Lebanon’s varied terrain — from cedar-studded mountains to coastal wetlands and arid eastern slopes — supports a surprising mix of wildlife. Many species slip under the radar because their populations are small, seasonal, or confined to specific habitats, so knowing where to look matters.
There are 16 Rare Animals in Lebanon, ranging from Bonelli’s eagle to Syrian serin. For each entry you’ll find below data organized with Scientific name,IUCN status,Main habitat / Lebanon locations, making it easy to compare conservation status and likely sites for observation — you’ll find below.
How were these animals chosen for this list?
The selection combines national records, recent surveys, and IUCN assessments to focus on species that are uncommon, declining, or of conservation concern within Lebanon; presence in the country and reliable documentation were the main criteria.
What practical steps can a visitor or local take to help protect them?
Avoid disturbing nesting or feeding sites, keep to marked trails, report sightings to local conservation groups or biodiversity databases, and support protected-area enforcement and habitat restoration projects to reduce direct threats.
Rare Animals in Lebanon
| Common name | Scientific name | IUCN status | Main habitat / Lebanon locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egyptian vulture | Neophron percnopterus | Endangered 2021 | cliffs, migration flyways, coastal areas (Lebanese coast, mountains) |
| Syrian serin | Serinus syriacus | Vulnerable 2016 | high mountain pine-oak woodlands (Mount Lebanon) |
| Ferruginous duck | Aythya nyroca | Near Threatened 2016 | freshwater wetlands and lakes (Aammiq, coastal marshes) |
| Marbled duck | Marmaronetta angustirostris | Vulnerable 2016 | shallow wetlands, reedbeds (Aammiq, Bekaa marshes) |
| Dalmatian pelican | Pelecanus crispus | Near Threatened 2018 | coastal lagoons and wetlands in winter (northern coast) |
| Bonelli’s eagle | Aquila fasciata | Near Threatened 2015 | steep cliffs and wooded valleys (Mount Lebanon) |
| Eastern imperial eagle | Aquila heliaca | Vulnerable 2015 | open country and migration stopovers (coast, Bekaa) |
| Mediterranean monk seal | Monachus monachus | Critically Endangered 2015 | coastal caves, rocky islets (Lebanese coast, rarely) |
| Loggerhead turtle | Caretta caretta | Vulnerable 2013 | Mediterranean beaches, coastal foraging grounds (Lebanese coast) |
| Green turtle | Chelonia mydas | Endangered 2019 | coastal foraging grounds, occasional nesting beaches (Lebanese coast) |
| Lebanon viper | Montivipera bornmuelleri | Endangered 2009 | high-altitude rocky slopes and scree (Mount Lebanon) |
| Spur-thighed tortoise | Testudo graeca | Vulnerable 2018 | Mediterranean scrub, dry hills and rocky farmland (coastal, low mountains) |
| Eurasian otter | Lutra lutra | Near Threatened 2017 | rivers, streams, wetlands and coastal lagoons (Bekaa, coastal estuaries) |
| Schreiber’s bent-winged bat | Miniopterus schreibersii | Near Threatened 2016 | caves, old buildings and mines (limestone areas) |
| Saker falcon | Falco cherrug | Endangered 2015 | open country and migration corridors (Bekaa, coastal flyways) |
| Great crested newt | Triturus cristatus | Near Threatened 2021 | ponds, wetlands and seepage areas (higher-altitude pools) |
Images and Descriptions
Egyptian vulture
Small scavenging vulture rarely seen in Lebanon; migrates through and uses mountain cliffs and rubbish dumps. Severe global declines from poisoning and poisoning and food loss make sightings uncommon; conservation focuses on safe carcass availability and nest protection.
Syrian serin
Endemic-range finch confined to Lebanon and nearby Syria, rare and local in high-elevation oak and pine forests. Populations fragmented by habitat loss, fire and grazing; prized by birdwatchers for its streaked, yellowish plumage and limited breeding range.
Ferruginous duck
Diving duck that occurs in Lebanon’s scarce freshwater wetlands during winter and passage. Threatened by wetland drainage and disturbance, numbers are small and unpredictable; important conservation species for wetland protection and management.
Marbled duck
Cryptic, small duck rarely recorded in Lebanon’s reed-fringed wetlands. Highly dependent on shallow marshes vulnerable to drainage and hunting; considered regionally rare and a conservation priority where marsh habitat remains.
Dalmatian pelican
Large, heavy-billed pelican seen occasionally along the Lebanese coast and wetlands in winter. Globally recovering but still scarce locally due to disturbance and wetland loss; notable for its dramatic wingspan and gregarious flocks.
Bonelli’s eagle
Powerful cliff-nesting raptor very rare in Lebanon; breeding records are scarce. Threats include persecution and prey decline. A key target for raptor conservation; best seen on remote mountain cliffs during breeding season.
Eastern imperial eagle
Large, infrequent migrant and rare winter visitor in Lebanon. Faces widespread declines from habitat loss and poisoning; any local records attract attention from birders and conservationists due to its threatened global status.
Mediterranean monk seal
One of the world’s rarest marine mammals and only occasional visitor to Lebanon’s shores. Historically present but now extremely scarce regionally; threatened by disturbance, fisheries interactions and habitat loss. Any confirmed local record is of high conservation importance.
Loggerhead turtle
Sea turtle that forages and occasionally nests along Lebanon’s coast. Globally threatened by bycatch, coastal development and light pollution; local conservation focuses on beach protection and reducing fisheries interactions.
Green turtle
Herbivorous sea turtle visiting Lebanon’s coastal waters; occasional nesting and regular foraging sites. Under severe global threats from fisheries, coastal development and habitat loss, making local records conservation-relevant and rare.
Lebanon viper
Mountain viper endemic to Lebanon and nearby Syria, very restricted and localized. Vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, persecution and small population sizes. Notable for its short, stout body and confinement to high-elevation rocky habitats.
Spur-thighed tortoise
Terrestrial tortoise occurring in Lebanon’s scrub and low hills; threatened by habitat loss, collection and road mortality. Populations are fragmented and sightings rare, making local conservation and protection crucial.
Eurasian otter
Secretive semi-aquatic mammal with scattered, declining records in Lebanon’s waterways. Sensitive to pollution, habitat change and disturbance; small, fragmented populations make local encounters uncommon and conservation monitoring important.
Schreiber’s bent-winged bat
Cave-roosting bat present in Lebanese cave systems; populations vulnerable to roost disturbance and land-use change. Often forms large colonies but local numbers have declined and cave protection is essential for conservation.
Saker falcon
Powerful falcon seen occasionally in Lebanon during migration; globally endangered from trapping, falconry trade and habitat loss. Very rare locally, any record attracts attention; conservation focuses on anti-poaching and safe stopover habitats.
Great crested newt
Amphibian with localized, scarce populations in mountain ponds. Sensitive to wetland loss, pollution and drying of breeding sites; rare in Lebanon and an indicator of healthy freshwater habitats.
