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Author: abdulnasser eisa

Release of the Regional Report on Raptors in North Africa.


The regional report on raptors in North Africa has been recently released, addressing the conservation status of these birds and the distribution of their nesting sites across the region.

This report is the outcome of the efforts of 34 experts from Mediterranean countries, during a meeting held in Tunisia in February 2020. Libya contributed to this scientific work through the Libyan Society for Birds and the Alhaya Organization for Protection of Wildlife and Marine Organisms in Derna.

To view the full report, please follow the link below:

https://portals.iucn.org/library/node/49778?fbclid=IwY2xjawMlp4hleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHvI-H_WRv5BIUEwjnlUjeQNnlumcM12MG6BGhTqZ8u95CAbMm_ECH2Rf9sXC_aem_qKu9U5pGMJGFssu-3pXuWg

Field Visit to Wadi Ghan dam and Boughelan Park.

Continuing its activities, the Libyan Society for Birds, in collaboration with the Department of Zoology – University of Tripoli, conducted a field visit on Thursday, 25 November 2021, covering Wadi Ghan dam and Boughelan Reserve.

The field trip aimed to familiarize students with natural habitats and to monitor waterbird and terrestrial bird species in the visited areas, as part of efforts to enhance practical knowledge and encourage student participation in environmental monitoring activities.

Libyan Society for Birds Participates in Workshop on Converting Bab Al-Azizia Land into a National Park.

The workshop organized by the Administrative Centers Development and Improvement Agency concluded on Wednesday, 24 November 2021, with participation from the Libyan Society for Birds and several civil society organizations. The workshop was dedicated to discussing ways to convert the former Bab Al-Azizia site into a national park.

At the conclusion of the workshop, the agency presented certificates of appreciation to the Libyan Society for Birds and all participating civil society organizations, in recognition of their proposals and ideas aimed at developing and utilizing vacant spaces in ways that benefit citizens and contribute to environmental protection and nature conservation.

Participation of the Libyan Society for Birds in a Children’s Awareness Workshop on the Dangers of Plastic and Overhunting – Zuwara.

On Saturday, 30 October 2021, members of the Libyan Society for Birds took part in a workshop organized by the Libyan Society of Artisanal Fishery Friends, in cooperation with the Bessida Society for the Protection of Farwa Island and Lake. The event was hosted at the Farwa Reserve Monitoring Center.

The workshop specifically targeted children and young fishers, and included awareness lectures on the dangers of plastic waste disposal in the sea, as well as the impacts of overhunting on the marine environment.

This activity highlights the importance of instilling environmental awareness in younger generations, as they represent the beacon of hope that will shape a brighter and more sustainable future.

Participation of the Libyan Society for Birds in the Celebration of World Migratory Bird Day – Tripoli 2021.

On the occasion of World Migratory Bird Day, the Libyan Society for Birds, in collaboration with the Department of Zoology – Faculty of Science, University of Tripoli, participated in a field activity on Sunday, 10 October 2021, at the Al Haḑabah Sewage Treatment Plant, Tripoli.

The team included members of the Society and students from the Environmental Sciences Division, Department of Zoology. A field survey was conducted to census the birds present at the site, resulting in the recording of 20 species of waterbirds and terrestrial birds, including:

  • Spanish Sparrow
  • White Wagtail
  • Great Grey Shrike
  • Laughing Dove
  • Fulvous Babbler
  • Barn Swallow
  • Hoopoe
  • Blackbird
  • Kestrel
  • Little Egret
  • Grey Heron
  • Great Cormorant
  • Black-winged Stilt
  • Marsh Harrier
  • Eurasian Coot
  • Common Greenshank
  • Common Sandpiper
  • Green Sandpiper
  • Wood Sandpiper
  • Marbled Duck

This activity was part of the global celebration of World Migratory Bird Day, organized by a wide network of international partners, such as AEWA, the Convention on Migratory Species, BirdLife International, and Global Birding.

Recording of Dead Birds on Farwa Island and Lake – Field Visit

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

Ring‑Marking of Yellow‑Legged Gull Chicks at Kahaf Dakhil – May 2021.

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 Libyan Society for Birds Organizes an Awareness Activity on the Occasion of International Biodiversity Day – May 2021.

On the occasion of International Biodiversity Day, the Libyan Society for Birds organized an awareness activity on Saturday, 22 May 2021 for the Al-Shat Scout Group – Second Division “Zahrat” – Tripoli Scout Commission, held at University of Tripoli, Faculty of Science – Department of Zoology.

The program included an introduction to International Biodiversity Day, celebrated annually on 22 May, highlighting the importance of biodiversity for the preservation of ecosystems. The activity featured educational lectures and visual presentations emphasizing the need to protect living organisms, their habitats, and natural resources.

The celebration also included a tour of the Department of Zoology Museum, allowing participants to directly explore various animal species, providing an interactive learning experience for students.

The Society extends its gratitude to all attendees from the Ministry of Environment, as well as the researchers and professors specializing in environmental sciences, for their participation in commemorating this global day.

Results of the Global Big Day 2021: 55 Bird Species Recorded in Libya.

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.

Field Visit by the Libyan Society for Birds to Al-Haḑabah Sewage Treatment Plant on the Occasion of World Migratory Bird Day – May 2021.

As part of the celebration of World Migratory Bird Day, the Libyan Society for Birds conducted a field visit on Saturday, 8 May 2021, to the Al Haḑabah Sewage Treatment Plant in Tripoli.

The visit aimed to highlight the importance of birds and their vital role in our environment, as well as to commemorate World Migratory Bird Day and raise awareness about the importance of monitoring and protecting them.

Workshop to Present the Results of the 2021 winter Waterbird Survey in Libya.

On Tuesday, 6 April 2021, and with the gracious presence and sponsorship of the Minister of Environment, Dr. Ibrahim Munir, a workshop was held to present the results of the 2021 Winter Waterbird Survey. The event brought together members from civil society organizations as well as relevant state institutions that contributed to the success of this year’s survey.

The program began with welcoming remarks, during which the Minister praised the efforts of civil society organizations in environmental protection and wished success for the workshop’s proceedings.

The Libyan Society for Birds presented an overview of the winter waterbird survey in Libya, including its initiation, phases, challenges, and obstacles encountered. The 2021 survey results were shared, highlighting participating organizations, including:

  • Libyan Organization for Conservation of Nature.
  • Bessida Society for the Protection of Farwa Island and Lake.
  • University of Tripoli – Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science.
  • Ministry of Environment (formerly General Environmental Authority).

The presentation also covered the surveyed sites, documented bird species, and counts. A segment was dedicated to introducing the Ministry’s Civil Activity Office, followed by a documentary video showcasing the 2021 survey activities, diverse habitats, bird species, and the survey team in action.

A discussion session followed, focusing on the presented results and the Ministry’s role in supporting environmental NGOs. The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting activities aimed at environmental conservation, protection of natural resources, and biodiversity preservation.

The workshop concluded with the distribution of certificates of appreciation to organizations that contributed to the success of the 2021 national waterbird survey, including:

  • Farwa Fish Farm.
  • Farwa Protected Area Monitoring Center.
  • Libyan Organization for Conservation of Nature.
  • Bessida Society for the Protection of Farwa Island and Lake.
  • Libyan Society Wildlife Trust.
  • Bado Society for the protection of marine and terrestrial life.
  • Al Haḑabah Sewage Treatment Plant.
  • University of Tripoli – Services Office & Department of Movement.
  • Directors of Departments and Offices at the Ministry of Environment.

The Libyan Society for Birds extends its sincere gratitude to the Minister of Environment for sponsoring and attending the workshop, as well as to all participants for their engagement and commitment to bird and environmental conservation in Libya.

Participation of the Libyan Society for Birds in the “Environmental Awareness Enhancement” Workshop at Farwa Reserve.

Members of the Libyan Society for Birds participated in the workshop titled “Environmental Awareness Enhancement”, organized by Bado Society for the protection of marine and terrestrial life on Saturday, 27 March 2021, in Zuwara. The workshop was part of projects funded by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), in partnership with the Libyan Society for Birds and the Libyan Society of Artisanal Fishery Friends, focusing on Farwa Reserve.

The workshop included a series of educational lectures aimed at raising awareness about the importance of protected areas and conserving biodiversity on Farwa Island, highlighting the role of birds and wildlife in supporting local ecosystems.