Dromedary camels are the natural reservoirs of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Camels are mostly bred in East African countries then exported into Africa and Middle East for consumption. To understand the distribution of MERS-CoV among camels in North Africa and the Middle East, we conducted surveillance in Egypt, Senegal, Tunisia, Uganda, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. We also performed longitudinal studies of three camel herds in Egypt and Jordan to elucidate MERS-CoV infection and transmission. Between 2016 and 2018, a total of 4027 nasal swabs and 3267 serum samples were collected from all countries. Real- time PCR revealed that MERS-CoV RNA was detected in nasal swab samples from Egypt, Senegal, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia. Microneutralization assay showed that antibodies were detected in all countries. Positive PCR samples were partially sequenced, and a phylogenetic tree was built. The tree suggested that all sequences are of clade C and sequences from camels in Egypt formed a separate group from previously published sequences. Longitudinal studies showed high seroprevalence in adult camels. These results indicate the widespread distribution of the virus in camels. A systematic active surveillance and longitudinal studies for MERS-CoV are needed to understand the epidemiology of the disease and dynamics of viral infection.

The ecology of the Persian Squirrel, Sciurus anomalus, was studied in Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve, Lebanon. Trapping yielded very low trapping success (2 out of 572 trapping days), while camera trapping proved to be an efficient method to determine presence/absence of squirrels. The Persian Squirrel was found to feed on pine cones more than cedar cone. Association between feeding areas was established. Based on camera trapping, squirrels’ activity began as early as 6:00 am and lasted until 18:00 pm. Peak activity was recorded between 9:00 am until 14:00 pm. An estimate of 1.04–1.82 squirrels per hectare was determined based on seed consumption and daily energy intake.

Between February and September 2014, we performed a survey of 23 animal markets in Beirut. Trade in wild animals including reptiles, birds and mammals comprise a large volume (25704 specimens). The estimated value of wildlife trade in Lebanon in the visited shops and during the study period is 431371 US$, out of which 97 % is for birds. This number indicates the economical importance of wildlife trade in Lebanon. Due to the high demand by the public, birds constituted the majority of the traded species which consisted mostly of cage-bred or imported species. Lebanon’s biodiversity is not threatened by the trade of wild species, except for some species like the Spur-thighed tortoise. However, the risk of transmission of diseases due to trade in wildlife is evident. The prices of traded animals varied according to their conservational status, their origins (local, captive-bred, imported or smuggled), supply and demand, and specific features of species. Highest prices were observed when all factors are combined (i.e. case of the Macaw parrot). Most (64%) traded species are not listed under any appendix of CITES, only 16 species are listed under Appendix-II and one species is listed under Appendix-III. Regarding IUCN status of traded species, five species are considered vulnerable, one is endangered, one is near threatened and the rest are considered as least concern. Furthermore, most (70%) of the shops visited were in poor conditions, while shops in excellent conditions are exclusively the licensed shops. Hence, law enforcement and regulation of wildlife trade will have a positive impact on not only shop conditions, but also on animals well being, reduced degree of mortality in trade, reduced smuggling, and consequently a better conservation of wildlife in Lebanon.

Thirteen species of mammals were documented using camera trapping in Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve in Lebanon. The presence of seven carnivores and most interestingly the Rock Hyrax, Procavia capensis, was confirmed. Data on annual activity were also included for all species reported.

Bats are considered the main reservoir of coronaviruses (CoVs), and research evidence suggests the essential role of bats in the emergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronaviruses (SARS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-like viruses have been recently detected in bats in different countries. In 2020, we conducted surveillance for CoVs among six different bat species in Lebanon. Of 622 swab specimens taken, 77 tested positive. Alpha- and Beta- CoVs were identified in samples collected from different species. Our results show that SARS-like coronaviruses circulate in bats in this region, and we provide new data on their genetic diversity. The interaction between the spike of the detected SARS-CoV-like viruses and the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptor could be crucial in understanding the origin of the epidemic. The 3D protein structure analysis revealed that the receptor-binding domains of the SARS-like virus identified in Lebanon bind to the hACE2 protein more efficiently than to the spike of the SARS-CoV-2 strain. The spike of the detected SARS-CoV-like viruses does not contain the recognition site of furin at the cleavage site. Thus, our study highlights the variety of bat coronaviruses in Lebanon and suggests the zoonotic potential for other SARS-CoV-like viruses.

Protected areas (PA), especially biosphere reserves (BR), are considered effective instruments for nature conservation and rural development. However, their impact on rural communities constitutes the most controversial debate in conservation policy and practice. This study aims to reveal the perceptions of local communities towards conservation, the extent of the inclusion of local communities in the establishment and management of a BR and the impact of BRs on local livelihoods by exploring a case study while reflecting on major debates in the conservation and rural development paradigms. Mixed research methods focusing on qualitative methodology are used. By exploring a BR in Lebanon, this research highlights how the allocation and management of the BRs have not always reflected participatory, sustainable and community-based approaches. This study stresses the importance of the locals’ engagement in the whole conservation process. By putting people, their needs and perceptions at the center of decision-making, conservation agencies would shift the main objective of BRs from conservation to poverty reduction.