Global Objective
The objective of this project is to identify the biodiversity value of the site, assess the negative impacts of current agricultural practices on olive orchards, and recommend strategies for mitigating these impacts. The findings will be shared with relevant stakeholders to guide future conservation plans.
— By Professor Ghassan Jardi, published by Environment for Life (EFL)
In the heart of Rachaya, a silent crisis unfolds as local experts and community members voice concern over the steady decline of the region’s mammal population. Recent interviews with residents and stakeholders reveal that the area is home to 12 distinct mammal species, each playing a critical role in the local ecosystem, yet many are facing the threat of extinction.
Local conservationists have highlighted species such as Canis lupus pallipes, Felis sylvestris tristrami, and Hyaena hyaena syriaca as particularly vulnerable. While these species may not yet be the poster children for international conservation efforts—classified mostly as Least Concern—their national status ranges from Vulnerable to Endangered, reflecting a more dire reality on home soil.
Equally important are the economically significant species that contribute to maintaining ecological balance. Among them, Erinaceus europaeus concolor, a highly efficient insectivore, plays a pivotal role in controlling populations of harmful insects that threaten local flora. Other species, including various bats and small mammals, further underline the diversity and ecological value of Rachaya’s fauna.
However, the decline is not solely a matter of environmental change. Deep-rooted local beliefs and a persistent lack of public awareness continue to jeopardize these species. Despite the well-known presence of animals like the Red Fox and the Jackal, folklore and tradition have led many villagers to support their eradication—associating them with misfortune and historical losses, such as the theft of poultry or even cautionary tales passed down through generations.
The controversy extends to predators at the top of the food chain. Wolves and hyenas, despite their ecological importance, face continuous persecution. This human-driven pressure not only disrupts the natural balance but also threatens to push these vital species closer to extinction.
Community leaders and conservationists agree: the key to reversing this trend lies in education. “It is essential to plant positive ideas in our children and educate adults about the roles these animals play in maintaining healthy ecosystems,” a local advocate remarked. This approach, they believe, is the first step toward fostering a more harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.
As Rachaya grapples with the challenges of conservation and cultural beliefs, the future of its mammal heritage hangs in the balance. The call for change is clear: a collective effort to embrace sustainable practices and respect for nature could well be the difference between thriving biodiversity and irreversible loss.
