.
The three chicks were promptly handed over to the head of the APU, where they are now receiving veterinary care. They will be monitored closely until they reach maturity and are capable of flying and returning safely to their natural environment.
About the Anti-Poaching Unit
The Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) was established by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), in partnership with the international Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) and the Middle East Sustainable Hunting Center (MESHC).
The unit plays a vital role in monitoring and curbing illegal activities that endanger birds and wildlife in Lebanon. Through a network of trained field teams, the APU conducts awareness campaigns, patrols hunting areas, and coordinates with relevant authorities to enforce environmental protection laws. These efforts contribute significantly to the preservation of endangered species and the sustainability of Lebanon’s ecosystems.
Backed by over 40 committed volunteers and environmental activists, the APU implements a wide range of initiatives to combat poaching and promote responsible hunting. Its success is further supported by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, the EU-funded BioConnect Project, and strategic cooperation with BirdLife International.
The APU operates as part of a national alliance that includes the 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. This collaboration strengthens law enforcement and helps ensure the protection of Lebanon’s rich biodiversity and natural heritage.
