In cooperation with several members of the Libyan Society for Birds, staff from Mitiga Airport, and the Zoology Department team at the University of Tripoli, a Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) was released on 30 November 2017 after being found entangled in a net that prevented it from flying.
This event occurred during a field visit by a zoology student conducting a graduation project at the University of Tripoli – Faculty of Science, aimed at studying waterbirds in Sabkhat Al-Mallaha.
The bird was carefully handled prior to its release, as part of the ongoing efforts by the society and scientific institutions to protect birds and support biodiversity in Libya.
From 15 to 17 September 2017, the 6th Mediterranean Waterbirds Network Meeting was held. This regional network, established in 2012, includes North African countries (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt) along with the French National Office for Hunting and Wildlife (ONCFS) and Tour du Valat, a research center specializing in environmental and wetland studies, supported by the French Ministry of Environment. Tunisia hosted the network’s inaugural meeting at its establishment.
The network aims to strengthen regional cooperation, coordinate winter waterbird censuses, exchange expertise, and overcome challenges faced in monitoring activities across North African countries. Key achievements include the creation of a regional database, training national personnel in bird identification and census methods, providing financial and material support such as binoculars and telescopes, publishing scientific papers in specialized journals, and issuing brochures and training programs on CDs.
Libya’s experience was represented by the Libyan Society for Birds, the General Environmental Authority, and the University of Tripoli. Libya benefited from the network’s programs at a critical stage through material support, provision of equipment, access to the regional database, and the training of national staff in Tunisia under the supervision of Association des Amis des Oiseaux / Tunisia (AAO). The network’s moral support also played a significant role in ensuring the continuity of the Winter Waterbird Census in Libya.
Looking forward, there is a vision to sustain and expand the network’s activities, including potential membership expansion to other countries along the northern Mediterranean coast. Representatives from these countries participated in this meeting and commended the network’s achievements and future plans.
On Saturday, 13 May 2017, a celebration was held on the occasion of World Migratory Bird Day, organized by the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science – University of Tripoli, in collaboration with the Libyan Society for Birds and the General Environmental Authority, at Sebkha Al-Mallaha, Mitiga – Tripoli.
The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of migratory birds and their natural habitats. The organizing committee extends its sincere thanks to all participants, the Mitiga Airport management, and the University of Tripoli’s Movement Department for their support and cooperation in making this environmental event a success.
As part of the Winter Waterbird Census Program, the Libyan Society for Birds conducted census activities on Sunday, January 29, 2017, at Sebkha Qaser Ahmed – Misrata and the Tawergha area, aiming to monitor bird numbers and document environmental diversity.
This activity is part of Libya’s participation in the International Waterbird Census (IWC), which seeks to track the status of waterbirds and protect their natural habitats in the country.
As part of the Winter Waterbird Census activities in Libya, the Libyan Society for Birds conducted a field visit on Sunday, January 22, 2017, to the Al Haḑabah Sewage Treatment Plant, Tripoli. The visit aimed to monitor and record the numbers and distribution of migratory waterbirds.
This activity is part of the International Waterbird Census (IWC), in which Libya has participated since 2005, with the goal of contributing to regional and international efforts to protect waterbirds and their habitats.
As part of the continuation of the Winter Waterbird Census Program, the Libyan Society for Birds carried out field visits on Saturday, January 21, 2017, covering several key sites in Tripoli and its surroundings. These included Sebkha Al-Mallaha in Mitiga, Tajoura Beach, Tripoli Beach including the port area, as well as Qergarish Beach.
These efforts fall within the framework of the International Waterbird Census (IWC), which aims to monitor the status of migratory waterbirds, record their numbers and distribution, and reaffirm Libya’s commitment to participating in this global program.
This short film is the outcome of one of the projects implemented by the Libyan Society for Birds within the framework of: “Waterbird Monitoring in North Africa for the Protection of Wetlands”, carried out in partnership with several organizations from North African countries and in collaboration with a European organization.
The project aims to raise awareness about the importance of waterbirds and wetlands, as well as to build capacities through training in bird identification, monitoring, and wetland studies.
On Tuesday, 18 October 2016, the Libyan Society for Birds participated in the National Consultation Workshop for Updating the CEPF Ecosystem Profile for the Mediterranean Basin, held at the Golden Tulip El Mechtel Hotel in Tunis under the title: “Updating the CEPF Ecosystem Profile for the Mediterranean Basin – National Consultation Workshop.”
The Society extends its sincere gratitude to AAO/Birdlife in Tunisia for their kind hosting and coordination of the workshop. Appreciation is also expressed to all Libyan experts and institutions who contributed to this important event.
On Tuesday, 24 May 2016, the Libyan Society for Birds participated in the scientific celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity, held at the Zoology Department’s meeting hall, Faculty of Science – University of Tripoli.
The program included:
An opening address on the concept and benefits of biodiversity delivered by Dr. Tarek Al-Jdeedi.
A lecture entitled “Avian Biodiversity in Libya” presented by Dr. Khaled Etayeb.
A scientific lecture on the results of a survey study of ecosystem diversity in Eastern Libya, delivered by Dr. Ismail Al-Sheqman.
This event was organized in collaboration between the Department of Zoology, the Environmental Club of the Faculty of Science, the Libyan Biological Society, and the Libyan Society for Birds.
On this occasion, the Society extends its sincere thanks to all who contributed to the organization and success of this scientific event.
On Saturday, 14 May 2016, a celebration was held on the occasion of World Migratory Bird Day at the Al Haḑabah Sewage Treatment Plant – Tripoli, with the participation of the Libyan Society for Birds, the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science – University of Tripoli, and the General Authority for Environment, alongside several researchers and environmental enthusiasts.
The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of migratory birds and their ecological role, and to emphasize the need to protect their migration routes and preserve their natural habitats.
As part of the Libyan Society for Birds ongoing monitoring programs and within its scientific projects, waterbird nesting activities were documented on 7 May 2016, including species of global significance.
The documentation was captured by the talented photographer Taha Al-Jawashi, providing a valuable contribution to national efforts in monitoring and protecting biodiversity and waterbirds in Libya.
As part of its awareness programs on the importance of birds and wetlands, and under the objectives of the Awareness Project (Small Grants) supported by CEPF, the Libyan Society for Birds organized an awareness program on Monday, 18 April 2016 for the Scout Leaders – Souq Al-Jumaa Troop.
The program included lectures and interactive activities on the importance of birds, methods for identifying and counting them, and emphasized the ecological role of the wetlands they inhabit. This session marked the beginning of a series of awareness workshops targeting different age groups, focusing on raising awareness of the importance of birds and wetlands.
At the conclusion of the program, the Society extended its sincere thanks to all participating leaders, expressing hopes for continued engagement in upcoming activities.
