SPNL Leads Biodiversity Conservation Efforts in Jezzine Region Under the Bioconnect Project

The Jezzine region, a biodiversity-rich area in Southern Lebanon, has become a focal point for conservation under the Bioconnect Project, funded by the European Union. The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) is spearheading initiatives to protect rare and endangered species such as the Iris westii, Anthemis didymaea, Rhododendron ponticum brachycarpum, and the Wild Cat, along with key habitats crucial for their survival.

By combining ecological monitoring, habitat restoration, and community engagement, SPNL is addressing critical threats such as habitat degradation, climate change, and human-wildlife conflicts to secure a sustainable future for this vital ecosystem.

Iris westii: Preserving a National Treasure

The Iris westii, an endangered plant endemic to Lebanon, is a rare species found in the Jezzine region. With only 20 to 30 individuals recorded in 2022, its survival is threatened by climate change and habitat degradation.

Threats:

• Loss of open grasslands due to urban and agricultural expansion.
• The impact of climate change on growth and reproduction cycles.

SPNL’s Conservation Actions:

1. Grassland Management: SPNL is maintaining open grasslands to provide suitable habitats for the Iris westii.
2. Nursery Cultivation: 100 bulbs were successfully produced in nurseries to enrich existing sites and ensure the species’ regeneration.
3. Habitat Enrichment: Efforts to restore and expand suitable habitats for the Iris westii are underway, ensuring its long-term survival.

Anthemis didymaea: Conserving a Rare Endemic Plant

The Anthemis didymaea, another endangered species endemic to Lebanon, is found in the Jezzine region. Its population status remains unassessed, but it is highly vulnerable due to habitat loss and changing environmental conditions.

SPNL’s Conservation Actions:

1. Habitat Restoration: Efforts are focused on maintaining wet sandstone and open vegetation areas, which are critical for this species’ survival.
2. Monitoring: Continuous assessment of its population and habitat will guide future conservation planning.
3. Community Awareness: Locals are educated on the importance of protecting these rare plants and their habitats.

Rhododendron ponticum brachycarpum: A Highly Ornamental Species at Risk

The Rhododendron ponticum brachycarpum, an endangered species and a highly ornamental plant, thrives along wet ditches and streams in Bekassine. Its population is fairly abundant, but it faces severe challenges from water scarcity and climate change, which threaten its delicate habitat.

Threats:

• Decreasing water availability due to climate change.
• Difficulties in propagation and survival in nurseries.

SPNL’s Conservation Actions:

1. Wet Zone Management: SPNL is working to maintain wet zones in the forest to mitigate the effects of climate change.
2. Germination Protocol Development: A successful germination protocol was developed to propagate this species and enhance its resilience.
3. Climate Adaptation: Conservation measures are focused on ensuring the species adapts to changing environmental conditions.

Wild Cat (Felis sylvestris): Protecting a Key Predator

The Wild Cat, a locally threatened predator, plays a crucial role in controlling agricultural pests in the Jezzine region. However, its survival is jeopardized by hybridization with domestic cats, habitat fragmentation, and poisoning. Camera traps and field surveys have recorded its presence in the area, highlighting the need for urgent conservation measures.

Threats:

• Cross-breeding with feral and free-ranging domestic cats, which dilutes the genetic integrity of wild populations.
• Transmission of diseases from domestic cats.
• Poisoning from rodenticides used by farmers.
• Habitat loss due to agricultural and urban development.

SPNL’s Conservation Actions:

1. Community Engagement: Raising awareness among locals about the ecological importance of wild cats and the threats they face.
2. Collaboration with Municipalities: Agreements with local authorities aim to relocate feral cats and regulate domestic cat populations to protect wild cats.
3. Monitoring and Research: Camera traps and targeted studies will continue to monitor population status and behavior.

Indian Crested Porcupine (Hystrix indica): Monitoring a Unique Resident

The Indian Crested Porcupine, a unique mammal found in the Niha-Jezzine and Qaleh areas, is another key species within this region. While no specific data on its current population exists, SPNL is committed to ensuring its habitat is monitored and preserved as part of its broader biodiversity strategy.

The Importance of Jezzine for Biodiversity

Jezzine’s unique landscape, from its open grasslands and wet ditches to its lush forests, makes it a critical site for Lebanon’s biodiversity. The region’s endemic species, fragile ecosystems, and diverse habitats underscore its ecological significance and the need for concerted conservation efforts.

The Hima approach, championed by SPNL, ensures that conservation is community-led, fostering a sense of stewardship among locals while integrating sustainable practices into daily life.

Looking Ahead: Conservation Success by 2025

Through SPNL’s targeted interventions under the Bioconnect Project, the Jezzine region is set to see significant progress:

• 100 bulbs of Iris westii have been produced, with open grasslands restored to support its growth.
• The habitat for Anthemis didymaea and Rhododendron ponticum brachycarpum is being actively managed, mitigating the effects of climate change.
• Awareness campaigns are empowering locals to protect Wild Cats and their habitats, with relocation efforts for feral cats underway.

By 2025, these measures aim to stabilize and increase populations of endangered species, ensuring Jezzine remains a beacon of biodiversity in Lebanon.

Conservation Achievements in the Jezzine Region

Hima Roum: Empowering Communities Through Hima Practices

The Hima Roum site, established in 2014, is a vital area for community-based conservation. Through SPNL’s interventions, the site has become a model for integrating conservation with sustainable agriculture and rural development.

1. Sustainable Agriculture: SPNL has worked with local farmers to promote organic agriculture, reduce the use of harmful chemicals, and preserve the area’s natural resources.
2. Community Engagement: Training programs have empowered the community to adopt environmentally friendly practices, turning Hima Roum into a productive and sustainable agricultural zone.
3. Biodiversity Monitoring: Efforts have been made to document and protect the region’s biodiversity, ensuring that conservation aligns with the needs of the local population.

Hima Qaytouleh: A Haven for Biodiversity

Established in 2018, Hima Qaytouleh is another critical site in the Jezzine region where SPNL has focused on protecting wildlife, promoting sustainable practices, and engaging local communities.

1. Conservation of Birds and Pollinators: Hima Qaytouleh is home to various bird species and pollinators. SPNL has collaborated with locals to reduce harmful practices, such as excessive pesticide use, and to restore natural habitats.
2. Youth Engagement: Environmental education programs for children and youth have fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility for the environment among the next generation.
3. Forest Management: SPNL has promoted sustainable forestry practices to reduce habitat degradation, ensuring the long-term survival of the site’s unique biodiversity.

These initiatives in Hima Roum and Hima Qaytouleh complement the conservation measures in Jezzine’s other biodiversity hotspots, creating a network of protected areas that support ecological resilience across the region.