In the June 2025 issue of Jordan Journal of Natural History, published by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) on Jordan, was an important paper that updates our knowledge about the birds of Syria. “Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Syria – species diversity, subspecies, distribution, and conservation status” is an encompassing 80-page piece on every bird species so far confirmed from Syria. It has lots of relevant updates from recent years, changes in status and many new species for the country, such as Arabian Green Bee-eater (Merops cyanophrys ) and Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis). Lead author is key Syrian zoologist and conservationist Ahmad Aidek, supported by several OSME-affiliated co-authors.

From the abstract: “This manuscript presents a comprehensive and updated checklist of the birds of Syria, the first since the publication of the previous checklist in 2008. Twenty-one new species have been added, and 16 species have been confirmed as breeding for the first time. The taxonomy, as well as the status and distribution of many species, has been updated. The proposed checklist was developed through a combination of field observations and a comprehensive review of all available published articles, research papers, and reports.”

It contains sections on geographical landscapes with vegetation and climate zones (Syria is not only desert!) as well as an extensive reference list. Not to mention a lovely selection of photos, many previously not published.

This manuscript is relevant and timely for several reasons. It’s a critical update on bird conservation status in a country after more than a decade of conflict. Its shedding further light on species in a relatively sparsely studied country of the Middle East. It has species names stated in English, Latin and Arabic, and with the IUCN conservation status for easy reference. Raising public awareness and promoting interest in birds and conservation is crucial in this time. Multi-lingual parts of publications can help with this.

Syria has some of the finest biodiversity and avian richness in the entire Middle East. This comes both from its geographical location, crisscrossed by bird migration corridors, as well as its very diverse landscapes and habitats. From the shores of the Mediterranean to the Arabian Desert, from snow-covered peaks to lush river valleys, Syria offers a multitude of nature types and related bird families. In the paper is a review of the history of ornithological explorations in Syria including the exciting increase in field projects and birding tourism in the 2000´s and early 2010´s.

Nature, people and ornithology in Syria has suffered at the hands of politics and conflict; from the harsh domestic oppression to the Syrian revolution that ended with the overthrow of the Assad regime. The situation with illegal bird killing and unregulated hunting is severe, as can be imagined. Currently the new Syria is trying to find its footing. Publications such as this one can help in raising interest in birds and nature at people’s home turf, and be a part of a better future for nature and humans alike in Syria.

The full article in PDF can be found here: Jordan Journal of Natural History Details | RSCN.  Search for Vol 12, June 2025