Current view: Text account
Site description (2010 baseline):
Site location and context
Tannourine Cedar NR is part of the largest remaining cedar forest in Lebanon (www. moe.gov.lb/protectedareas) and is situated on the western flanks of the Mount Lebanon range, just to the south of the famous Qadisha valley
A very high breeding density of Syrian Serins was reported here in 2001 and 2002(Ramadan-Jaradi & Ramadan-Jaradi 2002). At least 15 species of soaring bird are known to migrate over this site including large flocks of White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus. The Biome-restricted White-throated Robin Irania gutturalis,which is known to breed at only three other sites in Lebanon, has bred for several years on the boundaries of the reserve.
The forest is dominated by Cedar of Lebanon Cedrus libani but is mixed with a good range of other broad-leaved and coniferous species, and with more open areas of sparse scrub and some rocky cliffs. A seasonal stream forms the northern boundary of the reserve.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The area is protected as a nature reserve, with guards employed to prevent hunting and
other unauthorised uses of the site. Sign-boards and footpaths are in place for education
and awareness raising. Although hunting is forbidden inside the reserve, soaring birds are still at risk from hunting outside the boundaries of the protected area. Fire is also a major threat, as in other forested areas of Lebanon.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Tannourine Nature Reserve (Lebanon). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/tannourine-nature-reserve-iba-lebanon on 23/11/2024.
