SPNL Strengthens Conservation Efforts in Hammana and Ras El Maten Under the Bioconnect Project

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) is advancing its conservation efforts in Hima Hammana and Hima Ras El Maten, a critical biodiversity hotspot, through the Bioconnect Project, funded by the European Union. These efforts, which focus on endangered species such as the Mediterranean Horseshoe Bat, Egyptian Vulture, Ehrenberg’s Marjoram, and the Striped Hyena, have gained widespread support from the Al Matn Organisation for Environmental and Sustainable Development (MESD), the Ras El Maten Municipal Council, the Hammana local communities, and civil society groups. This collaboration underscores the vital role of community-driven conservation in protecting Lebanon’s biodiversity.

By combining scientific expertise with local engagement, SPNL and its partners are ensuring the preservation of species and habitats in this unique region for generations to come.

Mediterranean Horseshoe Bat: A Vulnerable Cave-Dwelling Species

The Mediterranean Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus euryale) is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and has a limited distribution in Lebanon, with only a few individuals recorded in Al Heskan Cave in Hima Ras El Maten.

Threats:

• Habitat destruction and human disturbance in caves.
• Unsustainable land-use practices, particularly in agriculture.
• Lack of social acceptance, with bats often misunderstood and persecuted.

SPNL’s Conservation Actions:

1. Habitat Protection: Creation of protected areas and management plans to safeguard the bats’ roosting sites.
2. Community Outreach: Awareness campaigns to educate locals about the ecological importance of bats and dispel misconceptions.
3. Citizen Science: Engaging locals in biodiversity monitoring efforts to gather data and build community ownership of conservation initiatives.
4. Sustainable Practices: Promoting sustainable agriculture to reduce habitat destruction and mitigate human impacts.

Egyptian Vulture: Protecting a Globally Endangered Migratory Bird

The Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus), an endangered species globally, is a key migratory bird observed in Hima Hammana and Hima Ras El Maten, with three individuals recorded during migration seasons in 2022 and 2023.

Threats:

• Illegal hunting, particularly along migratory flyways.
• Electrocution from power lines and infrastructure.
• Poisoning, often from chemicals in carcasses or illegal pesticides.
• Illegal bird trading for cultural and aesthetic reasons.

SPNL’s Conservation Actions:

1. Hunting Regulation: Implementation of hunting regulations to deter illegal practices, supported by awareness campaigns.
2. Infrastructure Mitigation: Mapping hotspots for power line collisions and advocating for bird-friendly tools to prevent electrocution.
3. Pesticide Control: Promoting the use of less harmful pesticides among farmers under the Hima Farm Program.
4. Community Engagement: Public awareness campaigns under the Homat Al Hima and SNOW programs to reduce poaching and raise awareness about the vulture’s importance.

Ehrenberg’s Marjoram: Safeguarding an Endemic Plant Species

The Ehrenberg’s Marjoram (Origanum ehrenbergii), an endemic species to Lebanon, is vulnerable due to overharvesting, forest fires, and poor land-use management. Its population within the Hima Ras El Maten is limited, with sparse growth observed during surveys in 2022.

SPNL’s Conservation Actions:

1. Promoting Cultivation: Encouraging private landowners and farmers to grow marjoram as a cultivated crop to reduce wild harvesting.
2. Raising Awareness: Educating farmers about the benefits of cultivation and the ecological value of the species.
3. Providing Seedlings: Distributing Syrian marjoram seedlings, a close relative of Ehrenberg’s Marjoram, to promote cultivation on private lands and ease pressure on wild populations.

Striped Hyena: Protecting Lebanon’s Misunderstood Predator

The Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena syriaca), classified as vulnerable in the Mediterranean, is a vital scavenger and predator in the ecosystems of Hima Ras El Maten and Hammana. Camera traps recorded 4.5% of sightings in Hammana, with only three photos captured in Hima Ras El Maten, highlighting its elusive nature.

Threats:

• Persecution due to misconceptions, with hyenas often viewed as dangerous.
• Habitat destruction caused by human activity.

SPNL’s Conservation Actions:

1. Awareness Campaigns: Educating local communities about the ecological importance of striped hyenas and dispelling myths about their behavior.
2. Local Engagement: Training locals to monitor and protect hyena populations through citizen science programs.
3. Regular Monitoring: Establishing a long-term camera trapping and survey program to better understand the hyena’s behavior and population trends.

Collaboration for Conservation Success

SPNL’s efforts in Hima Hammana and Hima Ras El Maten have been strengthened by the valuable contributions of the Al Matn Organisation for Environmental and Sustainable Development (MESD), the Ras El Maten Municipal Council, the Hammana local communities, and civil society groups. This collaboration has been instrumental in amplifying conservation efforts, raising awareness, and implementing sustainable practices.

By engaging local stakeholders, SPNL has fostered a sense of community ownership, ensuring that conservation actions are rooted in local support and long-term commitment.

A Model for Conservation

The efforts in Hima Hammana and Ras El Maten demonstrate SPNL’s commitment to protecting Lebanon’s biodiversity. Through the Bioconnect Project, SPNL and its partners are addressing the threats faced by vulnerable species, promoting sustainable land-use practices, and building a foundation for conservation that benefits both nature and people.

Call to Action

SPNL urges government bodies, local communities, and international partners to continue supporting conservation initiatives in Hima Hammana and Hima Ras El Maten. These efforts are essential not only for Lebanon’s biodiversity but also for global environmental sustainability.