Capital

Beirut

Official Language

Arabic

Fun Fact

The Phoenicians, who lived in what is now Lebanon, invented the first alphabet

National Animal

Striped Hyena

Unofficial National Bird

Phoenix

Add a PDF file and cover image

Animal Laws of Lebanon

The Animal Laws of Lebanon PDF contains the general animal protection laws and related statutes for Lebanon. Uncaged World updates these bi-annually. Always check official sources for the most up-to-date legal status.

Animals of Lebanon

Striped Hyena

Conservation Status: Near Threatened

The Striped Hyena is a medium-sized carnivore found in deserts, grasslands, and scrublands across North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. Recognized by its shaggy gray coat, black stripes, and long mane, it is primarily a scavenger but also hunts small animals and eats fruit. Mostly solitary and active at night, the Striped Hyena plays an important role in keeping ecosystems healthy by consuming carrion and reducing the spread of disease.

Nubian Ibex

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

The Nubian Ibex is a wild mountain goat found in the rugged deserts and rocky cliffs of the Middle East and northeastern Africa. It is recognized by its slender build and the long, curved horns of males. An excellent climber, the Nubian Ibex feeds on grasses, shrubs, and other desert vegetation while navigating steep cliffs with remarkable agility. Habitat loss, hunting, and human disturbance have made this species vulnerable in parts of its range.

Lebanon Mountain Viper

Conservation Status: Endangered

The Lebanon Mountain Viper is a rare venomous snake found only in the high mountain regions of Lebanon. It inhabits rocky slopes and alpine meadows, where its patterned scales provide excellent camouflage among stones and vegetation. Feeding on small mammals, birds, and lizards, it plays an important role in controlling prey populations. Its limited range and specialized habitat make the species especially vulnerable to environmental change.

Palestine Sunbird

Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Palestine Sunbird is a small, brightly colored bird found in gardens, woodlands, and scrub habitats of the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. Males are recognized by their iridescent metallic blue-green plumage, while females are olive-brown. These energetic birds feed mainly on nectar, insects, and spiders, making them important pollinators. The Palestine Sunbird is the national bird of Israel.

Golden Jackal

Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Golden Jackal is a highly adaptable canid found across parts of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Recognized by its golden-brown coat and pointed ears, it feeds on small mammals, birds, insects, fruit, and carrion. Golden Jackals often live in pairs or family groups and play an important role in ecosystems as both predators and scavengers. Their adaptability has allowed them to thrive in a wide variety of habitats.

Red Fox

Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Red Fox is one of the world's most widespread wild canids, found in forests, grasslands, mountains, deserts, and even urban areas across the Northern Hemisphere. Recognized by its reddish-orange coat, bushy tail with a white tip, and pointed ears, it is a highly adaptable omnivore that feeds on small mammals, birds, insects, fruits, and berries. Intelligent and resourceful, the Red Fox thrives in a wide variety of environments and plays an important role in controlling rodent populations.