172 First winter surveys in Libya Wetlands and wintering waterbirds in Libya, January 2005 and 2006

MIKE SMART1, MOHAMED F. ESSGHAIER2, KHALED ETAYEB2, ABDULMAULA HAMZA3, HICHEM AZAFZAF4, NICOLA BACCETTI5, PIERRE DEFOS DU RAU6 & HABIB DLENSI7,

1143 Cheltenham Road, Gloucester GL 2 0JH, UK. Email: [email protected] 2Dept. of Zoology, University Al Fateh, Tripoli, Libya. 3Nature Conservation Dept., EGA, P.O.B. 13793, Tripoli, Libya. 411 Rue Abou El Alla El Maari, 2080 Ariana, Tunisia. 5INFS, 40064 Ozzano Emilia BO, Italy. 6Offi ce National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage, Délégation Régionale Sud-Ouest, 10bis route d’Ax, 31120 Portet/Garonne, France. 7B.P. 86, 3018 Sfax, Tunisia.

Abstract

Systematic surveys of mainly coastal wetlands in Libya were carried out for the fi rst time in January 2005 and 2006, to identify sites of major importance for waterbirds in winter. In 2005, nearly 30,000 waterbirds were found, and in 2006 over 52,000, with large numbers of gulls recorded in both years. The surveys showed that Libyan wetlands are used by a range of species, notably the near-threatened Mediterranean endemic Audouin’s Gull Larus audouinii, several other gull species, wildfowl and waders. Eurasian Cranes Grus grus were found well into the desert. Overall, Libyan wetlands are internationally important for waterbirds of Mediterranean lagoon ecosystems, including Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus, Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus and Slender-billed Gull Larus genei. They also provide different types of typical Mediterranean wetland habitat. A number of species rarely recorded were observed, including birds new to Libya, but the Critically Endangered Slender-billed Curlew Numenius tenuirostris was not found. Waterbirds previously considered to winter exclusively south of the Sahara, such as Purple Heron Ardea purpurea, Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides and Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus were also observed. Sightings of colour-ringed birds indicated that waterbirds wintering in Libya had migrated there from eastern, northern and western Eurasia.

Key words: Libya, wetlands, waterbirds, winter, Mediterranean lagoons.

©Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Wildfowl (2006) 56: 172-191 First winter surveys in Libya 173 In contrast to Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia Areas (SPA) and Biological Diversity in the to the west, and Egypt’s Nile Delta and Mediterranean’. Annex II of the Protocol Valley to the east, Libya, with its relatively dry includes a ‘List of Endangered or Threatened climate, is perceived as having comparatively Species’, including 15 waterbirds, for which few wetlands and waterbirds. It is also, a Bird Action Plan has been developed ornithologically, the least known country (UNEP MAP RAC/SPA 2003). Moreover, of Mediterranean Africa. In a preliminary in 2000 Libya became a Contracting Party description of the birds of Libya, Bundy to the Ramsar Convention, designating two (1976) presents little information from wetlands in the Jebel Akhdar area northeast of the region east of the Gulf of Sirt. More Benghazi. In 2005 Libya joined the African- recently, Wetlands International (2002a) Eurasian Waterbird Agreement (AEWA), notes that Libya has never contributed to the an agreement under the Convention on International Waterbird Census (IWC), and Migratory Species (CMS). In January 2005, that the only data available are from a small the Environment General Authority (EGA), number of expeditions. There are few recent the offi cial Libyan body responsible for the papers on Libyan ornithology in general, implementation of international agreements or on waterbirds in particular. Of these, relating to biodiversity, co-sponsored the Meininger et al. (1994) deal mainly with the fi rst ornithological survey of wetlands in important nesting colonies of Lesser Crested Libya, under a Memorandum of Agreement Tern Sterna bengalensis (almost 100% of the with the RAC/SPA and AEWA, and with Mediterranean population breeds in Libya), support from Wetlands International, the Massa (1999) reports some new species for Instituto Nazionale per la Fauna Selvetica Libya, and Brehme et al. (2002a,b,c) refer (INFS) (Italy) and the Offi ce National de mainly to older observations. Defos du la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage (ONCFS) Rau et al. (2003) describe the birds recorded (France). during a short survey of some coastal areas The survey was carried out by the authors in April 2001. A recent paper by Gaskell of the present paper. The general aim was (2005) provides valuable new information to fi ll some of the gaps in knowledge of on the status and distribution of some wintering waterbirds in Libya, and more Libyan birds in 2004 and 2005. specifi cally: 1) to search for Slender-billed There has been increasing interest in Curlew, a Critically Endangered species that Libyan wetlands over the last 10 years. In winters on shallow brackish coastal pools, 1995 the UNEP Mediterranean Action Plan marshes and ponds in the region (Ledant (MAP), which brings together 21 countries & Lafontaine 1994; Wetlands International round the Mediterranean, including Libya, 2002b), 2) to investigate the status in Libya within the framework of the Barcelona of the other 14 species in the RAC/SPA Convention (“Convention for the Protection Bird Action Plan, 3) to carry out the fi rst of the Marine Environment and the Coastal comprehensive midwinter waterbird census Region of the Mediterranean”), adopted a in Libya, and 4) to identify wetlands of ‘Protocol concerning Specially Protected major importance for wintering waterbirds. ©Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Wildfowl (2006) 56: 172-191 174 First winter surveys in Libya Wetlands of international importance were split into smaller teams, covering different defi ned in accordance with the numerical wetlands or different sectors of some large criteria of the Ramsar Convention (i.e. wetlands; counts were made at all times of those regularly supporting 20,000 or more the day, using binoculars and telescopes, waterbirds, or those regularly supporting at and care was taken to eliminate possibilities least 1% of the individuals in a population of double counting. In all, 65 sites were of one species or subspecies of waterbird, covered. Water levels in the coastal wetlands the current 1% thresholds being listed in generally were lower than average, although Wetlands International 2002b). Additionally, there was heavy rainfall during the survey in the more qualitative criterion for determining both the Tripoli and Benghazi areas. From sites of international importance under the 20 to 30 January 2006, a second survey of Ramsar Convention, that “a wetland should coastal wetlands was organised by EGA, be considered internationally important with the same participants, joined by three if it contains a representative, rare, or additional Libyan ornithological trainees. unique example of a natural or near-natural The 2006 survey covered 57 sites (including wetland type found within the appropriate all of the most important sites covered in biogeographic region” was taken into 2005), with a further four inland dams near account. Tripoli covered by Libyan members of A repeat survey was carried out in the team on 5 January. In winter 2005/06, January 2006. The present paper provides a rainfall was much heavier in areas near the border with Tunisia and some sites, notably summary of the fi ndings of the two surveys, Sebkhet Boukamesh, which had been dry concentrating on the third and fourth aims in January 2005, were fl ooded and holding of the project. A much more detailed waterbirds in January 2006. In other areas account of the 2005 survey is available on the round the Gulf of Sirt and east of Benghazi EGA and RAC/SPA websites (Azafzaf et al. the rainfall (and hence water levels in the 2005a); a similar detailed account for 2006 wetlands) was not appreciably different is in preparation. A report on cormorants from that in January 2005, except that the Phalacrocorax spp. has already been published important site of Temimi was much drier (Azafzaf et al. 2005b). in 2006. Some inland sites were covered, among them four dams including the Wadi Methods Zaret Dam inland of Tripoli (Fig. 1). The oasis of Jaghbub, 250 km south of Tobruk From 3 to 17 January 2005, as many wetlands was covered in 2005 but not 2006. Sebkhet as possible were surveyed along the Libyan el Hammam, near Houn, 300 km inland coastline, from the border with Tunisia in from the Gulf of Sirt, was covered in 2006 the west to the border with Egypt, a distance only. The major inland oases of the south, of some 1,500 km (Fig. 1). The survey was such as Kufa, Sebha and Ghadames, were performed by eight ornithologists. In view of not visited. the vast area to be covered, the group often ©Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Wildfowl (2006) 56: 172-191 First winter surveys in Libya 175

Figure 1. Location of wetlands surveyed in Libya in 2005 and 2006.

Results is a major fi shing area, largely devoid of buildings. In summer it is a nesting site for Wetlands of major importance Redshank Tringa totanus, Little Tern Sterna in Libya albifrons and Caspian Tern S. caspia, the latter rarely recorded as a breeding species The Mediterranean is largely a sea without in the Mediterranean (Etayeb 2002). A total tides; in only two areas, the northern Adriatic of nearly 2,500 waterbirds, comprising 31 around Venice and the Gulf of Gabes in species, was observed at the site in January southern Tunisia, is there any appreciable 2005. In January 2006 the total was just over tidal movement. In southern Tunisia the 2- 2,500 birds of 27 species. Species observed m tidal range provides extensive mudfl ats included Black-necked Grebe Podiceps used by large numbers of waders and nigricollis, Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax fi sh-eating birds (Isenmann et al. 2005), carbo, Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia, a variety and these extend a short way into western of waders (including over 100 Eurasian Libya, notably at Farwa Lagoon, the most Curlews Numenius arquata) and many gulls important tidal wetland in Libya. Farwa and terns. Lagoon (called ‘Pisida’ by Bundy (1976); Inland from Tripoli, in the foothills of Fig. 2a), is a shallow bay sheltered from the Jebel Nafusa, are a number of recently the open sea by a sandspit nearly 13 km constructed, generally small, freshwater long, but with a 3-km wide opening to the dams, which held small numbers of surface- sea. The whole bay holds rich beds of the feeding ducks (c. 200 in both years). The seagrasses Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea largest numbers and range of species nodosa and other marine plants; the lagoon occurred at Wadi Zaret Dam. ©Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Wildfowl (2006) 56: 172-191 176 First winter surveys in Libya In the Tripoli coastal belt, the principal in small marshes (Hamza 2004). At Taourgha wetlands are the wadi mouths between Tripoli Spring, 284 waterbirds of 29 species were and Misratah. Three of these wetlands, noted in 2005 and some 407 waterbirds of Wadi Ramal, Wadi Maseed (or Mashid) and 33 species in 2006. At Al Hisha springs (part Wadi Turghat, are included in the Garabulli of the Al Hisha Nature Reserve, established National Park, established in 1992, but the in 1992), 856 individuals of 28 species were largest, Wadi Kaam, further to the east, is seen in 2005 and 1,009 birds of 24 species not included. Most of these wetlands are in 2006. Both sites had unexpectedly large spring-fed, and break though sand dunes groups of wintering Eurasian Crane Grus stabilised with exotic plant species such as grus (over 100 at each site in 2005, and roosts Eucalyptus and Acacia before reaching the at both sites in 2006 when 308 were seen at sea. Near the sea, the water is often shallow Al Hisha), nesting White Stork Ciconia ciconia, and fresh, with reeds along the edges. About wintering Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides 100 waterbirds were recorded at each of and Purple Heron Ardea purpurea in both these sites; species present included several years, and a variety of ducks and waders. Ferruginous Ducks Aythya nyroca, in 2005 The fi gures for Taourgha and Al Hisha and 2006, and Audouin’s Gull Larus audouinii, include birds on the salt lakes themselves, both classed as Near Threatened at global but they are a considerable underestimate level (IUCN 2006), while Audouin’s Gull is because of the huge size of the wetlands one of the 15 species in the RAC/SPA Bird and the diffi culty in accessing them. Action Plan. Conditions on and around the salt lakes From Misratah to Sirt, and on past looked suitable for Slender-billed Curlew Ajdabiyah, the Gulf of Sirt forms a deep Numenius tenuirostris, but none was found in inlet in the North African coast, with low either year. In 2006 many gulls were found coastal dunes and, behind them, vast salt sheltering from a storm at sea on Sebkhet lakes, where water levels vary enormously Qasr Ahmed, including 500 Audouin’s Gulls according to annual rainfall. Just south of and 5,000 Slender-billed Gulls L. genei, much Misratah is an enormous complex of such the largest concentrations recorded for both lakes, about 100 km long and extending up to species in 2006. 20 km inland. The area covers some 250,000 The Taourgha complex is not the only ha, making the ‘Taourgha complex’ one of area of salt lakes in the Gulf of Sirt; such the largest wetlands in the Mediterranean. lakes are found all along the coast (notably The Taourgha complex is divided into Sebkhet Sultan), with untouched beaches several different sectors: Sebkhet Qasr to the seaward side. The marine area is Ahmed, Sebkhet Taourgha, Sebkhet Om al reported to have extensive beds of seagrass. Adham and Sebkhet Al Hisha, and counts Just south of Benghazi is Sebkhet Karkoura, were recorded for each of these sectors. At a salt pan still used for salt extraction, where Taourgha and Al Hisha which both have 675 waterbirds were noted in 2005. These long histories of human habitation, there are included 18 Eurasian Cranes, just over 300 ancient springs and the fresh water collects waders and 270 Audouin’s Gulls, the largest ©Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Wildfowl (2006) 56: 172-191 First winter surveys in Libya 177

(a)

(b)

Figure 2. Wetland habitat at: (a) Farwa Lagoon and (b) Benghazi Lake.

©Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Wildfowl (2006) 56: 172-191 178 First winter surveys in Libya group seen in Libya in 2005. Numbers of at the latter in 2005 and 1,399 in 2006. all species were lower here in 2006. North Further northeast of Benghazi, the two of Karkoura, coastal areas are composed current Libyan Ramsar sites of Sebkhet mainly of agricultural areas and stony, Ain Azzarga and Sebkhet Ain Ashagiga partially and temporarily fl ooded pastures are situated in the Kouf National Park. interspersed with occasional small lagoons Both are coastal salt lakes in the limestone and dunes. This vast area seemed highly country of the Jebel Akhdar. Much of the favourable for Slender-billed Curlew, but coastline between Benghazi and Derna is none was found. Further north is Sebkhet rocky, but between Derna and Tobruk there Ganfouda, once a salt lake and now used as is another inlet, the Gulf of Bumba, where the main waste disposal area for Benghazi, the coastal salt lakes of Sebkhet Temimi and which held over 12,000 gulls in 2005 and Ain al Ghazala are close to one another and 20,000 gulls in 2006. support intensive fi sheries. A total of over The original site of the city of Benghazi 500 birds, including cormorants, waders was chosen for its commercial and strategic and gulls, was observed at Temimi in both position: a coastal harbour, with a ring of years, while numbers at Ghazala were over salt lakes linked to the sea surrounding and 300 in 2005 and 600 in 2006, mainly grebes protecting it on the landward side (Fig. and cormorants, plus some waders, gulls and 2b). Today this ring of sebkhets (Sebkhet Al terns. Thama, Sebkhet Esselawi and Benghazi Lake The only oasis visited in 2005 was and Harbours) is under heavy pressure from Jaghbub and its nearby salt lakes, where urbanisation. It also appears to receive some the waterbirds recorded were 13 Great waste water and is hence highly eutrophic, Cormorants, one Grey Heron, one Redshank with extensive reedbeds. However, the and two Moorhens Gallinula chloropus. In complex as a whole holds some of the 2006, a visit was also made to the Houn highest concentrations and variety of area, 300 km south of Sirt, where a series of waterbirds recorded anywhere in Libya to agricultural projects, fed by artesian water, date. A total of nearly 5,000 waterbirds of create streams and depressions providing 41 species (including 500 gulls) was seen suitable conditions for waterbirds. A total in 2005, and nearly 7,000 waterbirds of of 352 waterbirds was observed, with 10 47 species (including nearly 4,000 gulls) in herons (including two more Purple Herons), 2006, including grebes, herons, spoonbills, over 200 ducks (mainly Teal and Shoveler ducks, waders, gulls and terns. with fi ve more Ferruginous Ducks), and, Just north of Benghazi are two more surprisingly in the desert, a further 113 major sebkhets, Ain Azziana (which also Eurasian Cranes. includes a lagoon fed by a freshwater spring) and Al Kuz, both of which attract Greater Numbers of wintering waterbirds Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus and waders. A total of 450 waterbirds was recorded at the Details of the waterbirds counted in former in 2005 and 960 in 2006, with 1,155 Libya in January 2005 and 2006 are provided ©Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Wildfowl (2006) 56: 172-191 First winter surveys in Libya 179 in Appendix 1, with emphasis on new plain west of Tripoli, White Stork nests were information obtained since the surveys by seen in 2005, probably built the previous Bundy (1976) and Gaskell (2005). Overall, year, while at Taourgha birds were already a total of 29,996 waterbirds was recorded occupying nests in palm trees on 6 January at all sites in 2005, nearly 20,000 of them 2005. Birds were again present at Taourgha, gulls, including 14,000 Black-headed Gulls. although no occupied nests were seen, in In 2006, the waterbird total was 52,012 January 2006. Four colour-ringed Spoonbills including nearly 35,000 gulls, over 21,500 were recorded, one ringed in 2003 and three of which were Black-headed Gulls. The ringed in 2004, from the Danube Basin comments below summarise observations (one from Hungary and two from Serbia) of particular interest within taxonomic and Italian breeding sites. A fl ock of 70 groups. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus was recorded at Taourgha Spring in 2006. Ardeidae – Herons Phoenicopteridae – Flamingos Small numbers of Ardeidae that normally winter south of the Sahara were found: The main concentrations of Greater Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus (probably Flamingo were at coastal salt lakes in the overlooked in 2005) at three sites in 2006; Gulf of Sirt and Kuz, with the largest Squacco Heron at Taourgha Spring in numbers (about 500 each year) at Kuz, both 2005 and 2006; and Purple Heron although in 2006 there were 1,800 (well at Taourgha in 2005 and 2006 and at four above the Ramsar 1% fi gure of 700) near other sites in 2006. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis, the Tunisian border at Sebkhet Boukamesh, previously regarded as a scarce and irregular which had been completely dry in 2005. passage visitor, is clearly now wintering in Two colour rings were read in 2005 and larger numbers (Appendix 1). Numbers of 11 in 2006, mainly in the Gulf of Sirt. All Great Egret Egretta alba have also increased birds had been ringed as pulli and most were in recent years; one bird seen in Benghazi still immature: three from Andalucia, Spain, in 2006, which had been colour-ringed as seven from the Camargue, France, two a nestling at Lac de Grand-Lieu, northwest from Sardinia and one from Turkey. There France, in May 2005, was the fi rst African have been very few previous recoveries of recovery from this ringing site. colour-ringed fl amingos in Libya – only one of a live bird and nine of birds found dead, Ciconiidae and Threskiornithidae – Storks, probably killed by hunters. Of the latter, Spoonbills and Ibises two were from the Gulf of Sirt, six from Benghazi and one from Tobruk. For White Stork, Bundy (1976) notes the species only as a possible casual breeder, but Gaskell (2005) records 20 nesting pairs at Al Marj in February 2005. In the Jeffara ©Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Wildfowl (2006) 56: 172-191 180 First winter surveys in Libya Anatidae – Ducks Gruidae - Cranes

Numbers of Common Shelduck Tadorna Perhaps one of the most unusual fi ndings tadorna were higher than might have been of the surveys was that several hundred expected from the literature. Bundy (1976) Eurasian Cranes winter at sites in the Gulf considered Ruddy Shelduck T. ferruginea as an of Sirt, although Wetlands International accidental; the survey recorded only one at (2002a) notes that the wintering area of the Sebkhet Boubesla near the Tunisian border Northeast European breeding population covers Algeria, Tunisia and Libya. A total in 2006 (which was likely to have been dry in of 246 Eurasian Cranes was found in 2005 2005). The literature indicates that, among and 592 in 2006, the major concentrations surface-feeding ducks, only Northern Pintail in both years being at Taourgha and Al Anas acuta, Northern Shoveler A. clypeata Hisha, where the birds seemed to be feeding and Teal A. crecca are regularly seen in Libya, on dry grassland around the springs, then in small numbers; there are few records fl ying to coastal salt lakes at dusk to roost. of Gadwall A. strepera. Low numbers of A group of 18 was also noted at Karkoura all four species were recorded during the near Benghazi in 2005 and 13 further south survey, mostly on the few freshwater sites, at Brega in 2006. At Houn, some 300 km including the irrigated agricultural area inland from Sirt, a group of over 100 Cranes round Houn, 300 km into the desert. In was found, and local people confi rmed that neither year did the surveys locate Marbled they were well known in this desert area. Duck Anas angustirostris, which winters in signifi cant numbers in the oases of southern Recurvirostridae, Burhinidae, Charadriidae, Tunisia (Azafzaf & Hamrouni 2002). Future Scolopacidae – Waders: winter surveys of Libyan oases would be of particular interest for this species. Only In general, wader numbers were not low numbers of diving ducks were seen, exceptional, although these surveys found more Black-winged Stilts Himantopus probably refl ecting the lack of deeper waters: himantopus and Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta 233 Pochard, all at the Benghazi complex in than did previous observers. A single Little 2006, were the most numerous. The Near Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius was seen Threatened Ferruginous Duck is regarded in 2005, which suggests that they winter mainly as a passage visitor to Libya, but 10 in small numbers, as in southern Tunisia, were found in January 2005 and 12 in 2006. though none was seen in 2006. Small The White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala, numbers of Ringed Plover were found, 72 a species classifi ed as Endangered by IUCN in 2005 and 38 in 2006. Over 1,100 Kentish (2006) and which occurs regularly in Tunisia, Plover Charadrius alexandrinus were recorded was not seen; again, at least partly due to the in 2005 and 1,036 in 2006; it is likely that lack of deeper water. many more were overlooked on the large salt lakes where the species is numerous ©Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Wildfowl (2006) 56: 172-191 First winter surveys in Libya 181 but ranges over large areas. The 1% of the One of the objectives of the surveys total population size that would classify a was to search for Slender-billed Curlew. site as being of international importance It is thought that the species – one of the for Kentish Plover is 660 for the western rarest birds in the Western Palearctic with Mediterranean population and 410 for the a world population put at fewer than 50 eastern Mediterranean population (Wetlands birds (Wetlands International 2002b) and International 2002b). Thus, irrespective of classifi ed in the highest category of Critically whether the Libyan birds are considered to Endangered (IUCN 2006) – nests in Western be eastern or western, this threshold is likely Siberia and migrates through the Black Sea to to be reached or exceeded at several lagoons winter in the Mediterranean. The preferred in Libya, which emphasises the importance wintering habitat is believed to be shallow of the country for the species. brackish coastal pools/marshes/ponds, Four Greater Sand Plovers Charadrius with surrounding vegetation of glassworts leschenaultii and a single possible Lesser Sand Salicornia spp. and Arthrocnemum spp. (Ledant Plover Ch. mongolus were seen in 2005, and & Lafontaine 1994). Although no Slender- a single Greater Sand Plover was seen in billed Curlews were found, large areas of 2006, all east of Misrata; Libya is probably this type of habitat occur in Libya, and it at the extreme west of their winter range. would be easy to overlook even appreciable According to local hunters, Golden Plover numbers. Eurasian Curlews were found in Pluvialis apricaria (just over 400 birds recorded the same habitat: 534 in 2005 and 397 in in 2005 and nearly 650 in 2006, mainly north 2006. A single Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus of Benghazi) is a favourite quarry species. (not previously recorded in Libya in winter) The survey found only two fl ocks of was seen in 2006. Numbers of the six Tringa Dotterel Eudromias morinellus, which might species recorded were in line with previous have been expected to be common on the observations. extensive dry plains of Libya. Observations of Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii at Laridae – Gulls three different sites confi rm its status as a winter visitor (not surprising given its wide The 10 species of gull recorded accounted presence in Tunisia in winter). Knot C. for two thirds of the waterbirds observed, canutus is more unusual, since there are few and provide some of the most interesting previous records, but there is an established observations. wintering population in the tidal area of Four Great Black-headed Gulls Larus southern Tunisia. In 2006 the survey found ichthyaetus were recorded in 2005 and six a single Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica, in 2006, all at coastal sites. Mediterranean also known to winter in tidal parts of Gulls L. melanocephalus numbered 228 in Tunisia. 2005 and 239 in 2006. Mediterranean Gulls tend to feed offshore, so some birds may have been overlooked; very large roosts (several thousand) occur in the tidal areas ©Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Wildfowl (2006) 56: 172-191 182 First winter surveys in Libya of Tunisia (Isenmann et al. 2005). Large Gulls Larus fuscus was recorded in 2005 and numbers of Black-headed Gull L. ridibundus 1,438 in 2006; close attention was not paid to were observed: 14,000 in 2005 and 21,500 in the race(s) concerned. Most of the birds seen 2006. All but a couple of hundred were in did not have a very dark mantle and would the Benghazi area, particularly around waste appear to have been L. f. intermedius. Bundy disposal areas. Numbers of Little Gull L. (1976) notes several recoveries in Libya of minutus were small. Lesser Black-backed Gull, presumably L. Slender-billed Gull Larus genei has f. intermedius, ringed as pulli in Bornholm increased greatly as a breeding species in (Baltic Denmark) and one from Finland. Tunisia and other Mediterranean countries Colour rings of three marked birds were read in recent years (Wetlands International at Benghazi waste disposal area in 2006: one 2002b; Isenmann et al. 2005); nearly 900 were had been ringed north of the Arctic Circle recorded in Libya in 2005, mostly near the in Norway (near Tromsø) as L. f. graellsii, the Tunisian border. Numbers were much higher other two had been ringed on the west coast in 2006, with a total of over 7,500, including of Finland as L. f. fuscus, which winters in over 1,000 in the general area of Farwa in the eastern Mediterranean and East Africa. the west, 5,000 at Sebkhet Qasr Ahmed in Recoveries of L. f. graelsii are most unusual the Taourgha complex (apparently sheltering in the Mediterranean, since most winter on from a storm at sea with Audouin’s Gulls), the Atlantic coasts of Spain and Morocco. 500 or more in the Benghazi complex and It is possible that all three subspecies winter others all along the coast to the east. Given in Libya, together with Armenian Gull L. the latest estimate of 123,000–237,000 for armenicus, recorded by Gaskell (2005), and the Black Sea and Mediterranean population Heuglin’s Gull L. (fuscus) heuglini. of this species (Wetlands International Just over 500 Yellow-legged Gulls L. 2002b), the total count represents at least michahellis were noted in both years, with 3% of the individuals in this population. just over 1,500 Caspian (Pontic) Gulls L. One Slender-billed Gull colour ring was cachinnans in 2005 and just over 2,600 in read at Farwa in 2005. This bird had been 2006. The former were noted throughout ringed in the Camargue, France in 1999, and the country, with groups of over 100 at was seen breeding there every summer from Benghazi waste disposal area and Essabre 2001 to 2004 inclusive. beach near Benghazi, but relatively few A total of 344 Audouin’s Gulls was around Tripoli; at several coastal sites they recorded in 2005 and 670 in 2006; in 2005 were already taking up territories on nesting the majority were around Benghazi (270 islands in January 2006. Caspian Gulls at Karkoura, 34 at Sebkhet Sultan, with a were found exclusively in the east, with the couple as far east as Derna), but in 2006 vast majority each year on Benghazi waste there were concentrations of 500 by day, disposal area; the data appear to represent sheltering from a storm at Qasr Ahmed, and a major extension in knowledge of the 110 at El Ghbeba (at an evening roost). wintering range of Caspian Gull. It should A total of 1,425 Lesser Black-backed be noted that, in many cases, it was not ©Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Wildfowl (2006) 56: 172-191 First winter surveys in Libya 183 possible to identify large gulls at the species Discussion level, and it was necessary to extrapolate the identity of large fl ocks from scans of Census of wintering waterbirds sample groups. The total number of waterbirds recorded in Sternidae – Terns the surveys, of 29,996 in 2005 and 52,012 in 2006, was relatively low when compared to A single Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica total numbers in neighbouring North African in 2005 was a surprise. For Caspian Tern, countries (e.g. over 220,000 waterbirds were most previous records are from the passage counted at 116 sites in Tunisia in January period, but the species clearly winters in 2003 (Azafzaf & Feltrup-Azafzaf 2003). Libya. A total of 101 Sandwich Terns S. It should be emphasised, however, that, sandvicensis was counted in 2005 and 122 particularly at the very large coastal salt in 2006, dotted along the coast from the lakes, coverage was far from complete. Tunisian border to beyond Benghazi, Because of the limited time available, the but with occasional resting groups of large size of many lagoons and diffi culty of 10–40 birds; these numbers are probably access, the number of waterbirds recorded a considerable underestimate, as many of is undoubtedly lower than the number of the birds seemed to be feeding at sea in the morning and not landing on the shore until birds actually present. around midday. There were no records of The observation that signifi cant numbers Lesser Crested Tern S. bengalensis, which is of Audouin’s Gulls winter on either side of a summer visitor to Libya and is believed to the Gulf of Sirt is a signifi cant new discovery winter in west Africa. The known Libyan for the species. The species breeds almost Lesser Crested Tern colonies represent entirely within the Mediterranean, and was practically the whole of the Mediterranean previously believed to winter mainly in the breeding population. For the same reasons western Mediterranean and West Africa no Little Terns were observed, but they must with only limited numbers in Libya (Cramp breed very widely, given the large amount of & Simmons 1983; Wetlands International suitable habitat and the numbers that breed 2002b). Moreover, since the Audouin’s in Tunisia. The observations confi rm that Gull is of global conservation concern, Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida winters classifi ed as Near-Threatened (IUCN 2006), in modest numbers, mainly at the Benghazi monitoring its use of Libyan wintering sites complex, with some in the Gulf of Bumba, should continue to be a priority in future already in summer plumage. surveys. Several species rarely recorded in winter in the Mediterranean were observed during the surveys (among them Little Bittern, Squacco Heron and Purple Heron), together with several species not previously noted or ©Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Wildfowl (2006) 56: 172-191 184 First winter surveys in Libya only rarely noted in Libya in winter (Slavonian 2. Libya’s large salt lakes, notably the Grebe Podiceps auritus, Great Egret, Glossy Taourgha complex, Sebkhet Sultan, Sebkhet Ibis Plegadis falcinellus, Shelduck, Eurasian Karkoura, Sebkhet Al Kuz and Sebkhet Crane, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Little Temimi/Ain Al Ghazala, which are all good Ringed Plover, Greater Sand Plover, Black- representative examples of coastal salt lakes tailed Godwit L. limosa, Bar-tailed Godwit, (a characteristic Mediterranean habitat), are Whimbrel, Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola, of special value because of their pristine and Marsh Sandpiper T. stagnatilis, Caspian Gull, largely natural state. These sites have special Great Black-headed Gull, Whiskered Tern importance for several waterbird species: and Pied Kingfi sher Ceryle rudis). Furthermore, Audouin’s Gull at Taourgha and Karkoura, evidence was obtained of nesting by White and Greater Flamingo and Kentish Plover at Stork, for which there is only one defi nite Kuz and Ain al Ghazala. previous record in Libya. 3. The Benghazi complex of salt-lakes, which carries signifi cant numbers of several Importance of Libyan wetlands bird species and has huge potential as an urban site for raising public awareness of wetlands Although few sites met the numerical criteria, and their fauna and fl ora. Its proximity to in terms of bird numbers, for designation as a Benghazi, however, puts it at risk of urban wetland of international importance under the development. Ramsar Convention, many met the qualitative Overall, this study indicates that, while criterion. Four sites had already been total numbers of waterbirds using Libyan identifi ed as Important Bird Areas by BirdLife coastal wetlands are modest, species of International (Robertson & Essghaier 2001): Mediterranean lagoon systems such as three visited during the survey (Garabulli, Greater Flamingo, Kentish Plover and Ain Azziana, Ain al Ghazala) plus Gara’a Slender-billed Gull, as well as Audouin’s Gull, Island, not visited during the survey, the site occur in signifi cant numbers. Furthermore, the of the largest Lesser Crested Tern colony. size and condition of the wetlands make them The authors suggest that the following sites an important component of this habitat type are worthy of designation as wetlands of at regional (Mediterranean) level. The results international importance under the Ramsar of the surveys have shown that a number of Convention and as Special Protected Areas Libyan wetlands are worthy of international of Mediterranean Importance (SPAMIs) recognition and of increased monitoring and under the Barcelona Convention: national conservation measures. 1. Farwa Lagoon is an excellent example of a tidal bay (a rare wetland type in the Acknowledgements Mediterranean), and as such is a high priority for protection measures. Designation would The authors wish to express their special be welcomed by local people, who wish to thanks to the Secretary of the People’s maintain the current character of the site. Committee and Staff of the Environment ©Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Wildfowl (2006) 56: 172-191 First winter surveys in Libya 185 General Authority in Libya, and to the Director Brehme, S., Th iede, W. & Borges, E. 2002b. and Staff of the UNEP/MAP Regional Beiträge zur Vogelwelt Libyens, III: Ac- Activities Centre/Specially Protected Areas cipitridae bis Charadriidae. Ornithologi- in Tunis, without whose active support the sche Mitteilungen 54: 391-399. surveys would have been impossible. Brehme, S., Th iede, W. & Borges, E. 2002c. Beiträge zur Vogelwelt Libyens, IV: Sco- References lopacidae bis Pteroclididae. Ornitholo- gische Mitteilungen 55: 277-287. Azafzaf, H. & Feltrup-Azafzaf, C. 2003. Bundy, G. 1976. Th e Birds of Libya: An an- Dénombrement des oiseaux d’eau en Tu- notated check-list. Check-list No. 1, Brit- nisie – Janvier 2003. Unpublished report, ish Ornithologists’ Union, London. Groupe Tunisien d’Ornithologie, Associa- tion Les Amis des Oiseaux, Tunis. Cramp, S. & Simmons, K.E.L. (eds.) 1983. Azafzaf, H. & Hamrouni, H. 2002. Obser- Handbook of the Birds of Europe, the Mid- vations Ornithologiques eff ectuées dans les dle East and North Africa. Th e Birds of Zones Importantes pour la Conservation des the Western Palearctic. Vol. III. Waders to Oiseaux (ZICO) dans la région de Douz Gulls. Oxford University Press, Oxford. (Sud tunisien) – Tunisie. Groupe Tunisien Defos du Rau, P., Essghaier, M.F.A. & d’Ornithologie, Association ‘Les Amis des Etayeb, K.S. 2003. Inventaire prélimi- Oiseaux’, Tunis. naire des zones humides côtières de Li- Azafzaf, H., Baccetti, N., Defos du Rau, P., bye. Faune Sauvage 259: 12-15. Dlensi, H., Essghaier, M.F., Etayeb, K., Etayeb, K.S. 2002. Study of migratory and Hamza, A. & Smart, M. 2005a. Report on an Ornithological Survey in Libya from 3 resident birds in Ras-Attalgha and west- to 17 January 2005. Unpublished report ern part of Farwa Island. M.Sc. Th esis, to Regional Activities Centre/Special Pro- Zoology Department, University of Al- tected Areas (MAP/UNEP), Tunis, Envi- fateh, Tripoli, Libya. ronment General Authority, Libya, and Gaskell, J. 2005. Recent changes in the sta- African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement tus and distribution of birds in Libya. (UNEP/AEWA). Sandgrouse 27(2): 126-138. Azafzaf, H., Baccetti, N., Defos du Rau, P., Hamza, A. 2004. Ecology of freshwater gas- Dlensi, H., Essghaier, M.F., Etayeb, K., tropods of Taourgha Spring and its chan- Hamza, A. & Smart, M. 2005b. Winter- ing Cormorants in Libya. Wetlands Inter- nels. M.Sc. Th esis, Faculty of Sciences, national Cormorant Research Group Bulle- University of Al-Fateh, Tripoli, Libya. tin 6: 46-48. Isenmann, P., Gaultier, T., El Hili, A., Azaf- Brehme, S., Th iede, W., & Borges, E. 2002a. zaf, H., Dlensi, H. & Smart, M. 2005. Beiträge zur Vogelwelt Libyens, II: Podi- Oiseaux de Tunisie/Birds of Tunisia. So- cipedidae bis Anatidae. Ornithologische ciété d’études ornithologiques de France, Mitteillungen. 54: 202-212. Paris. ©Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Wildfowl (2006) 56: 172-191 186 First winter surveys in Libya IUCN. 2006. Red List of Th reatened Species. UNEP MAP RAC/SPA. 2003. RAC/SPA IUCN, Gland, Switzerland. http://www. (ed.) Action Plan for the Conservation of iucnredlist.org bird species listed in Annex II of the Pro- tocol concerning Specially Protected Areas Ledant, J-P. & Lafontaine, R-M. 1994. Ap- (SPAs), and Biological Diversity in the proche de l’habitat du Courlis à bec grêle Mediterranean. Regional Activities Cen- en Afrique du nord. In: Préparation d’un tre/Specially Protected Areas, Tunis. plan de sauvegarde pour Numenius tenui- rostris. Report to the European Commission. Veen, J., Yurlov, A.K., Delany, S.N., Mi- AAVV 1994. Final Report. Vol. 2 (annexes). hantiev, A.I., Selivanova, M.A. & Boere, Rapport à la Direction Générale de l’En- G.C. 2005. An atlas of movements of vironnement, de la Sécurité Nucléaire et Southwest Siberian waterbirds. Wetlands de la Protection Civile de la Commission International, Wageningen, Th e Nether- des Communautés Européennes, Contrat lands. 4-3010 (92) 7717. Wetlands International. 2002a. Numbers Massa, B. 1999. New and less-known birds and distribution of wintering waterbirds from Libya. Bulletin of the British Orni- in the Western Palearctic and Southwest thologists’ Club 119: 129-133. Asia in 1997, 1998 and 1999. Global Series No. 11, Wetlands International, Meininger, P.L., Wolf, P.A., Hadoud, D. & Wageningen, Th e Netherlands. Essghaier, M. 1994. Rediscovery of Lesser Crested Terns breeding in Libya. British Wetlands International. 2002b. Waterbird Birds 87: 160-170. Population Estimates, 3rd edition. Global Series No. 12, Wetlands International, Robertson, P. & Essghaier, M. 2001. Social- Wageningen, Th e Netherlands. ist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. In L.D.C. Fishpool & M.I. Evans (eds.), Im- portant Bird Areas in Africa and associated islands: Priority sites for conservation, pp. 481-487. BirdLife Conservation Series No. 11, Pisces Publications, Newbury, and BirdLife International, Cambridge.

©Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Wildfowl (2006) 56: 172-191 First winter surveys in Libya 187 Appendix 1. Numbers of waterbirds counted in Libya in January 2005 and 2006. a = Bundy (1976), b = Gaskell (2005)

Numbers Counted Existing information Species Sites 2005 2006 Little Grebe Tripoli dams, Taourgha, Houn, 36 23 Resident breeder and Benghazi area, Tobruk winter visitora Great Crested Mainly at Farwa; tens at Temimi, 248 259 Regular east to Misratah, Grebe Ghazala, Tobruk max. 20a Black-necked Mainly at Farwa, Benghazi 305 627 Up to 50 Tripoli harbour, Grebe complex, Ghazala probably regular Benghazia Slavonian Grebe Farwa 2006 0 1 No previous records Great Cormorant Mainly at Farwa, Benghazi, 1,150 994 Regular winter visitor to Temimi, Ghazala. 13 at oasis of Tripolia Jaghbub 2005 Eurasian Shag Sea islet of Jebel Akhdar, 0 5 Resident breeder (?)a Mediterranean subspecies Little Bittern Taourgha and four sites in Probably 11 Passage visitor onlya Benghazi complex. overlooked Squacco Heron Taourgha Spring 2 2 No previous winter records Cattle Egret Wadi Attot dam, Taourgha, 169 326 Previously scarce Benghazi complex esp. waste and irregular, recent disposal area expansionb Little Egret Widespread, fl ocks not 80 122 Passage migrant and exceeding 20 winter visitora Great Egret Widespread: Farwa (35 in 2006), 16 54 Mainly singlesa; small Garabulli, Taourgha, Benghazi number Benghazib Purple Heron Taourgha (both years), Al Hisha, 2 8 Passage migrant onlya Houn, Ain Ghezala Night Heron Taougha and Temimi 0 2 Mainly passage, individuals may wintera Grey Heron Widespread, largest groups 133 92 Mainly passage, not Benghazi scarce in wintera White Stork Nesting Jeffara and Taourgha 6 6 Nests recently found for fi rst time east of Benghazib Glossy Ibis Only Taourgha 1 70 Passage migrant only a Spoonbill Mainly Farwa and Benghazi 86 99 Scarce passage and winter visitora ; up to 24 Benghazib Greater Flamingo Nearly 2000 Boukamesh in 2006; 775 2,920 Regular winter visitor Gulf of Sirt and Kuz Kuza Greylag Goose Wadi Attot dam near Tripoli 0 8 Accidentala

©Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Wildfowl (2006) 56: 172-191 188 First winter surveys in Libya

Common Shelduck Boukamesh, Taourgha, Al Hisha 107 303 Accidentala (120), Benghazi Ruddy Shelduck Boubesla (near frontier with 0 1 Accidentala Tunisia) Wigeon Dams near Tripoli, Taourgha, 27 53 Scarce but regulara Benghazi, Kuz Gadwall W. Turghat, Al Hisha, Benghazi, 14 13 Winter visitora ; rareb Temimi Teal Dams near Tripoli, Taourgha, 231 606 Common in wintera,b Al Hisha, Houn (120), Benghazi (300 in 2006) Mallard Tripoli dams, Taourgha, Gulf of 40 41 Scarce winter visitor in Sirt, Benghazi westa Northern Pintail Tripoli dams, Taourgha (300 in 154 452 Locally commona , 2006), Benghazi commonb Northern Shoveler Tripoli dams, Taourgha, Al 501 1,138 Regular in Tripoli Hisha, Houn (90 in 2006), areaa, common round Benghazi (700 in 2006), Kuz Benghazib Pochard Tripoli dams, Benghazi (200 in 42 233 Scarcea; up to 100 2006) Benghazib Ferruginous Duck Tripoli dams, W. Kaam, Al 10 12 Common Tripoli Hisha, Houn, Benghazi in autumna, up to 6 Benghazib Tufted Duck Tripoli dams, Benghazi 20 24 Scarce Tripolia , peak 35 in Janb Red-breasted Ain Azziana near Benghazi 0 1 Scarce but regular Merganser Tripolia, once at Benghazib Moorhen Tripoli wadi mouths, Taourgha, 38 44 Resident, scarce in winter Benghazi and east of Benghazi Tripoli and Benghazia Water Rail Taourgha, Benghazi Lake, east 4 12 Present in winter in low of Benghazi numbers Benghazib Coot Tripoli dams, W. Turghat, 391 417 Common winter visitor Taourgha, Al Hisha, Benghazi in fl ocks up to 500 (300), Ain Ghazala near Tripolia, common Benghazib

Eurasian Crane Taourgha (100), Al Hisha (300), 246 595 Scarce and irregulara Houn (100), Karkoura Oystercatcher Only Farwa area near Tunisian 20 6 Scarcea border Black-winged Stilt Taourgha (150), Al Hisha, 245 205 Passage visitor Benghazi (90) commonest in westa, modest numbers wintering Benghazib Avocet Boukamesh (120 in 2006), 35 193 Accidentala Farwa, Bishr, Benghazi

©Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Wildfowl (2006) 56: 172-191 First winter surveys in Libya 189

Stone Curlew Gulf of Sirt, Temimi 1 6 Resident breedera Little Ringed Taourgha, near Benghazi 2 0 Passage migranta Plover Ringed Plover Farwa, Taourgha, Al Hisha, 72 72 Passage and winter Benghazi, Temimi, Ain Ghazala 39 visitora; very small numbersb Kentish Plover Widespread, e.g. Farwa (470), 1,110 1,058 Resident breeder, less Qasr Ahmed, Al Hisha (95), numerous in wintera. Sultan (150), Benghazi (450) Over 700 late summer, Ain Azziana (Meininger 1994) (meets Ramsar 1% criterion) Greater Sand Al Hisha, Karkoura, Temimi 4 1 Perhaps passage migranta Plover Lesser Sand Plover Ain Al Ghazala 1 0 One previous record

Golden Plover Boukamesh, Qasr Ahmed, but 433 645 In Tripoli, locally mainly Benghazi: Kuz (320), common in winter, fl ocks Gfanta (110) up to 150a Grey Plover Widespread in small numbers: 67 195 Winter visitor, locally Farwa (130 in 2006) commona,b Dotterel Karkoura, Temimi 52 3 Locally common winter visitora Northern Lapwing Tripoli dams, Taourgha, 2 5 Scarce winter visitora Ghemines, Shahat, Bumba Sanderling Boukamesh, Farwa, W. Masaad, 140 57 Local and seldom, Ras Lanouf, Ganfouda, Benghazi commoner on passagea,b Knot Sultan 1 0 Accidentala

Little Stint Widespread: Farwa (130), 924 773 Winter visitor, commoner Boukamesh (200), Qasr Ahmed on passagea,b (230), Benghazi (350). Temminck’s Stint Tripoli dams, Taourgha, Ain 7 2 Mainly passage, some Azziana wintera,b Dunlin Farwa (200), Qasr Ahmed (150), 1,399 1,947 Common Farwa, scarce Al Hisha (150), Benghazi (500), elsewherea Kuz (400), Temimi (180) Ruff Qasr Ahmed, Al Hisha (25), 60 27 Mainly on passage, also Karkoura (32) wintersa Jack Snipe Tripoli dams, Taourgha, Temimi 9 3 Scarce winter visitora, 1, Benghazib Snipe Taourgha, Benghazi, Ashagiga, 58 22 Common in wintera Temimi Black-tailed Farwa, Benghazi 10 10 Passage migranta; 7, Godwit Benghazib Bar-tailed Godwit Temimi 0 1 Accidental on passagea

©Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Wildfowl (2006) 56: 172-191 190 First winter surveys in Libya

Eurasian Curlew Farwa (200), Sultan (100), 534 419 Regular near Tunisian Karkoura (60), Kuz (140) border, scarce elsewherea Slender-billed None found, despite extensive 0 0 Accidental, one old Curlew search in good habitat record Whimbrel Tripoli harbour 0 1 Scarce passage migranta

Spotted Redshank Benghazi, Kuz 3 1 Passage migrant scarce in wintera Redshank Largest numbers east of 343 765 Locally common Tripolia, Benghazi: Farwa (120), Benghazi present in winter (50), Kuz (130) Ashagiga (60), Benghazib Temimi (50) Greenshank Farwa (20), otherwise in small 8 31 Scarce in wintera numbers Green Sandpiper Tripoli dams, Benghazi 7 2 Passage migrant, but scarce in wintera,b Wood Sandpiper Tripoli dams, Taourgha, 5 9 Passage migrant, scarce Benghazi in winter, but 20 at Benghazia,b Common Farwa, W. Kaam, Taourgha. Only 6 8 Not scarce along coast in Sandpiper one near Benghazi winter in Tripoli areaa Marsh Sandpiper Tripoli dams, Taourgha, Al 9 4 Scarce on passagea,b Hisha, Benghazi, Ain Azziana Turnstone Farwa (35), Ras Lanouf, 102 47 Scarce along coastsa,b Karkoura (38), Benghazi, Kuz (17). Mediterranean Gull Majority round Farwa (190) 228 289 Common but local along in 2005, Tripoli harbour (50) coasts in wintera; about Benghazi (175) in 2006 500 winter Benghazib Little Gull Only around Benghazi 55 2 Regular in winter in rough weathera Black-headed Gull All but 200 from Benghazi 14,137 21,491 Common Tripoli, eastward, mainly at rubbish tips scarce elsewherea, several thousand round Benghazib Slender-billed Gull Mainly Farwa (700) in 2005; 893 7616 Regular round Benghazi, Farwa, sheltering from storm at scarce Tripolia, sparingly Qasr Ahmed (5000) and round round Benghazi in Benghazi in 2006 winterb Audouin’s Gull Majority 2005 in Benghazi area 344 670 Winter visitor Tripoli, (Karkoura 270, Sultan 34); in max. 72a, all the year 2006, 500 sheltering from storm round in westb at Qasr Ahmed Lesser Black- 50% near Farwa, Qasr Ahmed 1,425 1,438 Winter visitor, up to 800 backed Gull (380), 600 Benghazi waste Tripolia disposal area

©Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Wildfowl (2006) 56: 172-191 First winter surveys in Libya 191

Caspian Gull Found exclusively in east, vast 1,582 2,629 Small numbers Benghazi majority at Benghazi waste Jan-Marb disposal area Yellow-legged Gull Thinly spread west to east, 100 535 506 Winter visitor Benghazi waste disposal area Great Black- Farwa, Sultan, El Ghebaba 4 6 First Libyan record two headed Gull near Benghazib Gull-billed Tern Farwa 1 0 Only on passagea, Benghazi Oct/Novb Caspian Tern Farwa (30), some east of 38 42 Mainly on passage, some Benghazi wintera, at Benghazi to 19 Octb Sandwich Tern Thinly spread along coast west 101 122 Winter visitor Tripolia, to east and Benghazib Whiskered Tern Mainly Benghazi both years, a 77 53 Passage migranta, passage few in Gulf of Bumba and also winter visitor to Benghazib

©Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Wildfowl (2006) 56: 172-191