Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve is rich in biodiversity. Over 1,058 plant species have so far been recorded in the reserve, accounting for nearly 40% of the plant species in Lebanon. This is impressive, considering that the reserve represents less than 0.1% of the total area of Lebanon.

Some interesting facts regarding the native plant species in the reserve:

• 212 species (20%) are rare and another 126 species (12%) are considered threatened

• 115 plant species are endemic to Lebanon, and 10 are endemic to Horsh Ehden

• 78 plant species are recognized as medicinal plants.

TRY TO SPOT THESE FLORA AND FAUNA DURING YOUR VISIT TO THE RESERVE.

TREES         CEDAR OF LEBANON (Cedrus libani L.) The cedar forest community in Horsh Ehden represents 20% of the remaining cedar forests in Lebanon, making it of national significance.   WILD APPLE OR CRABAPPLE (Malus trilobata) The reserve protects the last remaining forest community of wild apples, which are endemic to Lebanon. CILICICA FIR (Abies cilicica) The reserve's fir forest community is considered the natural southern limit for the species.   GRECIAN JUNIPER (Juniperus excelsa) The juniper forest community is an important gene pool for reforestation projects at higher altitudes. FUNGI Over 300 species of fungi, some of them in the form of colorful mushrooms, have been recorded in the reserve. Fungi live in symbiosis with the trees, providing them with important nutrients. They are critical to maintaining a healthy forest ecosystem.

MAMMALS More than 27 mammals have been sighted in the reserve (not including bats), representing a third of the mammals in Lebanon. Ten of these species are considered rare or threatened: Cape Hare (Lepus Capensis Syriacus) Common Field Mouse (Apodemus Sylvaticus) Eurasian Badger (Meles Meles Canescens) Hedgehog (Erinaceus Concolor) Porcupine (Histrix Indica Indica) Squirrel (Sciurus Anomalus Syriacus) Striped Hyena (Hyaena Hyanena Syriaca) Weasel (Mustela Nivalis) Wildcat (Felis Silvestris Tristrami) Wolf (Canis Lupis Pallipes)

BIRDS IMPERIAL EAGLE (Aquila heliaca) An endangered species. The Imperial Eagle usually lives in forests, avoiding open areas except when hunting. It has a wingspan of 180-220cm, and hunts mammals, reptiles, and other birds. The Imperial Eagle is known to visit and breed in the reserve. It builds huge, conspicuous nests in isolated tall trees.     BONELLI'S EAGLE (Hieraaetus fasciatus) An endangered species. This medium-sized eagle with a wingspan of 150-180cm occasionally visits Horsh Ehden. It feeds on rabbits, hares, squirrels, rodents, other birds, and reptiles caught on the ground and in the air.     BLUE TIT (Parus caeruleus) Small and colorful with its combination of yellow and blue, the Blue Tit is a summer breeder in the reserve. In fact, the first breeding record of a Blue Tit in Lebanon was made in Horsh Ehden. It is commonly found in mixed forests and nests in the holes of trees.