The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), under the BioConnect project funded by the European Union, has completed a comprehensive Mammal Assessment for Hima Sites. This study, led by biodiversity expert Dr. Mounir R. Abi-Said, presents critical findings on Lebanon’s mammalian species, their distribution, and conservation needs across key Hima reserves.
A Critical Study on Mammalian Biodiversity
The research focused on five Hima sites:
- Ras Al Maten
- Hammana
- Ibl Al Saqi
- Ain Zebdeh – Kherbet Qanafar
- Kherbet Qanafar
These sites encompass diverse habitats, from dense pine forests and riverine ecotones to rugged limestone cliffs. The study utilized a combination of local knowledge, literature reviews, and extensive field surveys employing camera trapping, acoustic bat detectors, rodent trapping, and nocturnal spotlighting.
Key Findings
The assessment documented 36 mammal species belonging to six orders and 16 families, including bats, carnivores, rodents, insectivores, and artiodactyls. Among the recorded species:
- Foxes (Vulpes vulpes palestina) and Jackals (Canis aureus) were among the most frequently observed carnivores, with their presence confirmed across all surveyed Himas.
- Wild boars (Sus scrofa) were particularly abundant and considered a growing issue for agricultural lands.
- Striped hyaenas (Hyaena hyaena syriaca), a species classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, were confirmed in multiple locations but in small numbers.
- Bats were widely detected, with significant recordings of the Mediterranean horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus euryale) and the Greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum), both of which are classified as Near Threatened.
- Rock Hyrax (Procavia capensis syriaca), a rare species in Lebanon, was found thriving in Ras Al Maten.
- Rodents and insectivores, including Persian squirrels (Sciurus anomalus) and mole rats (Spalax leucodon), were recorded, highlighting the ecological diversity of the surveyed Himas.
Insights from Local Knowledge
Local communities provided invaluable insights into the mammalian biodiversity and population trends across the Hima sites. Interviews with farmers, shepherds, and local residents revealed the following:
- Ras Al Maten Hima: Local shepherds, including Mr. Naji Hatoum and Mr. Ayman Salha, confirmed the abundance of jackals, foxes, wild boars, and squirrels. Porcupines and hyraxes were also noted, though hedgehogs were reported as rare. Farmers expressed concern about squirrels affecting pine production.
- Hammana Hima: Shepherds, such as Mr. Mohammad Ghosn, reported frequent sightings of foxes, jackals, badgers, hyaenas, and wolves. Rodents were abundant, while wild boars and squirrels were notably absent in this area.
- Ain Zebdee – Kherbet Qanafar Hima: Local interviews highlighted the prevalence of wolves, foxes, jackals, and hyaenas during winter months. Porcupines and wild boars were reported as common pests near farmlands. A rare sighting of a large wild cat, locally referred to as “washaq,” was also documented.
- Ibl Al Saqi Hima: Farmers and municipal officials identified wild boars, foxes, jackals, and porcupines as highly abundant species. Hedgehogs, however, were reported to be declining due to pesticide use. Field voles were also noted as a significant agricultural pest.
In addition, shepherds and farmers shared observations on the behavior and ecological roles of these mammals. For example, jackals and foxes were noted to venture closer to human settlements during winter, often scavenging for food. Wild boars, on the other hand, are a persistent challenge for agricultural lands, causing widespread damage to crops.
Local knowledge also highlighted the historical decline of some species, such as wolves and striped hyaenas, primarily due to hunting and habitat loss. Farmers emphasized the importance of balancing conservation efforts with human needs, particularly when managing species perceived as agricultural pests.
Conservation Challenges and Recommendations
The study identifies several threats to mammalian biodiversity in Lebanon, including habitat destruction, deforestation, hunting, and urban encroachment. Key conservation recommendations include:
- Habitat Restoration: Protecting and restoring forested areas and ensuring the maintenance of natural water sources, crucial for sustaining mammalian species. Efforts should focus on replanting native trees and reducing deforestation.
- Species Protection Measures: Implementing targeted conservation plans for vulnerable species like the striped hyaena and Mediterranean horseshoe bat. These measures include habitat preservation and anti-poaching initiatives.
- Sustainable Land Management: Addressing the increasing impact of wild boars on agriculture through community-based solutions such as fencing, crop rotation, and controlled population management.
- Community Awareness and Engagement: Educating local communities on the ecological roles of mammals and discouraging harmful activities such as trapping and poaching. Awareness campaigns can emphasize the importance of species like bats for pest control and the ecological value of predators in maintaining balance.
- Long-Term Monitoring: Establishing permanent monitoring stations for camera trapping and acoustic bat detection to track population trends over time. Data collected from these stations will inform adaptive management strategies.
- Policy Support and Enforcement: Strengthening legal frameworks to protect key species and habitats. This includes implementing stricter regulations on hunting and land conversion.
The Role of Local Communities in Conservation
The involvement of local communities is critical to the success of conservation initiatives. By integrating traditional knowledge with scientific research, the BioConnect project has fostered a deeper understanding of mammalian biodiversity in Lebanon. Community members, including shepherds and farmers, play a vital role in monitoring species, reporting illegal activities, and advocating for sustainable land use practices.
Educational programs and workshops have also been recommended to empower communities with the knowledge and tools needed to coexist with wildlife. For instance, training sessions on non-lethal methods to deter wild boars or workshops on bat conservation can encourage positive attitudes toward these species.
A Step Forward for Lebanon’s Mammal Conservation
This Mammal Assessment for Hima Sites is a landmark study that provides critical baseline data for the conservation of Lebanon’s rich mammalian diversity. SPNL, in collaboration with local communities and conservation partners, will continue to implement biodiversity conservation actions under the BioConnect project.
The findings from this study will serve as the foundation for future conservation initiatives, ensuring the protection of Lebanon’s mammal species and their habitats for generations to come. By addressing current challenges and implementing the recommended strategies, Lebanon can preserve its natural heritage while fostering harmony between humans and wildlife.
Click to access Mammal-Assessment-for-Hima-Sites.pdf
Overview of the BioConnect Project
The BioConnect Project, funded by the European Union, aims to enhance the management and governance of environmentally significant sites in southern Lebanon and establish new protected areas to preserve natural landscapes and biodiversity on a broader scale in the region.
Project Partners
Four main partners implement the project:
- Shouf Biosphere Reserve Association (ACS)
- Association for Rural Capacities Development (ADR)
- Association for Community and Environment (ACE)
- Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL)
These partners work collectively to:
- Improve the management of significant environmental sites.
- Establish new protected areas.
- Implement “Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures” (OECMs) for more comprehensive landscape preservation.
Main Objectives
The project seeks to achieve the following goals:
- Enhancing Ecosystem Health
- Improve social and economic benefits derived from ecosystems.
- Reducing Biodiversity Pressures
- Support local communities to ensure the sustainability of conservation efforts.
Geographical Scope
The project focuses on four main regions:
- Southern Coastal Lebanon
- Western Bekaa
- Mount Lebanon
- Southern Lebanon Mountains
Targeted Sites
The project covers the following Himas:
- Qolaila and Mansouri
- Khirbet Qanafar
- Ain Zebdeh
- Hammana
- Ras el-Metn
- Ibl es-Saqi
Project Duration
The project spans 45 months, from February 1, 2022, to October 31, 2025.
Strategic Goals
1. Biodiversity Conservation
- Develop and implement monitoring protocols for biodiversity, including plants, birds, mammals, and other wildlife.
- Increase knowledge of biodiversity in the targeted areas.
- Create citizen science protocols to ensure the sustainability of research efforts.
- Reduce habitat fragmentation by improving connectivity between natural landscapes.
2. Empowering Traditional Practices
- Support farmers through the “Hima Farm Program” to promote the transition to more sustainable agricultural practices.
3. Education and Capacity Building
- Deliver educational programs through initiatives such as:
- “School Without Walls” (SNOW) for children.
- “Youth Hima Rangers” for young conservationists.
- Develop eco-tourism activities to enhance the ecological tourism value of targeted areas.
- Organize annual Hima Forums to enable Hima leaders to share success stories.
4. Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
- Establish an ecosystem-based framework to address climate change challenges.
- Strengthen the resilience of protected areas to climate change impacts.
5. Policy-Making
- Collaborate with municipalities to draft local policies for biodiversity conservation.
- Promote sustainable resource use in hunting, farming, and fishing activities.
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