By Adonis Khatib
Anti-Poaching Unit Manager
The full SPNL 2024 Annual Report is available for download at this link.
In 2023, Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) strengthened its collaboration with the Internal Security Forces (ISF) by launching an awareness campaign. APU, in cooperation with ISF, designed and distributed an awareness-raising poster, signed by both parties, to ISF stations across Lebanon—particularly in known poaching hotspots.
The Anti-poaching unit works as a Liaison between the Sustainable Hunting program for SPNL (Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon), and the Middle East Sustainable Hunting Center (MESHC) established in 2015, in collaboration with the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS – Komitee gegen den Vogelmord e.V.), which first started work in Lebanon in 2013 and started the jiont ground work and bird protection camps in 2017.
Throughout the year, the ISF supported APU in patrolling and enforcing wildlife protection laws, with many missions initiated by responsible hunters reporting illegal activities. These efforts led to the arrest of several poachers, the confiscation of illegally trapped birds, and the issuance of multiple fines. The APU also rehabilitated several injured migratory birds, successfully releasing five back into the wild.
Strategic meetings were held with environmental prosecutor Fady Malkoun, religious and clan leaders, members of parliament (past and present), ISF commanders, and municipal officials in key migratory bird areas with high rates of illegal hunting. These leaders publicly expressed their support for APU’s conservation efforts. Additionally, APU organized and participated in awareness-raising sessions that engaged community members of all ages, promoting alternative livelihoods and hobbies as substitutes for illegal hunting.
Expanding Enforcement and Community Engagement in 2024
In the first half of 2024, the APU continued its patrolling missions alongside the ISF, leading to legal actions against several illegal hunters. Increasing support from independent environmental activists and sustainable hunters resulted in more reports of violations and the rescue of multiple injured cranes.
To enhance intelligence gathering, APU expanded its cyber-tracking methods, anonymously infiltrating Facebook and WhatsApp groups used by poachers. This tactic helped locate key poaching areas, leading to the organization of over 40 anti-poaching missions across Lebanon. The APU also intensified awareness campaigns, engaging communities in discussions on biodiversity conservation and sustainable hunting practices.
During this period, local media increased its coverage of sustainable hunting practices and the APU’s efforts, further amplifying the message of responsible wildlife conservation.
Strengthening Digital Surveillance and Enforcement
In the second half of 2024, the APU continued its mission to combat illegal hunting and promote sustainable practices across Lebanon. Through ongoing coordination with ISF and local partners, targeted operations dismantled illegal poaching networks and enforced wildlife protection laws. Intelligence from sustainable hunters and environmental advocates led to the rescue and release of multiple injured birds.
Recognizing the growing role of digital tools in combating wildlife crime, APU intensified its online surveillance efforts, identifying key poaching hotspots and planning strategic interventions. These efforts helped safeguard Lebanon’s biodiversity-rich areas, preventing mass bird killings.
Education and awareness remained central to APU’s strategy, with workshops, community sessions, and youth engagement programs emphasizing the importance of bird conservation. These initiatives not only provided practical guidance on sustainable alternatives but also encouraged a cultural shift towards environmental responsibility.
As awareness grew, media coverage of APU’s work expanded, reinforcing public understanding of responsible hunting and wildlife protection.
However, due to the outbreak of war in Lebanon, ISF requested a suspension of on-ground anti-poaching operations as of late September, citing security concerns. Despite this, APU remained committed to its mission, continuing digital surveillance to track illegal activities and raising awareness through social media updates on poaching violations.
APU’s unwavering dedication highlights the ongoing struggle to protect Lebanon’s migratory birds and the importance of collective action in preserving natural heritage for future generations.
