Beirut River Valley (20703)
Lebanon, Middle East
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2016
National site name: Beirut River Valley
Central coordinates: Latitude: 33.8230, Longitude: 35.6298
Elevation (m): 95 to 1520
Area of KBA (km2): 101.51079
Protected area coverage (%): 1.64
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: This site is a deep river valley carved by the Beirut river, extending 20 km eastwards from the outskirts of Beirut on the western slopes of the Mount Lebanon range.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard. KBA identified in the CEPF Ecosystem Profile of the Mediterranean Hotspot (2017). Taxonomy, nomenclature and global threat category follow the 2016 IUCN Red List.
Additional biodiversity: The Beirut River Valley IBA, and particularly its upper reaches, is undoubtedly one of the most important locations for raptor migration in Lebanon. Over 70 000 soaring birds of 33 different species were counted over Bhamdoun (33° 48’ 33.72” N, 35° 39’ 35.22” E; 1080 m asl) during the 2006 autumn count alone. This included 51 000 European Honey-buzzards and over 5000 each of Levant Sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes, Common Buzzard Buteo buteo and Lesser Spotted Eagle. Ten records of Crested Honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus will be the first for the country if accepted by the Lebanese Rare Birds Committee. It is also important for soaring birds in the spring, with White Stork and White Pelican being the major species recorded (c8000 and 3500 respectively recorded in spring 2006). Other migrants, principally European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus, European Bee-eater Merops apiaster and Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica also pass through in large numbers. Nine species with unfavourable conservation status have been recorded here on migration: Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus, Lesser Kestrel,Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus, Saker Falcon Falco cherrug, Red Kite Milvus milvus,Egyptian Vulture, Pallid Harrier, Greater Spotted Eagle and Eastern Imperial Eagle.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: The river itself is shallow and fast flowing, and lined with tall deciduous trees and dense undergrowth. The northern slopes are dominated by pine woodland while the southern slopes are mostly scrub and cultivated land with a number of scattered settlements. High rocky cliffs dominate the eastern end.
Land use: agriculture | hunting | military | urban/industrial/transport | water management
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 40 | |
| Shrubland | 25 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 10 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 25 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The IBA stretches across several municipalities and currently does not have any formal protection. While hunting has an obvious direct effect on birds, there are many other threats which pose a potential or actual risk to the habitats in the IBA. These include fire,urban development, deforestation, water pollution and overgrazing.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Intentional use (species being assessed is the target) | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Abstraction of ground water (domestic use) | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Domestic & urban waste water | Sewage | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Air-borne pollutants | Smog | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Fire & fire suppression | Increase in fire frequency/intensity | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Garbage & solid waste | Ongoing |