Loggerhead turtles use sandy beaches for nesting and frequent shallow coastal waters around rocks. Their food includes jellyfish, fish and squid. The Palm Islands and surrounding sea form part of the habitat associated with this threatened turtle.
Read MoreThe threatened green sea turtle uses the waters around the Palm Islands, including during winter. Seagrasses and algae are important foods, while its diet can also include marine animals such as crabs, sponges and jellyfish.
Read MoreThe white wagtail is one of the migratory birds associated with the Palm Islands. It is included among the reserve’s winter visitors and seasonal passage birds.
Read MoreSmall numbers of migratory herons use the Palm Islands in winter. The rocky shores also provide places to observe them during passage, including around late May and late August.
Read MoreThe common pipistrelle is a small bat found in Lebanon. It emerges after dusk to hunt insects and forms part of the Palm Islands’ wildlife. By feeding on large numbers of insects, these bats help regulate insect populations. Estimates associated with this feeding activity can reach several thousand insects in a night, depending on conditions.
Read MoreWall lizards are widespread in Lebanon, from the coast to the mountains. On the Palm Islands they occupy a varied range of small habitats, contributing to the islands’ distinctive reptile life.
Read MoreThe painted lady is a long-distance migrant found across Lebanon. Eye-like markings on its wings are among its recognizable features, and it is part of the wildlife associated with the Palm Islands.
Read MoreSea daffodil, also known as sea narcissus, flowers in summer among coastal sand dunes. Its large white blossoms are a distinctive feature of Palm Island’s plant life. The expansion of buildings and other development along the mainland coast has reduced the dunes where it grows, making surviving island habitats especially important.
Read MoreRock samphire grows along Mediterranean and European coasts. This long-established coastal plant is associated with iodine-rich seaside vegetation. Coastal communities have traditionally added it to salads or preserved it as pickles. It is among the plants whose habitats merit protection.
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