As part of the 2024 Winter Count of Migratory Waterbirds conducted by the Libyan Society for Birds in Libya, a Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) unable to fly was observed at Sabkhat Umm Al-Qurami.
Mr. Abdullah Abu Al-Dhahab, a member of the Alhaya Organization for Protection of Wildlife and Marine Organisms, examined the bird and provided the necessary care, as part of joint efforts to conserve wild birds and support biodiversity in the country.
As part of the 2024 Winter Count of Migratory Waterbirds conducted by the Libyan Society for Birds, a field survey was carried out on 24 January 2024 to monitor waterbirds at Julyanah Lake in Benghazi.
This program aims to collect accurate scientific data to support strategies for bird conservation and the protection of their natural habitats.
As part of the 2024 Winter Count of Migratory Waterbirds conducted by the Libyan Society for Birds, a field meeting was held on 21 January 2024 at Um Algrami between Prof. Khaled Etayeb, President of the Libyan Society for Birds, and Mr. Saleh Aburzeqa, President of the Alhaya Organization for Protection of Wildlife and Marine Organisms.
The meeting focused on monitoring the winter migration of birds in Libya, observing both migratory and resident species, and discussing the impact of climate change and environmental pressures on birds and their natural habitats. Experiences were also exchanged regarding ways to collaborate in protecting wild birds and supporting biodiversity in the region.
This meeting is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation among environmental institutions and societies in Libya and to ensure the collection of accurate scientific data to support strategies for the management and conservation of birds and wetlands.
Prof. Khaled Etayeb, President of the Libyan Society for Birds, participated in a television segment on Libyan National TV as part of the “Studio Al-Wataniya” program, where he discussed topics related to bird conservation and the protection of biodiversity and wetlands in Libya.
Prof. Etayeb emphasized the importance of environmental awareness and the role of the community and research institutions in supporting efforts to preserve birds and their natural habitats. He also praised the ongoing cooperation between the Society and governmental and private entities to enhance environmental protection.
As part of ongoing efforts to protect waterbirds and monitor their ecological diversity, the Libyan Society for Birds launched the 2024 Winter Count of Waterbirds (IWC) today, 11 January 2024. This program is part of international efforts to monitor the numbers and distribution of waterbirds in wetlands, aiming to assess their ecological status and provide accurate data to support habitat conservation and sustainable management strategies.
This year’s field survey begins in coastal areas, from the Greater Zuwara region to Tobruk, in collaboration with the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Tripoli, the Bessida Society for the Protection of Farwa Island and Lake, the Alhaya Organization for Protection of Wildlife and Marine Organisms, and the National Research Center for Tropical and Transboundary Diseases. This collaboration aims to strengthen research efforts and the exchange of scientific knowledge, contributing to more accurate environmental data on waterbirds in Libya.
The Winter Count of Waterbirds is one of the leading programs organized by Wetlands International, providing a scientific database used to assess waterbird populations and study the impact of environmental and climatic changes on their habitats. The data collected through this survey also help in shaping policies for the protection and conservation of biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems.
The Libyan Society for Birds extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to all researchers and volunteers participating in this program, wishing them success in their efforts to study and protect waterbirds.
The Libyan Society for Birds took part in the Libya Clean Environment Exhibition, held at the Tripoli International Exhibition Center from Monday, 11 December, to Thursday, 14 December 2023.
This participation came as part of the Society’s efforts to raise environmental awareness and highlight the importance of bird conservation and biodiversity protection in Libya. During the exhibition, the Society showcased its research and field activities, as well as environmental monitoring programs and awareness projects targeting various segments of the community.
The Society’s pavilion attracted significant interaction from visitors and environmental enthusiasts, providing information on the role of birds in maintaining ecological balance and the importance of protecting their natural habitats. The event also offered an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with other environmental organizations and exchange expertise on ways to preserve biodiversity in Libya.
The Libyan Society for Birds extends its gratitude to all who contributed to the success of this participation and reaffirms its commitment to continue promoting environmental awareness and contributing to the protection of birds and ecosystems in Libya.
The Libyan Society for Birds held its meeting on Wednesday, 15 November 2023, at the Library of the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Tripoli.
During the meeting, all environmental awareness and field activities carried out and participated in by the team throughout 2023 were discussed. The agenda also included participation in the upcoming Environmental Exhibition, scheduled to take place from 11 to 14 December 2023, and the mechanism for participation in this event was agreed upon.
Additionally, attendees discussed the implementation plan for the 2024 Winter Count of Waterbirds (IWC) and the necessary preparations for it.
Under the “Other Business” item, some environmental and awareness activities planned for the near future were also discussed, aimed at contributing to the protection of birds and their natural habitats.
This morning, Tuesday, 7 November 2023, the Libyan Center for Biotechnology Research hosted the team of the Libyan Society for Birds, where Prof. Khaled Etayeb, President of the Society, delivered an awareness lecture on migratory birds and the scientific studies conducted on them in Libya.
The lecture covered several key topics, including:
The session also included a visual presentation showcasing field excerpts documenting the team’s work during winter surveys of migratory birds.
At the conclusion of the visit, the Libyan Society for Birds extended its sincere thanks to the Libyan Center for Biotechnology Research for their warm reception, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to raising awareness about the importance of birds and the necessity of protecting them for a balanced environment that supports biodiversity.
On Saturday, 14 October 2023, the Libyan Society for Birds celebrated World Migratory Bird Day in collaboration with the Libyan Center for Biotechnology Research at the Center’s premises. The event was organized by the Center’s Department of Environment and Food, with generous hosting by the Center.
Event Activities
The celebration consisted of two main parts:
🔹 Theoretical Part:
🔹 Practical Part:
After the theoretical session, participants visited the Al-Hadba Wastewater Treatment Plant, where waterbirds were observed and recorded on site. The area showed good bird diversity, including some threatened species such as the Marbled Duck and Ferruginous Duck.
In conclusion, the Libyan Society for Birds extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to all who participated and contributed to the success of this event, emphasizing the importance of continuous cooperation between scientific and environmental institutions to preserve the environment and protect natural resources.
n Monday, 11 September 2023, the first environmental camp on Farwa Island and Lake was inaugurated, supervised by the Libyan Society for Birds in partnership with the Bessida Society for the Protection of Farwa Island and Lake, with the participation of several Libyan environmental societies, scientific research institutions, and members of the municipal council.
Participating Environmental Organizations:
The camp aims to promote environmental awareness, study biodiversity in the area, and discuss ways to protect natural resources and endangered species through joint collaboration among environmental societies and research institutions.
In conclusion, due to the severe humanitarian situation in the city of Derna caused by catastrophic floods, the environmental camp on Farwa Island and Lake was suspended before its scheduled end, in solidarity with the families of the martyrs who lost their lives in this tragic event.
The Libyan Society for Birds expresses its deepest condolences to the families of the martyrs.
On Friday, 4 August 2023, a field trip was conducted to monitor the nesting of the Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) and Little Tern (Sternula albifrons), as part of the activities of the Libyan Society for Birds, with the participation of:
We were pleased to have Mr. Saleh Bourzeqa, President of the Alhaya Organization for Protection of Wildlife and Marine Organisms, join this field visit.
The Libyan Society for Birds extends its sincere thanks to all who contributed to the success of this field trip, with special appreciation to the Farwa Protected Area Monitoring Center for its continuous support and cooperation.
As part of its environmental activities aimed at protecting biodiversity in Libya, the Libyan Society for Birds conducted a field trip to Qataia Island on Saturday, 1 July 2023, in collaboration with the Bessida Society for the Protection of Farwa Island and Lake and the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Tripoli.
The objectives of this trip were to:
In conclusion, the team extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to all who contributed to the success of this field trip, and to everyone involved in protecting the environment and conserving endangered species, thereby supporting ecological balance and the sustainable use of natural resources.