Author: abdulnasser eisa

As part of the monitoring activities conducted by the Bessida Society for the Protection of Farwa Island and Lake, a report was issued indicating the presence of a significant number of dead birds along the island’s northern shore, with more than 80 individuals found in a limited area.

A coordinated field visit was carried out on Tuesday, 25 May 2021, by a joint team from the Libyan Society for Birds, Bessida Society, and veterinary experts from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tripoli.

The team, which included Dr. Abdelmajid Hamhoum, surveyed a 6 km stretch of coastline on the northern side of the island and documented 33 dead birds. Preliminary analysis suggested that the deaths had occurred more than 20 days earlier. The species was identified as Scopoli’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea), rather than gulls or grebes as initially assumed.

Samples (swabs) were collected from one of the carcasses. Dissection and analysis of the digestive system—particularly the stomach, intestines, and gizzard—showed no traces of plastic, which had been among the initial suspected causes of mortality.

The society extends its sincere thanks to colleagues at the Bessida Society for their active role and warm hospitality, and to Dr. Abdelmajid Hamhoum for his valuable contributions during the fieldwork

On May 21, 2021, in collaboration with the Libyan Society for Birds and the Libyan Organization for Conservation of Nature (LOCN), the team successfully ring‑marked 9 Yellow‑Legged Gulls (Larus michahellis) at Dukheil Cave to monitor their behavior and migration patterns.

The operation was successfully carried out despite the challenging location of the nests on a steep rocky cliff, requiring safety equipment to ensure the team’s well-being.

This species is a resident and breeding bird in Libya and is widely distributed across several countries.

📷 Photo credit: Abdel Ati Al‑Sweib, member of the Libyan Organization for Conservation of Nature (LOCN).

The results of the Global Big Day 2021, held on Saturday, May 8, 2021, in conjunction with the World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD 2021), were as follows:

• 192 participating countries, including Libya 🇱🇾.
• 51,954 participants globally.
• 134,431 sites surveyed worldwide.
• 7,236 bird species recorded globally.
• 55 species recorded in Libya 🇱🇾, across three sites only:
  • Qaser Ahmed Sabkha, Misrata.
  • Al-Sikt area, Misrata.
  • Al Haḑabah Sewage Treatment Plant – Tripoli.

The Libyan Society for Birds team recorded species at the Al Haḑabah Sewage Treatment Plant in Tripoli, while the Libyan Organization for Conservation of Nature documented species at the two sites in Misrata.

This activity reflects ongoing efforts to monitor and study migratory birds in Libya and to enhance national participation in global bird biodiversity initiatives.

At the kind invitation of Bessida Society for the Protection of Farwa Island and Lake, the team from the Libyan Society for Birds participated on Friday, 19 March 2021 in a tree-planting campaign on Farwa Island, in collaboration with several civil society organizations.

During the campaign, 300 seedlings of plant species suitable for the island’s local environment were planted, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance environmental sustainability and preserve the area’s ecosystems.

The Libyan Society for Birds extends its sincere thanks to Bessida Society for providing the opportunity to contribute to this important environmental initiative, reflecting the spirit of community cooperation in supporting nature.

The Libyan Society for Birds, in collaboration with the General Environmental Authority, is pleased at the conclusion of the Winter Waterbird Census (IWC) 2021 to extend its sincere thanks and appreciation to all who contributed to the success of this important scientific and environmental effort.

This year’s census covered wetlands extending from Al-Washka in the east to Ras Jdir in the west, in addition to several water reservoirs in the western region. the results this year were encouraging, showing good diversity and abundance of species.

At this occasion, the Society and the Authority express their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to:

• University of Tripoli / Faculty of Science / Department of Zoology.
• Department of Transportation, University of Tripoli.
• Commander of Mitiga Air Base.
• Security Affairs Administration, Ministry of Interior.
• Libyan Organization for Conservation of Nature.
• Bessida Society for the Protection of Farwa Island and Lake.
• Farwa Protected Area Monitoring Center.
• Administration of the Al Haḑabah Sewage Treatment Plant.

The field efforts of the Libyan Society for Birds continue, with the Winter Waterbird Survey Program reaching its final station in the city of Zuwara, renowned for its rich wetlands that serve as a safe haven for birds.

The survey covered:

• Sabkhet Mellita.
• Sabkhet Almanqoub.
• Farwa Island.
• The coastline between Abu Kamash and Ras Jdir.

These activities were carried out in collaboration with the team from the Bessida Society for the Protection of Farwa Island and Lake, with the participation and training of five promising young members from Badu as part of capacity building and youth engagement initiatives.

We extend our sincere thanks to all who contributed to the successful completion of the survey in Greater Zuwara, with special acknowledgment to the Farwa Protected Area Monitoring Center for their support and cooperation.