On January 12, 2023, the Libyan Society for Birds initiated the Winter Waterbird Census (IWC) in Libya, under the supervision of the Society and in coordination with the Ministry of Environment, with participation from:

• Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science – University of Tripoli.
• National Research Center for Tropical and Transboundary Diseases.
• Bessida Society for the Protection of Farwa Island and Lake.
• Amwaj Society for Environmental Conservation.
• Alhaya Organization for Protection of Wildlife and Marine Organisms.

The survey began in the Zwara and Abu Kamash areas, in collaboration with Besida Association, and continued over three days, covering the following sites:

• Abukamash Sabkha and Beach.
• Farwa Island.
• Sabkhet Kattofa.
• Sabkhet Almanqoub.
• Zwara Port.
• Sabkhet Mellita.

Despite cold and rainy weather conditions, the team successfully completed the field surveys, with excellent results in species diversity and abundance for this season.

The Libyan Society for Birds extends its sincere gratitude to all participants, with special thanks to Bessida Society for their warm welcome and outstanding cooperation in ensuring the success of this national program.