As the snowstorm swept across the rugged landscapes of Mount Lebanon, a majestic long-legged buzzard (Buteo rufinus) was captured by the keen lens of Chadi Saad, SPNL Homat Al Hima activist and manager of the Hima Hammana Raptor Counting Site. The striking bird, with its expansive wingspan and commanding presence, evoked the grandeur of a small eagle, welcoming the storm as a symbol of resilience and adaptability in Lebanon’s mountain ecosystem.
A Majestic Raptor Across Continents
The long-legged buzzard is a bird of prey widely distributed across Eurasia and North Africa, stretching from Southeastern Europe to East Africa and the northern Indian subcontinent. As a member of the genus Buteo, it stands out as one of the larger species in the group. While powerful in stature, it is known for its relatively sluggish demeanor compared to other raptors.
Despite its deliberate movements, the long-legged buzzard is a formidable hunter, primarily preying on small mammals such as rodents, including gerbils, ground squirrels, voles, and rats. It also feeds on reptiles, birds, and insects and does not shy away from scavenging carrion when necessary. The adaptability of this species allows it to nest in diverse environments, including rocky outcrops, cliffs, and trees, demonstrating its resilience in various terrains.
Population Trends and Conservation Status
Globally, the long-legged buzzard enjoys a stable population, classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, regional population trends have varied. Some declines have been observed in western Russia, while in contrast, Europe, particularly Bulgaria, has witnessed an increase in numbers since the 1990s. Estimates suggest that the Western Palearctic population ranged between 5,000 and 15,000 pairs in the 1990s, rising to between 11,800 and 19,200 pairs by 2015.
Europe hosts less than a quarter of the global population, with significant nesting populations found in western Russia (800-1,500 pairs), Bulgaria (200-750 pairs), Greece (60-300 pairs), and Ukraine (50 pairs). The long-legged buzzard remains vulnerable in certain European regions due to declines exceeding 30% from historic levels. Meanwhile, Israel harbors approximately 500 pairs, a number that stabilized after population reductions caused by pesticide use in the 1950s.
The species thrives in Turkey, with an estimated 3,000-6,000 pairs, and in Azerbaijan, where 1,000-2,500 pairs are recorded. In North Africa, estimates suggest about 400 pairs in Tunisia and over 1,000 pairs in Morocco. In the Arabian Peninsula, a slight decline has been noted, with Saudi Arabia home to around 600 pairs, while Oman and Yemen host approximately 100 pairs each, and the United Arab Emirates only five pairs.
In Asia, detailed population data remains scarce. The long-legged buzzard is rare to uncommon in Pakistan and northwestern China, while Central Asia holds promising but undocumented breeding pairs. The species’ survival in this region depends on the preservation of suitable habitats, particularly against threats such as habitat conversion and quarrying.
A Guardian of Lebanon’s Skies
The presence of the long-legged buzzard in Hima Hammana highlights the ecological richness of Lebanon’s mountainous landscapes. As captured through Chadi Saad’s lens, this raptor stands as a testament to nature’s resilience amid changing environmental conditions. Conservation efforts, particularly through the Hima approach, continue to support the long-legged buzzard and other raptors, ensuring that these magnificent birds of prey remain a symbol of Lebanon’s natural heritage.
With ongoing habitat preservation and active conservation initiatives, the long-legged buzzard’s role in maintaining ecological balance remains vital. Its flight above Mount Lebanon, even in the midst of a snowstorm, is a reminder of the importance of protecting and celebrating the diverse wildlife that calls Lebanon home.
