Author: abdulnasser eisa

The Winter Waterbird Census Program in Libya continued its field activities for 2023, with surveys conducted at several water reservoirs around Greater Tripoli. The field visits included:

• Wadi Almjenin dam.
• Wadi Ghan dam.
• Ain Taghneet.
• Wadi Zaret dam.

Participants:

• Graduate students from the Department of Zoology, University of Tripoli, as part of the Ornithology course.
• Alhaya Organization – Gharyan Branch

The field trips were distinguished by the academic participation of graduate students from the Department of Zoology, University of Tripoli, adding significant scientific value to the program. Additionally, contributions from environmental organizations supported monitoring and survey efforts.

s part of the 2023 Winter Census of Migratory Waterbirds, the Libyan Society for Birds conducted field surveys in the eastern region of Libya, covering several important wetlands and coastal sites, including:

“Wadi Alhamsa (east of Derna), Wadi Alkhabta (Derna), Sabkhat Al-Tamimi, Sabkhat Um Hafain, Sabkhat Um Algrami, Khalij Bomba, Alqsebaia, Tobruk Pay and Port, Ain Alghazala, Ain Al-Zayana (Benghazi), Ain Alshaghigha, Ain Azzargha, Sabkhat Al-Thama, Boudzira area (Benghazi), 23 July Lake (Benghazi), Shatt Benghazi (Al-Sabri), Sabkhat Karkurah (Al-Muqrun), Al-Burayqah Sabkha, Julyanah Lake, and Sabkhat Qanfudhah”.

Participants:

• Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science – University of Tripoli.
• Alhaya Organization for Protection of Wildlife and Marine Organisms.

The Society extends its sincere gratitude to Dr. Huda Al-Haddad for her outstanding efforts and excellent coordination of the Winter Census activities in Greater Benghazi.

As part of the annual Winter Census of Migratory Waterbirds, and in coordination with the Ministry of Environment, the Libyan Society for Birds continued its fieldwork in the central region of Libya. The survey covered sites in Al-Hayshah, Al-Washkah, and the city of Sirte, specifically:

• Sabkhat Sultan.
• Sabkhat Abumariem.
• Sirt Port.
• The Landfill.

Participants:

• Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science – University of Tripoli.
• Amwaj Association for Environmental Protection.
• National Research Center for Tropical and Transboundary Diseases.

The Society extends its sincere thanks to all participants for their efforts, with special appreciation to the Coastal Security Directorate in Sirte for their cooperation and support in ensuring the success of the census activities.

The Libyan Society for Birds continued its field activities as part of the 2023 Winter Census of Migratory Waterbirds, conducting surveys in Misrata and Tawergha. The surveyed sites included:

• Qaser Ahmed.
• Misrata treatment plant.
• Wadi Sasso.
• Tawergha.

Participants:

• Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science – University of Tripoli.
• National Research Center for Tropical and Transboundary Diseases.

Despite the cold and rainy winter conditions, the team successfully completed the fieldwork, recording numerous species of waterbirds and terrestrial birds, highlighting the importance of these sites as natural habitats.

The Society extends its gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the surveys in the aforementioned areas.

The Libyan Society for Birds continued its efforts within the 2023 Winter Census of Waterbirds, conducting field surveys on Sunday, January 15, 2023, in the cities of Al-Khums and Zliten. The surveyed sites included:

• Kahaf Dakhil.
• Ain Kaam.
• Wadi Kaam Dam.
• Zliten Port.
• Zliten Treatment Plant.
• Al-Khums Port.

Participants:

• Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science – University of Tripoli.
• National Research Center for Tropical and Transboundary Diseases.

The team successfully completed the fieldwork, recording a large number of waterbird species and individuals, highlighting the importance of these sites as habitats for both migratory and resident birds.

The Society extends its gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the surveys in the aforementioned areas.

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.

Dr. Khaled Etayeb, President of the Libyan Society for Birds, participated in a phone interview on Libya Economic Channel to discuss the issue of migratory bird trafficking and its threats to biodiversity.

During the interview, Dr. Etayeb highlighted the violations of the Ramsar Convention on the protection of wetlands, as well as the CITES Convention aimed at preventing trade in endangered wild species. He emphasized the importance of enforcing national laws and international regulations to protect birds and preserve their natural habitats.

As part of the collaboration program between the Libyan Society for Birds and Bessida Society for the Protection of Farwa Island and Lake, a training workshop for Bessida youth members was held on Friday, November 4, 2022, coinciding with a waterbird and seabird census at Farwa Lake and the coastal area between Abu Kamash and Ras Jdir.

The visit was organized following an invitation from Bessida Society management, with participation from several members of the Libyan Society for Birds in both the training and field census.

The program began at the Wadi Mouth area east of the island, where training activities were conducted alongside bird surveys. During this stage, significant numbers of wading birds and gulls were recorded.

The team then moved to the lake and the coastal strip between Abu Kamash and the area opposite Qat’aya Island, observing a variety of species, including herons, ducks, gulls, and other wading birds.

The activity concluded with the Libyan Society for Birds expressing their gratitude to Bessida Society for their warm welcome and hospitality, as well as appreciation to the trainees for their enthusiasm and engagement throughout the workshop.

On Wednesday, November 2, 2022, a rare raptor, the Rüppell’s Vulture (Gyps rueppelli), was handed over to Tripoli Zoo by the Libyan Society for Birds team.

This bird had been found approximately a year and a half earlier in the outskirts of Bani Walid – Shmeikh Village, where it was cared for by Mr. Abdulnasser Eisa, a member of the Libyan Society for Birds.

The handover was coordinated with Mr. Ibrahim Al-Qahwaji, and approved by Dr. Abdulfattah Hosni, Director of Tripoli Zoo. The Society’s team, consisting of Dr. Khaled Etayeb (President), Mr. Ashraf Galidan (Director of Administrative and Financial Affairs), and Mr. Abdulnasser Eisa (Member), handed over the bird to Mr. Fateh Sof El-Jein, who officially received it.

This bird represents the first documented record of Rüppell’s Vulture (Gyps rueppelli) in Libya. As a species listed as endangered, this event holds significant scientific importance for biodiversity conservation.

At the conclusion of the occasion, the management and members of the Libyan Society for Birds expressed their sincere gratitude to Tripoli Zoo, including its staff and technicians, for their efforts in animal care and for warmly welcoming the Society’s team.