Under the framework of the Bioconnect Project, funded by the European Union, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) has been conducting groundbreaking biodiversity monitoring since April 2022. The project aims to ensure effective management and governance of Sites of Ecological Importance while expanding biodiversity protection across Mount Lebanon, West Bekaa, and South Lebanon. With a special focus on plants, birds, mammals, and herpetofauna, the project reveals encouraging trends and highlights ongoing challenges in preserving Lebanon’s biodiversity.
Baseline Bat Survey: Shedding Light on Lebanon’s Vulnerable Bat Species
As part of the Bioconnect Project, a significant focus has been placed on understanding the status of bat species in Lebanon, with a detailed Baseline Survey and Monitoring of Bats led by expert and scientist Dr. Mounir Abi Said. This research revealed critical insights into the presence and behavior of bats, particularly the Mediterranean Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus euryale), which is classified as vulnerable in the Mediterranean region and Europe according to the IUCN Red List.
The survey documented the presence of this bat species in Al Heskan Cave in Hima Ras El Maten and at Hima Ebel El Saqi, where their populations are under threat due to habitat destruction, human disturbance, and a lack of public awareness about their ecological importance. Bats play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance, acting as natural pest controllers by consuming large quantities of insects, including agricultural pests. Despite this, bats are often misunderstood and face persecution due to misconceptions and fear.
Key findings highlighted the need for:
- Habitat Protection: Bats rely on undisturbed caves and forests for roosting and breeding. The creation of protected areas and the development of sustainable land-use policies are essential to mitigate habitat loss.
- Community Awareness: Misconceptions about bats can lead to persecution and habitat destruction. Community outreach and education programs are crucial to raising awareness about the ecological significance of bats and their role in pest control and pollination.
- Monitoring and Research: Long-term monitoring programs, such as the implementation of citizen science initiatives, are needed to track population trends and threats while engaging local communities in conservation efforts.
- Minimizing Human Disturbance: Disturbances in roosting sites, especially in caves, need to be reduced through regulated access and increased public awareness of the consequences of such disruptions.
Conservation measures have already begun under the Bioconnect Project, including engaging local communities to participate in biodiversity monitoring and adopting sustainable agricultural practices that minimize the use of harmful pesticides. The Mediterranean Horseshoe Bat and other bat species in Lebanon represent a fragile yet essential component of the ecosystem. Ensuring their protection is not only vital for biodiversity but also for maintaining the health of agricultural systems and forests across the region.
Through continued research, awareness campaigns, and habitat protection, SPNL aims to secure a brighter future for Lebanon’s bat populations, contributing to a healthier and more balanced environment.
Rhinolophus euryale in Lebanon: Conservation Challenges and Efforts
The Mediterranean Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus euryale) is classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and is recognized as a priority species for conservation studies under several international frameworks. In Lebanon, this species faces significant conservation challenges due to habitat disturbance and human activities that threaten its underground roosting sites.
Preliminary data indicate that this bat is one of the most at-risk species in Lebanon. Over the last few decades, its populations have declined due to the disturbance of caves, which serve as its primary roosting habitats. Uncontrolled speleological activities, tourism, and habitat modification are among the main factors contributing to this decline.
The distribution of the Mediterranean Horseshoe Bat in Lebanon is concentrated in areas with suitable caves and underground habitats, such as Mount Lebanon and Hima Ebel El Saqi. These regions still harbor small colonies of the species, but the decline of known roosting sites underscores the urgent need for conservation measures.
Efforts to conserve Rhinolophus euryale in Lebanon are being bolstered by the Bioconnect Project, which aims to achieve a favorable conservation status for the species.
During monitoring activities, several key sites were identified as important roosting habitats for the Mediterranean Horseshoe Bat. Unlike other species, Rhinolophus euryale rarely utilizes aboveground shelters, emphasizing the need to protect underground caves and mitigate human disturbances in these areas.
The data collected during these surveys provide a solid foundation for developing effective conservation strategies in Lebanon. By safeguarding cave habitats, raising awareness about the ecological importance of bats, and regulating human activities in key roosting sites, Lebanon can work toward reversing the decline of the Mediterranean Horseshoe Bat and ensuring its survival for future generations.
Call to Action
The survey results underscore the importance of continued conservation efforts. SPNL calls on local communities, government bodies, and international organizations to:
- Support the implementation of sustainable land-use practices.
- Promote public awareness and education about biodiversity.
- Fund initiatives like Himat Al Hima, which empower local communities to protect Lebanon’s ecological heritage.
Take Action Today!
🌍 Support SPNL’s conservation campaigns: Support Homat Al Hima
