Important Bird Areas-IBAs: Rim-Sannine

 Location: North-west of the town of Zahle, on the southern flanks of Mount Sannine in the Mount Lebanon Range.

Total area: 244 ha

IBA Criteria met: A3

A4 iv

Explanation: A3 At least six biome-restricted species breed on site – Black-eared Wheatear, Sardinian Warbler, Spectacled Warbler, Cretzchmar’s Bunting, Black-headed Bunting and Western Rock Nuthatch. A4iv Records during both spring and autumn in 2004 and 2005 indicate that more than 20,000 soaring birds pass over the site annually.

Number of species observed: 64

Rim-Sannine Mountain

Habitat: It has mountain slopes and rocky valleys, snow lies from middle mountains and upwards until May, dry from May till October. Characterized by scrubby bushes and trees, up to 60% bare earth and stones, with occasional rock outcrops

Threats: Hunting especially during autumn migration season, overgrazing/over browsing, extraction industry, habitat degradation from 4 Wheel Drive vehicles, proposed tourism, a ski resort is proposed at the site.

Current conservation measures & future plans: much of the mountain is protected from hunting and grazing, some trees have been planted by the Rim water company that owns most of the site. Proposed conservation measures; discussions are still at an early stage with the Rim estate management.

Al Hima Magazine 5th Issue

This edition of Al Hima magazine weaves together inspiring stories of nature conservation and community resilience, highlighting how Lebanon is being stitched back to life—one Hima at a time. The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) continues its mission to preserve the country’s natural heritage by empowering local communities. A cornerstone of this effort is the BioConnect project, funded by the European Union, which has achieved three national firsts: Lebanon’s first natural park (Upper Matn), first geological park (Shouf-Jezzine), and first endowment Hima (Btekhnay).

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