Lake Qaraoun, a potential Important Bird Area in Lebanon - A Rocha

Another Small Wetland in the Bekaa
Although Aammiq Marsh is the largest remaining area of natural wetland in the Bekaa, there are
several places which hold small wetlands, or sometimes just large reedy ponds, which, in spite of
their small size, still have value for wildlife. One of these can be found about 5km north of
Aammiq.
On visiting the site the A Rocha team found a lovely
area of small hillocks, temporary pools, and short,
heavily grazed, grassland. As well as three common
species of amphibians (Tree Frog, Marsh Frog and
Green Toad), the team found a fourth, much rarer
species, the Eastern Spadefoot Toad, which had
only ever been found at one other site in Lebanon.
Another exciting find was the beautiful, little plant
called Starfruit (not to be confused with the tropical
fruit of the same name). Although this had never
been seen in Lebanon before, it was found growing
here in abundance.
As well as frogs, toads and flowers, this little wetland is one of the best places locally for wading
birds to rest and feed during their northward migration in Spring.
The landowners were very pleased to hear that their property was the home for some rare
species, and agreed to set aside the best part of it, about 2 hectares, for wildlife.
Already in 2006 A Rocha Lebanon staff have seen 65 species of bird, including sandpipers,
storks and a pelican, at the wetland and the frogs and flowers are flourishing.
Opportunities
We are looking for 2 or possibly 3 new members of the A Rocha Lebanon team; Education
Officer and Warden of the A Rocha Lebanon Field Studies Centre in the West Bekaa and a
Scientific Officer. If you are in sympathy with A Rocha Lebanon’s aims and would like to find
out more about what is involved and a job description write to Chris Naylor at
arocha@cyberia.net.lb
BUTTERFLIES
KIDS ZONE
Now the summer is here you should start to see more butterflies flying about.They are actually INSECTS
and have four stages to their lives, EGG, caterpillar, chrysalis and ADULT.
The caterpillars are a nice meal for a BIRD, so they have different ways to protect themselves, some by
CAMOUFLAGE, some by being POISONOUS and others by spinning a SILK web around them. The
CATERPILLAR feeds on leaves and sheds its skin 5 times, the last time it becomes a CHRYSALIS from
which the adult BUTTERFLY emerges. Instead of eating plant material, the butterflies feeds on nectar in
flowers through their long tongue, called the PROBOSCIS.
A butterfly has two pairs of WINGS which are covered in tiny SCALES which give it its COLOR and
pattern, some act like little MIRRORS reflecting light waves. Although they are very small and weigh