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 Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve, enclosing the three cedars
forests of Maasir Shouf, Barouk and Ain Zhalta/ Bmohray, is
located on the western slopes of Mount Lebanon chain and
reaches from Dahr al Baidar in the North to Niha Mountain near
Jezzine in the South. The Niha Mountain, with only scattered
patches of trees, represents the natural southern limit of
Lebanese cedar (Cedrus libani).
Covering nearly 2% of Lebanese territory, Al-Shouf Cedar
Nature reserve is the largest Nature Reserve in Lebanon and is
considered as a suitable location for the conservation of
large mammals such as the wolf and the caracal lynx, and
eventually an adapted site for the reintroduction of
previously extinct species such as the mountain gazelle and
the Nubian Ibex.
The importance
of Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve is particularly related to the
presence of:
- 25% of the
remaining
cedar forests in Lebanon.
- 32 mammal
species.
- Located on
the
important intercontinental migratory route for birds, the
Reserve is considered as an IBA (Important Bird Area).
- Presence of
ancient ruins such
as the spectacular Niha cave
fortress and cultural sites.
Since 2005, Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve as well as Ammiq
wetland are part of the Man and the Biosphere Reserves. "The
Al-Shouf Biosphere Reserve", covers about 5% of the country and
extends along the ridge of Mount Lebanon’s western chain at an
altitude of 1000 to 2000 meters, including 24 villages.
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A brief historical background
 Traditional land uses in the area primarily concerned wood harvesting
and sheep and goat herding which resulted in a severe
degradation of the landscape. The cedar forest remnants are
confined to the steeper and less accessible and high altitude
areas, where trees tend to be wider spaced and less attractive
for timber harvesting. Many of the oak forests have been
subject to regular harvesting for firewood and charcoal
production.
In the 1960’s,
extensive reforestation activities were undertaken on some of
the upper western slopes,
mainly
relying on Cedars seedlings planted on artificial terraces.
The genetic origins of those plantings have been questioned
and are subject to ongoing research.
Capitalizing
on Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve as a protected area, requires
a major effort in
rehabilitation
in order to preserve existing rare and threatened species and
eventually reintroducing locally extinct species. |
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