INTRODUCED, CAPTIVE, CAGED AND ESCAPED EXOTIC AND NATIVE BIRD SPECIES IN THE LITTORAL AREA OF LEBANON

Some introduced exotic bird species may cause damages to the ecosystem they are introduced to; others may have no effect or can be beneficial to humans and ecosystems. Whatever the case is, the exotic bird species remain an issue in Lebanon, especially that they are not given the appropriate priority at the national level. With the recent intentional or accidental introduction of exotic species, the problem is increasing and therefore necessitating comprehensive evaluation of the status and origin of these species in Lebanon. Since many of the introduced species are escapes from cages, it was necessary to also evaluate both status and origin of all caged birds in order to see whether they are introduced or native to the country.