Author: abdulnasser eisa

On 7 August 2025, a single adult Black Crowned Crane (Balearica pavonina) was observed and photographed in Tripoli, Libya, standing on a domestic water tank in a residential area. This represents the first documented record and observation of the species in the wild within Libya.

The Black Crowned Crane (Balearica pavonina) is widely distributed across the Sahel region of Africa; however, this sighting is the first of its kind in the wild in Libyan territory. Its occurrence outside its typical habitats—such as wetlands and grasslands—is likely due to natural vagrancy, dispersal, or the possibility of escape from captivity.

This record extends the known distribution range of the species northward and highlights the importance of continued field monitoring of birds in Libya to document and conserve the country’s biodiversity.

The finding has been published in the Libyan Journal of Environmental and Engineering Science and Technology (LJEEST), providing a new scientific reference on the avifauna of Libya and their conservation status.

For further details, the full paper can be accessed through the Publications section of this platform.

A new scientific study has confirmed the breeding of the Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) in both western and eastern Libya. The research was conducted by the Libyan Society for Birds, in collaboration with the Alhaya Organization for Protection of Wildlife and Marine Organisms.

This represents the first documented evidence of breeding for this species in Libya, as most previous records were based on unconfirmed observations or indirect signs. The study highlights the importance of the field activities carried out by both organizations in monitoring bird populations and enhancing knowledge of the country’s biodiversity.

The findings have been published in the Libyan Journal of Environmental and Engineering Science and Technology (LJEEST), providing a new scientific reference on raptors in Libya and their conservation status.

For further details, the full paper can be accessed through the Publications section of this platform.

the first record of the African Swamphen (Porphyrio madagascariensis) in Libya has been documented in a scientific paper published in Waterbirds on 15 August 2025, under the title:
“First Record of African Swamphen (Porphyrio madagascariensis, Latham, 1801) in Libya”
DOI: 10.1675/063.048.0111

In November 2024, the species was recorded at Sabkhat Umm Hufayn, approximately 50 km east of Derna, where a single dead individual was found as a result of hunting, alongside several species of ducks. This represents the first official documentation of the African Swamphen (Porphyrio madagascariensis) in Libya.

This record adds valuable knowledge to the understanding of biodiversity in Libya and underlines the importance of continued monitoring and documentation of migratory species across the country’s diverse habitats. It also highlights the critical role of Libyan wetlands as key stopover and breeding sites for both migratory and resident birds, as well as the contribution of Libyan researchers to advancing scientific knowledge at both regional and international levels.

As part of its ongoing activities to monitor and assess wetlands of ecological importance for birds, the Libyan Society for Birds conducted a field visit on Friday, 8 August 2025, to the Angeela Sewage, located west of Tripoli, with the aim of surveying bird diversity in the area.

During the survey, several species of waterbirds and terrestrial birds were documented, including a large breeding colony of Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis), highlighting the ecological significance of the site as a key habitat for nesting and foraging of this species.

These findings underscore the need to strengthen efforts to protect and conserve wetlands in Libya, given their critical role in supporting biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance.

As part of the ongoing collaboration between the Libyan Society for Birds and the Alhaya Organization for the Protection of Wildlife and Marine Life, the Life Organization conducted a field visit to Al-Barda’a Island on Friday, July 18, 2025, within the framework of its regular program for monitoring the status of migratory waterbirds.

The visit aimed to assess the nesting status of waterbirds on the island. Preliminary findings indicated the presence of only old nests of the European Shag, with no recent evidence of nesting activity by other species during this period. These data are important for tracking the behavior and changes of waterbird species, especially in light of the environmental challenges facing the Libyan coasts.

This visit underscores the importance of long-term field monitoring to better understand changes in site use by migratory birds, thereby contributing to the development of effective strategies for their protection and the conservation of their habitats.

In conclusion, the Libyan Society for Birds extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to the Alhaya Organization for the Protection of Wildlife and Marine Life for its valuable efforts and continued cooperation in the field of biodiversity conservation in Libya.

As part of environmental awareness efforts and highlighting the threats facing birds in Libya, the President of the Libyan Society for Birds participated in a live interview on the program “Good Morning My Country” broadcast by Libya Al-Ahrar TV on Friday, July 11, 2025.

The discussion focused on the issue of bird overhunting in Libya, which represents a major threat to biodiversity. According to estimates reported in the 2024 BirdLife International report, nearly half a million birds are killed annually as a result of unsustainable hunting practices across the country.

During the interview, the main drivers of this phenomenon were outlined, including weak environmental law enforcement, the widespread use of firearms, and the lack of public awareness regarding the ecological importance of birds and their roles in ecosystems. The discussion also addressed possible solutions, such as:

• Strengthening hunting regulations and enforcement.
• Launching public awareness campaigns.
• Protecting key breeding and roosting sites for migratory birds.

The President also highlighted the role of the Libyan Society for Birds in monitoring these issues through field studies, workshops, awareness-raising activities, and cooperation with both local and international stakeholders to reduce overhunting and protect natural bird habitats.

This interview comes within the framework of the Society’s ongoing efforts to promote environmental awareness and foster a culture of respect for wildlife, in line with a national vision to conserve biodiversity and ensure the sustainability of ecosystems in Libya.

As part of its monitoring program for the White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) in Libya, the Libyan Society for Birds carried out a field visit on Saturday, 14 June 2025, to the Al-Saeh landfill site and Wadi Al-Majneen Dam, south of Tripoli.

This visit formed part of a series of activities conducted by the Society to monitor this species, during which several White Storks were recorded at the Al-Saeh landfill area.

The importance of this work lies in its contribution to tracking the migration routes and geographical distribution of the White Stork, while also assessing the impact of environmental changes and human activities on the species’ feeding and roosting sites. Collecting field data on migratory species is a vital scientific tool for understanding their ecological status and for guiding appropriate conservation measures—particularly under the increasing pressures on natural habitats in Libya.

The Society also reiterates its call for citizens and bird enthusiasts to report any similar observations, in order to promote environmental awareness and support scientific databases on birds in Libya.