Hima Hammana and the surrounding landscapes of Mount Lebanon are home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, where forests, meadows, and rocky outcrops create a sanctuary for birds, mammals, and other species. Wildlife photographer Chadi Saad of SPNL has been documenting this rich biodiversity, offering a glimpse into the hidden wonders of Lebanon’s ecosystems. Through his lens, birds of prey soar, small mammals scurry through the undergrowth, and songbirds bring life to the forests.
The Avian Majesty of Hima Hammana
Mount Lebanon’s varied habitats provide a critical refuge for both resident and migratory bird species, making it an ornithological hotspot. Some of the stunning bird species captured by Chadi Saad’s lens include:
🦅 Eurasian Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) – A master of aerial agility, often seen hovering over open fields in search of prey.
🦅 Long-Legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) – A powerful bird of prey that soars high above the mountains, scanning for small mammals.
🦅 Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) – Often mistaken for an eagle, this bird thrives in Lebanon’s diverse landscapes.
🎶 Wood Lark (Lullula arborea) – Known for its melodious song, often heard in open woodlands and heathlands.
🎵 Corn Bunting (Emberiza calandra) – A farmland bird whose distinctive call rings across the fields.
🪶 European Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola) – Perched on shrubs, this small bird is a common sight in open landscapes.
🪶 Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe) – A striking migrant that stops in Lebanon on its long journey between Africa and Europe.
🎶 European Robin (Erithacus rubecula) – A beloved songbird that thrives in the cool, shaded forests of Mount Lebanon.
A Mammalian Haven: The Hidden Inhabitants of Mount Lebanon
Beyond the birds, Hima Hammana is a refuge for mammals that are essential to the region’s ecological balance. Through Chadi Saad’s lens, we witness the secretive yet resilient creatures that call these forests home:
🦊 Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) – A skilled hunter and scavenger, frequently seen at dusk and dawn.
🐿️ Persian Squirrel (Sciurus anomalus) – Lebanon’s native squirrel species, darting through cedar and oak trees.
🐀 Social Vole (Microtus socialis) – A small rodent crucial to the food chain, serving as prey for raptors and carnivores.
🐾 Hyrax (Procavia capensis) – A fascinating and elusive mammal, more commonly associated with African and Middle Eastern rocky habitats.
Hima Hammana: A Testament to Conservation
The Hima conservation model, led by SPNL (Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon), plays a crucial role in preserving Lebanon’s wildlife and birdlife. Through sustainable land management, community involvement, and dedicated conservation efforts, sites like Hima Hammana remain safe havens for threatened species and essential biodiversity corridors.
Thanks to Chadi Saad’s wildlife photography, the beauty and importance of Lebanon’s natural heritage can be shared with the world, inspiring greater awareness and action for conservation.
📸 Photography Credit: Chadi Saad, SPNL
