The Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve is rich in biodiversity.

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

TREES         FAN-LEAVED SERVICE TREE (Sorbus flabellifolia (spach C.K. Schneider)) The leaves of these plants have a fern-like appearance. The foliage turns shades of red and yellow in autumn. In the spring (March to June), the  Fan-Leaved Service Tree produces clusters of cream-colored flowers, which are followed by bunches of typically brilliant orange berries.   CEDAR OF LEBANON (Cedrus libani L.) The cedar forest community in the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve represents one-quarter of the remaining cedar forests in Lebanon, thus making it nationally significant.   BRANT'S OAK (Quercus brantii ssp. Look (Ky Mouterde)) This species of oak is endemic to the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve. Many people recognize oak trees, because of their broad leaves and acorns.

PLANTS         LEBANON GERANIUM (Geranium libani) The violet-blue spring flowers of the Lebanese Geranium bloom from March-June in forests. LEBANON PRICKLY THRIFT (Acantholimon libanoticum) This hardy shrub is found in rock crevices in high mountains. It blooms in the summer and has bright pink and white flowers.

REPTILES       CHAMELEON (Chamaeleo chamaeleon) A globally threatened species. Chameleons are often seen in woodland areas up to an elevation of 1,300m. Look for them on trees in daylight hours during the summer and other warm months. LEVANT VIPER (Vipera lebetina) This venomous light-brown snake with darker brown/black markings inhabits rocky areas and the banks of streams. It is active and may be seen during the day or at night depending on the season.   MOUNT LEBANON ROCK LIZARD (Lacerta kulzeri) Slightly smaller than the chameleon, this lizard (10-15cm) is endemic to the reserve. It can be found on rocky slopes and cedar trees at higher altitudes (1,400-2,100m) LEBANESE “GOLDEN GREEK” TORTOISE (Testudo graeca terrestris) These light-colored turtles grow to 25cm as adults. They eat broad-leafed weeds and grasses and can be spotted throughout the year in arid, shrubby areas.

MAMMALS       WOLF (Canis lupus pallipes) A globally threatened species. It is thought that only a small number of wolves still live in Lebanon. The wolf is active mainly at night and is an opportunistic carnivore. JUNGLE CAT (Felis chaus) Lebanon's jungle cat is most commonly found in forests and shrubby areas near water. This small, agile animal with long legs and sandy brown, reddish, or grey fur is most frequently observed during the night. It eats rodents, frogs, and snakes.

BIRDS             CHUKAR (Alectoris chukar) The Chukar is a common breeding bird in the reserve. It is easily spotted in the rocky highlands and around cedar forests foraging on the ground for food (grass, seeds, and shrub fruit). In fact, the Chukar typically flies only short distances downhill, preferring to hop over rough terrain.   JAY (Garrulus glandarius) The Jay plays an important role in the natural regeneration of the reserve's cedar and oak forests. The call of this woodland bird can be heard starting from an altitude of 500m to the edge of the tree line of Mount Lebanon.   HOOPOE (Upupa epops) Instantly recognizable by its black and white-banded wings and distinctive crest, the Hoopoe breeds in cedar groves in the Mount Lebanon range. It eats insects and larvae.