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Back To: Environment
Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve
Al Shouf Cedar Nature
Reserve is home to six cedar forests, and home to the largest
concentration of cedar trees remaining in Lebanon. Some cedars are
over 2000 years old. Established in 1994, Al Shouf Cedar Nature
Reserve is a Forest Nature Reserve in Lebanon.
On the upper elevations
of the Mount Lebanon chain are the forests of Maasir Chouf, Barouk
and Ain Zhalta/ Bmohray. Niha Mountain near Jezzine is the southern
extent of the Reserve and has only scattered patches of trees. In
the 1960s cedars were planted on terraced mountainsides above the
town of Barouk in an effort of reforestation. Protection of the area
has allowed the cedar forest is regenerating naturally. Still, only
about 5% of the Reserve is forested with Cedars, with forests of
oak, pine, juniper and shrub vegetation covering most of the
remaining 55000hectares of area.
Between December and
April the reserve is covered in snow.
Squirrels, wild boars, porcupines, wolves and gazelles are among the
27 species of mammals f ound in the reserve, along with 104 species
of birds, and 124 species of plants. There are plans to reintroduce
the Nubian Ibex. A pond on the upper slopes of the Reserve provides
drinking water for the animals.
Located on the intercontinental migratory route for birds, it is a
prime destination for bird watchers. The Reserve also features
ancient ruins such as the Niha cave fortress.
This is the largest reserve in the Middle East, covering 5% of
Lebanon’s territory. The Shouf Cedar Society, a non-government
organization manages the reserve.
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