For centuries, the European goldfinch has been a beloved presence in Lebanon’s forests and meadows, its bright plumage and melodic song symbolizing freedom, beauty, and the delicate balance of nature. However, rampant poaching and the illegal trade of this treasured bird have threatened its existence, driving it to the brink in many regions.
But in Hammana, a picturesque town nestled in Mount Lebanon, a quiet revolution is unfolding. Thanks to the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) and its Anti-Poaching Unit (APU), the goldfinch is making a remarkable comeback, reclaiming its place in the Lebanese landscape.
A Battle Against Poaching
The illegal capture and trade of the European goldfinch have long been lucrative businesses in Lebanon. Trappers use sticky glue sticks, nets, and decoy birds to lure unsuspecting goldfinches, which are then sold in markets as pets or for their melodious singing abilities. This practice, fueled by demand and weak enforcement of wildlife protection laws, has caused a significant decline in wild goldfinch populations.
Recognizing the urgent need for action, SPNL established the Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) in 2019. The unit works closely with local authorities, municipal police, the General Directorate of Internal Security, and the Lebanese Army to crack down on illegal wildlife trade. Their mission is clear: track poachers, dismantle traps, and enforce Lebanon’s wildlife protection laws.
Hammana: A Sanctuary for the Goldfinch
Among the areas suffering from excessive poaching was Hammana, a breathtaking natural reserve known for its diverse ecosystems. With its mix of forests, cliffs, and water sources, Hammana has long been a crucial habitat for the goldfinch, offering shelter and abundant food sources. However, the rampant trapping of these birds posed a severe threat to their survival.
Determined to restore Hammana’s natural balance, SPNL’s Anti-Poaching Unit, in collaboration with Hammana Municipal Police, launched a large-scale campaign to remove all forms of illegal trapping.
During a recent operation, the team successfully dismantled dozens of traps and nets, removed glue sticks, and freed countless birds caught in the cruel devices. The release of these birds was a powerful moment—a step toward reversing the damage caused by years of exploitation.
A Remarkable Comeback
The results of these efforts have been extraordinary. For the first time in years, goldfinches are nesting and breeding in Hammana once again. The sight of young goldfinches taking their first flights in the wild is a testament to the resilience of nature when given the chance to recover.
Shadi Saad, Director of the Birdwatching Observatory in Hammana Reserve, recently captured stunning images of two family groups of goldfinches moving freely in the area. His observations confirm what conservationists had hoped for: the goldfinch is not only surviving but thriving.
“The return of these birds is a sign that our conservation efforts are working,” Saad explains. “It’s not just about saving one species—it’s about restoring an entire ecosystem and ensuring that future generations can enjoy Lebanon’s rich natural heritage.”
Beyond Hammana: A Model for Conservation
The success of the Hammana initiative is inspiring similar efforts across Lebanon. The Anti-Poaching Unit continues to expand its work, raising awareness about wildlife protection, engaging local communities, and advocating for stricter enforcement of environmental laws.
Despite the challenges, there is hope. The return of the goldfinch to Hammana is proof that when people come together to protect nature, remarkable things can happen.
As Lebanon navigates its environmental challenges, Hammana stands as a beacon of what is possible when conservation and community go hand in hand. The song of the goldfinch, once silenced by poaching, is now echoing through the hills once more—a melody of resilience, restoration, and hope.
