Abstract
Background: The Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides is a Palearctic migrant widely recorded in Libya during passage, but breeding has remained unconfirmed. Case Description: We report the first documented breeding attempt of the species in Libya, recorded in July 2022 at treated wastewater ponds in Wadi Sasso, north-western Libya. A single breeding pair was observed incubating four eggs in a tree nest within the pond system. Conclusion: This observation represents the first confirmed breeding record for the country and highlights the potential importance of artificial wetlands for heron conservation in arid regions. Keywords: Squacco Heron, Breeding record, Ardeola ralloides, Artificial wetlands, Libya.