Waterbird census activities in the monitoring sites of Zuwara region concluded on Friday 16 January 2026. The census has started on Thursday 15 Jan. 2026 as part of the international program for the January count of migratory waterbirds in wetlands.

The fieldwork was carried out by a joint monitoring team comprising the Libyan Society for Birds, the Ministry of Environment, Bessida Society for Protection of Farwa Island and Lagoon, the University of Tripoli, and the National Center for Research on Tropical and Transboundary Diseases.

Monitoring Sites:
On Thursday, the census covered the following sites:

• Mellitah Sabkha.
• Al-Mankoub Sabkha.
• Zuwara Port.
• Abu Kammash Sabkha.
• Qutoufa Sabkha.
• Fum Al-Wadi area.

On Friday, the monitoring activities included:

• Farwa Island and Lagoon.
• the coast from Farwa to Abu Kammash.
• Abu Kammash Salt Pans.
• Ras Ajdir Sabkha.

Environmental Observations:
During the census, monitoring team observed the effect of drought in some sites, particularly Qutoufa Sabkha, where complete dryness was recorded and no waterbirds were observed. This represents an environmental indicator that requires follow-up and further assessment. Similar conditions were also noted at Mellitah Sabkha.

The conclusion of the census activities in Zuwara region comes within the framework of supporting environmental monitoring efforts and strengthening scientific databases related to waterbirds and wetlands, thereby contributing to the conservation of biodiversity in Libya.