On Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 6:00 AM, in Hima Hammana, two young individuals under the age of 18 were spotted illegally firing hunting rifles at resident and migratory birds. The Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) swiftly intervened, addressing the situation in line with Lebanon’s hunting regulations and conservation commitments.
Immediate Intervention and Education
Upon detecting the illegal activity, the SPNL team engaged with the young hunters, informing them of the multiple violations they were committing, including:
- Age restriction violations – Under Lebanese hunting laws, individuals must meet the legal age requirement and hold a valid hunting license.
- Timing violations – The hunting season is strictly regulated, and unauthorized hunting outside of these periods is a serious offense.
- Species protection – Many birds targeted were protected resident and migratory species, which play a crucial role in Lebanon’s biodiversity.
After being warned about the legal and environmental consequences, the young hunters ceased their activities and immediately left the area.
The Role of Anti-Poaching Unit
The Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) was established to monitor and prevent illegal practices that threaten birds and wildlife in Lebanon. Through its trained field teams, the unit conducts awareness campaigns, monitors hunting areas, and coordinates with relevant authorities to enforce environmental laws, contributing to the protection of endangered species and the sustainability of ecosystems.
With the support of over 40 volunteers and activists, APU is actively implementing initiatives to combat illegal hunting. These efforts are made possible through the generous backing of the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation and the BioConnect project, funded by the European Union.
APU’s activities are carried out in close collaboration with BirdLife International, in partnership with the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) and the Middle East Sustainable Hunting Center (MESHC). Together, these organizations work to promote sustainable hunting practices, enforce wildlife protection laws, and safeguard Lebanon’s rich biodiversity.
Since its inception, the APU has actively:
✅ Conducted field patrols to detect and prevent illegal hunting.
✅ Collaborated with law enforcement agencies to report violations.
✅ Engaged in community education, raising awareness about the impact of poaching on Lebanon’s ecosystems and migratory bird populations.
Hima Hammana: A Vital Stop for Migratory Birds
Hima Hammana is a critical site for bird conservation, located along the Lebanon Mountain range, a key migration corridor for raptors and other bird species traveling between Europe, Asia, and Africa. The area has become a hotspot for birdwatching, conservation initiatives, and sustainable ecotourism, making it essential to enforce hunting regulations and protect vulnerable species.
A Call for Responsible Hunting and Wildlife Protection
SPNL continues to advocate for ethical and responsible hunting, urging hunters, communities, and authorities to uphold Lebanon’s hunting laws and conservation agreements, including commitments under the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and the AEWA (African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement).
The Hima system, deeply rooted in Lebanon’s heritage, promotes sustainable land use and wildlife conservation through community involvement. This approach ensures that future generations can enjoy Lebanon’s rich biodiversity without the devastating effects of illegal poaching.
Join the Conservation Effort
🔹 If you witness illegal hunting activities, report them to SPNL’s Anti-Poaching Unit.
🔹 Support ethical and sustainable wildlife conservation efforts.
🔹 Educate young hunters about legal hunting regulations and the importance of protecting migratory species.
📢 Read more about SPNL’s anti-poaching initiatives:
🔗 https://www.spnl.org/category/anti-poaching-unit/
Together, we can ensure that Hima Hammana remains a safe haven for migratory birds and wildlife! 🦅🌿 #StopPoaching #ProtectMigratoryBirds #HimaHammana #SPNL
