Author: abdulnasser eisa

The Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) is widely recognized as one of the world’s most successful invasive bird species. Its ability to adapt to urban and agricultural environments, reproduce rapidly, and compete with native species for food and nesting sites has contributed to its spread across many regions.

In Libya, the first published scientific record of the species came from Ain Zara, Tripoli, in 2024, where several individuals were observed, suggesting that the species had already established a local presence before its formal documentation (Etayeb & Elkrew, 2025).

Shortly afterward, another scientific study confirmed successful breeding of the Common Myna in Libya, documenting nests, breeding pairs, and juveniles in several locations, including Musaid, Tobruk, Benghazi, and Tripoli. These findings indicate that the species is expanding its range and becoming established across geographically distant parts of the country (Etayeb et al., 2025).

Experiences from other countries show that invasive species are most effectively managed during the early stages of their spread. Once established, control efforts become significantly more difficult and costly. The Common Myna has been associated with negative impacts on native birds through competition for food and nesting sites, occupation of nest cavities, and reduced breeding success of some local species.

The Libyan Society for Birds (LSB) therefore highlights the importance of:

• Strengthening monitoring programs across Libyan cities.
• Documenting new breeding and distribution records.
• Raising awareness about the impacts of invasive species on native biodiversity.
• Regulating the trade and keeping of non-native species and preventing their release into the wild.
• Developing a national early-management and control plan before the species becomes widespread.

LSB also encourages birdwatchers, researchers to report sightings of the Common Myna, including location, date, and photographs whenever possible. Such contributions can help build a national database to track its spread and assess its impact on native bird populations.

Protecting biodiversity is a shared responsibility, and early action today may help prevent greater environmental challenges in the future.

Every year on 17 June, the world marks the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, raising awareness about the importance of protecting land and natural resources and preventing land degradation.

This year’s theme is:
“Rangelands: Recognize their value, Respect them, Restore them.”

Rangelands are among the world’s most important ecosystems. They provide food and shelter for a wide range of wildlife, including many bird species that depend on natural vegetation for feeding, nesting, and protection.

The degradation of rangelands and the loss of vegetation due to desertification and drought not only affect people and livelihoods but also threaten biodiversity and contribute to the decline of many wild species. Protecting and restoring these ecosystems is therefore essential for conserving birds and their habitats.

On this occasion, the Libyan Society for Birds (LSB) reaffirms the importance of sustainable land management and supports efforts to protect natural habitats and conserve biodiversity for a more sustainable future.

Photos taken on Friday, 5 June 2026, highlight the environmental changes affecting Boumrim Sabkha in the city of Sirte. Large parts of the wetland appear dry due to limited rainfall in recent months, while sections of the site have also been impacted by landfilling activities.

Sabkhas are important ecosystems that provide natural habitats for many species, particularly migratory and waterbirds that depend on these areas during different stages of their life cycle. Continued drought and human pressures threaten the ecological value of these habitats and the essential ecosystem services they provide.

Protecting Boumrim Sabkha and other wetlands in Libya requires continuous monitoring and efforts to reduce activities that damage these ecosystems. Conserving these sites is vital for biodiversity, ecological balance, and the protection of natural resources for future generations.

📷 Libyan Society for Birds (LSB)

Theme: #NowForClimate

On World Environment Day 2026, the global call to act on climate change is more urgent than ever.

Birds, especially migratory and waterbirds, are among the species most affected by climate change. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, droughts, floods, and sea-level rise are altering migration routes, breeding seasons, and the availability of food and habitats they depend on.

Wetlands and other critical ecosystems that support birds along their migratory flyways are also under increasing pressure from habitat loss and environmental degradation.

Protecting and restoring natural habitats, conserving wetlands, supporting sustainable land and water management, and strengthening scientific monitoring and research are essential actions for building resilient ecosystems and safeguarding biodiversity.

For Libya, an important stopover for migratory birds between Africa and Europe, protecting natural habitats is vital for both wildlife and people.

Acting now for the climate is an investment in the future of birds, nature, and humanity.

As we celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity, we would like to share the number of bird species recorded in Libya:

• 361 bird species
• 189 genera
• 69 families
• 25 orders

This remarkable diversity is linked to Libya’s unique geographic location and its wide range of natural habitats, including wetlands, coasts, valleys, deserts, and islands. These environments provide important habitats for both resident and migratory birds.

Birds are important indicators of environmental health and ecological balance. They also play a key role in ecosystems by controlling pests, spreading seeds, and helping maintain stable food chains.

Protecting biodiversity starts with protecting natural habitats, raising environmental awareness, and supporting local efforts to conserve nature for future generations.

Libyan Society for Birds (LSB)

Theme of this year: ‘Acting locally for global impact’

Every year on May 22, the world celebrates Biodiversity Day to raise awareness about the importance of nature and the role biodiversity plays in supporting life on Earth.

Biodiversity is more than just wildlife. Birds, plants, insects, wetlands, coasts, and deserts are all connected parts of one natural system that keeps our planet balanced and alive.

Libya is home to rich and unique biodiversity, stretching from the Mediterranean coast to the desert. It includes important wetlands, migration routes for birds, and many species that need protection and care.

This year’s theme reminds us that protecting nature starts with small local actions that can create a global impact.

Raising awareness, protecting natural habitats, reducing pollution, monitoring birds, and helping endangered species are all local actions that make a real difference for the future of our planet.