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Author: abdulnasser eisa

The Libyan Society for Birds Participates in a Scientific Field Visit to Wadi Kaam Dam in Collaboration with the Department of Zoology – University of Tripoli.

On Saturday, 17 June 2023, a field visit to Wadi Kaam Dam was conducted, jointly organized by the Libyan Society for Birds and the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science – University of Tripoli, as part of the field activities for postgraduate students and undergraduate students enrolled in the “Aquatic Environment” course.

This visit was part of a series of periodic field trips conducted over previous periods to various wetland sites, aiming to study different environmental aspects, including the geographical distribution of living organisms, surrounding environmental conditions, and highlighting the negative impacts affecting most wetlands in Libya.

The visit saw active participation from members of the Libyan Society for Birds, along with distinguished participation from the Maritime Scouts of the Zliten Scout and Guide Commission, who provided a boat to assist the team in collecting samples and measuring water depth within the dam, adding practical value to the field scientific activities.

The Libyan Society for Birds extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to the University of Tripoli’s Department of Movement for its continuous support and logistical facilitation, as well as to all who contributed to the success of this scientific visit.

Celebrating World Environment Day.

The Libyan Society for Birds, in collaboration with the Department of Zoology at the Faculty of Science – University of Tripoli, and in coordination with the Libyan Organization for Conservation of Nature, organized a scientific field trip to the Tawergha area, focusing on the Ain and Sabkha sites, on Saturday, June 3, 2023. The trip involved participation from several entities concerned with environmental affairs, including the Environmental Affairs Monitoring Office in Misrata (under the Ministry of Environment), the Faculty of Resources and Environment at Misrata University, the Environmental Sanitation Office in Misrata, and the Center for Environmental Research and Consultancy in Misrata.

The visit focused on studying the wetlands in Tawergha, providing a scientific overview of the ecological importance of wetlands and their environmental roles, as well as highlighting the challenges and environmental violations they face. The program also included an introduction to the Tawergha Sabkha and Ain, emphasizing their significance for Libya’s environment.

This field trip coincided with the celebration of World Environment Day, held under the slogan “Together to Beat Plastic Pollution,” adding an educational and environmental awareness dimension to the day, with various activities and events.

The Libyan Society for Birds extends its sincere thanks to the students of the Department of Zoology at the University of Tripoli and all students of the Faculty of Resources and Environment at Misrata University for their active participation. The Society also expresses its gratitude to all entities that contributed to the celebration of World Environment Day, particularly the Misrata Security Directorate and security personnel in Tawergha, as well as the Traffic Departments at the University of Tripoli and Misrata University for their cooperation and facilitation.

Celebration of World Migratory Bird Day – May 2023.

On the occasion of World Migratory Bird Day 2023, the Libyan Society for Birds organized an environmental celebration on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at the Abokammash area, in collaboration with:

  • Bessida Society for the Protection of Farwa Island and Lake.
  • Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Tripoli.
  • Zuara Scouts Cub Pack.

This event was part of ongoing efforts to support migratory birds and raise awareness of the threats they face during their migration journeys, such as habitat destruction, changes in natural environments, and illegal hunting. It is noteworthy that all countries that are signatories to the AEWA (Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds) have agreed to annually celebrate this occasion in May and October.

Event Highlights:

  • Educational lectures on World Migratory Bird Day and the activities of the Libyan Society for Birds.
  • Presentation by Bessida Society on their role in protecting Farwa Island and Lake.
  • Intervention by Farwa Protected Area Monitoring Center, explaining operational mechanisms, collaboration with universities, research institutions, and environmental organizations, and emphasizing support for students and researchers in field studies.

Field Program:

  • Visit to Qataia Island, where nesting of Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) and several other species was observed.
  • Visit to the mouth of the Wadi east of Farwa Island, where multiple species were recorded, with observations continuing into the evening after improved weather conditions.

Acknowledgments:

The Libyan Society for Birds extends its sincere thanks to:

  • Zuara Scouts Cub Pack for their active contribution.
  • Bessida Society for their ongoing partnership in these activities.
  • Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Tripoli for their scientific support.
  • Traffic Department at the University of Tripoli for facilitating team transportation.

Celebration of World Wetlands Day – Libya 2023.

The Libyan Society for Birds celebrated World Wetlands Day on Thursday, February 2, 2023, in collaboration with the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science – University of Tripoli. This year’s theme was: “It’s Time to Restore Wetlands.”

Participants:

  • Department of Zoology, University of Tripoli.
  • Scouts – 4th Troop, Tripoli.
  • Senior Scouts – Zliten.

Program Activities:

  • Introductory lectures about the Department of Zoology, its various majors and divisions, academic outcomes, and career opportunities.
  • Presentation on the activities of the Libyan Society for Birds and its objectives in bird and environmental conservation.
  • Visual presentation on the Winter Bird and Wetlands Census Program supervised by the Society.
  • Documentary screening “Green Cinema” produced by the Chlorophyll Organization about wetlands and freshwater ecosystems.
  • Field tour inside the Natural History Museum at the Department of Zoology to explore scientific collections and specimens.

Recognition:
At the conclusion of the event, the Libyan Society for Birds was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation by the Third Senior Troop – Zliten Scout Commission.

Acknowledgments:
The Society extends its sincere gratitude to all participants and organizers, emphasizing the importance of continuing such activities to support environmental protection and raise ecological awareness.

2023 Winter Census of Migratory Waterbirds.

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.

2023 Winter Census of Migratory Waterbirds.

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.

2023 Winter Census of Migratory Waterbirds.

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.

2023 Winter Census of Migratory Waterbirds.

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.

2023 Winter Census of Migratory Waterbirds.

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.

Launch of the 2023 Winter Census of Migratory Waterbirds in Libya.

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.

Phone Interview with the President of the Libyan Society for Birds on Migratory Bird Trafficking and Violations of International Agreements.

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.

Training Workshop and Survey of Waterbirds and Seabirds at Farwa Island and Lake .

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.