SPNL Advances Conservation Efforts in Hima Ebel El Saqi Under the Bioconnect Project

The Hima Ebel El Saqi, a vital biodiversity hotspot in Southern Lebanon, stands as a testament to the importance of community-based conservation. Through the Bioconnect Project, funded by the European Union, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) is driving impactful conservation initiatives to safeguard critical species and habitats within the Hima.

Hima Ebel El Saqi is not only a haven for rare and vulnerable species such as the Wild Cat, Mediterranean Horseshoe Bat, and Greek Tortoise, but it also hosts the Basalt Rocky Slopes, a unique habitat supporting a wide range of plants, rodents, and herpetofauna. These efforts are rooted in SPNL’s mission to integrate conservation, sustainable land-use practices, and community engagement.

Hima Ebel El Saqi: A Treasure Trove of Biodiversity

Located in Southern Lebanon, Hima Ebel El Saqi is characterized by its rich forests, basalt rocky slopes, and unique ecosystems that are home to a variety of plant and animal species. The Hima approach, revived and implemented by SPNL, emphasizes community-led conservation, ensuring that local stakeholders play an active role in protecting their natural heritage.

Under the Bioconnect Project, SPNL has undertaken extensive monitoring and conservation efforts to address threats such as habitat destruction, human disturbance, and unsustainable practices. These initiatives are bolstered by the active involvement of local communities, who are at the heart of preserving this critical site.

Wild Cat (Felis silvestris tristrami): Monitoring a Rare Predator

The Wild Cat, classified as least concern globally, faces significant threats in Hima Ebel El Saqi due to hybridization with domestic cats, habitat destruction, and human disturbance. Camera traps deployed in the Hima captured images of wild cats, which constituted 6% of all photos, underlining the rarity of these sightings.

Threats:

• Hybridization with domestic cats (Felis catus), which dilutes the genetic integrity of wild populations.
• Loss of habitat due to deforestation, urban expansion, and unsustainable land-use practices.
• Human disturbances that disrupt the species’ natural behaviors.

Conservation Actions by SPNL:

1. Monitoring and Research: SPNL is monitoring the interactions between wild and domestic cats to assess the extent of hybridization.
2. Habitat Protection: Conservation plans include creating protected areas and implementing sustainable land-use policies to preserve the forest habitat.
3. Community Outreach: Awareness campaigns under the Homat Al Hima and SNOW programs educate locals about the importance of wild cats and their role in maintaining ecological balance.
4. Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting sustainable practices under the Hima Farm Program to minimize habitat destruction and human impact.

Mediterranean Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus euryale): Protecting a Vulnerable Species

The Mediterranean Horseshoe Bat, classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, has a very limited distribution in Lebanon and was recorded in Hima Ebel El Saqi during field surveys. Observed through its calls and identified in one cave, this bat faces critical challenges from habitat destruction and a lack of social acceptance.

Threats:

• Disturbance and destruction of roosting caves.
• Unsustainable agricultural practices that degrade surrounding habitats.
• Limited awareness about the ecological importance of bats.

Conservation Actions by SPNL:

1. Habitat Conservation: SPNL is working to protect roosting sites by creating management plans and engaging local stakeholders.
2. Community Engagement: Outreach programs aim to shift public perception of bats and highlight their role as natural pest controllers.
3. Biodiversity Monitoring: Citizen science initiatives encourage locals to participate in monitoring bat populations and their habitats.

Basalt Rocky Slopes: A Unique Habitat at Risk

The Basalt Rocky Slopes within Hima Ebel El Saqi are a critical habitat for diverse flora and fauna, including rodents, reptiles, and amphibians. However, the slopes are under threat from habitat destruction and poor land-use practices, which compromise the ecological integrity of the area.

Conservation Actions by SPNL:

1. Sustainable Management: Proper management planning is being developed to prioritize the conservation of the basalt slopes.
2. Raising Awareness: Educational initiatives inform the community about the importance of these habitats and the need to protect them.

Greek Tortoise (Testudo graeca): Safeguarding a Vulnerable Reptile

The Greek Tortoise, listed as vulnerable globally, is commonly found in Hima Ebel El Saqi but faces threats from illegal collection for trade, habitat fragmentation, and forest fires.

Threats:

• Collection for the pet trade.
• Degradation of habitat due to agricultural and urban expansion.
• Increased forest fires caused by human activity and climate change.

Conservation Actions by SPNL:

1. Monitoring and Protection: Continuous monitoring of tortoise populations helps assess their status and informs conservation strategies.
2. Community Awareness: Farmers and locals are being educated about the threats facing tortoises and the need to protect them.
3. Sustainable Agriculture: Encouraging less pesticide use, reduced monoculture, and sustainable farming practices helps maintain the tortoise’s natural habitat.

The Road Ahead: Ensuring Long-Term Conservation

Through the Bioconnect Project, SPNL is ensuring that Hima Ebel El Saqi remains a beacon of biodiversity and sustainability. By addressing critical threats, fostering community involvement, and promoting sustainable practices, SPNL is paving the way for long-term conservation success.

This initiative not only safeguards the species and habitats of Hima Ebel El Saqi but also reinforces the value of the Hima approach as a model for community-led conservation across Lebanon and beyond.

A Call to Action

SPNL invites local communities, government bodies, and international partners to join hands in supporting conservation initiatives in Hima Ebel El Saqi. Protecting this biodiversity-rich site is vital for Lebanon’s natural heritage and for global ecological sustainability.