This site consists of mountain slopes and rocky valleys on the southern slopes of Lebanon’s second highest mountain, mount Sannine, in the west BekaaThe land is used on a secondary level as rangeland, tourism, and recreation.
Key biodiversity
At least 5 Biome-restricted Species from the Mediterranean biome breed on site: Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata,Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala,Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica,Cretzschmar’s Bunting Emberiza caesia and Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala,as well as one from the Irano-Turanian Highlands biome: Western Rock Nuthatch Sitta neumayer. Records from 2004 and 2005 indicate that well in excess of the required 20 000 soaring birds pass over the site in spring and autumn. These include White Stork Ciconia ciconia and 19 species of bird of prey the most numerous being European Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus and Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Currently there is no formal protection.The IBA is mostly under the ownership
of a private water company, with whom discussions about proposed conservation measures are still at an early stage. However,the proprietors have initiated some positive
measures including tree planting and access restriction. The site has suffered much
degradation from overgrazing and off-road vehicles, which has led to soil erosion. The
biggest threat to birds is indiscriminate hunting, as evidenced by the presence of
large numbers of spent cartridges.
