Syria’s varied landscapes—from coastal wetlands and river valleys to mountain woodlands and dry steppe—support wildlife that is increasingly squeezed by habitat loss, hunting and the long-term effects of conflict. Understanding which species are at risk helps target conservation where it matters most.
There are 4 Endangered Species in Syria, ranging from Egyptian Vulture to Syrian Serin. For each, we’ve listed Scientific name, IUCN status, and Main habitat (Syria); you’ll find below.
How is a species classified as endangered in Syria?
Assessments typically follow IUCN Red List criteria, using population trends, range size and threat levels from habitat loss, persecution or disturbance; local field surveys, museum records and expert reviews feed into those evaluations, though data can be sparse or outdated because of limited access in some areas.
How can someone help protect these species?
Practical actions include supporting local or international conservation groups, reporting sightings to credible citizen-science platforms, avoiding disturbance to nesting sites or buying wildlife products, and promoting habitat protection and awareness within communities — small, informed steps can improve monitoring and reduce key threats.
Endangered Species in Syria
| Name | Scientific name | IUCN status | Main habitat (Syria) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Syrian Serin | Serinus syriacus | Endangered (EN), 2018 | Rocky oak and pine slopes; Anti-Lebanon and coastal mountains |
| Egyptian Vulture | Neophron percnopterus | Endangered (EN), 2017 | Open country, cliffs and farmland across Syria |
| Saker Falcon | Falco cherrug | Endangered (EN), 2015 | Semi-desert, steppe and open plains; eastern and central Syria |
| Green Turtle | Chelonia mydas | Endangered (EN), 2013 | Mediterranean coast and nearshore waters (Latakia-Tartus beaches) |
Images and Descriptions
Syrian Serin
A small, colorful finch endemic to Syria, Lebanon and Turkey; best-known in western Syrian mountains. Notable for its restricted range and song. Declines due to habitat loss, overgrazing, urban expansion, and trapping for cage-bird trade.
Egyptian Vulture
A small white vulture that scavenges near farms and cliffs across Syria. Important cleaner of carcasses. Populations have plunged from poisoning, reduced food, collisions with powerlines, and persecution, especially during migration and wintering.
Saker Falcon
A large falcon prized in falconry historically present in Syria’s deserts. Faces rapid declines from illegal trapping for falconry trade, habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and reduced prey from land-use change and conflict.
Green Turtle
A migratory sea turtle that forages in Syrian coastal waters and may nest on Levant beaches. Threatened by coastal development, beach disturbance, bycatch in fisheries, pollution and loss of nesting sites, worsened by conflict-related coastal damage.
