Nature and Parks Authority personnel, guardians of Israel’s natural treasures and biodiversity, recently witnessed rare and extraordinary moments when they encountered wildlife species that usually remain hidden from human eyes—and are also under threat of extinction.
In honor of Israel’s 77th Independence Day, we've compiled some of the most fascinating stories from recent years. These stories underscore our collective responsibility to protect wildlife and their natural habitats.
Israeli nature is rich in wildlife—mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians
One such animal is the Greater Egyptian Jerboa, encountered by Dr. Udi Columbus, Northern Negev ecologist for the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. In Israel, the Greater Jerboa is at risk of extinction due to agriculture, illegal hunting, and habitat destruction. Surveys conducted over the past decade reported only a few sightings of this elusive rodent. Due to increasing concern about its survival, a new survey was conducted in 2021. To everyone's surprise, a recovery in the rodent's population was discovered in the northern Negev.
“The last Jerboa I encountered was in the Negev late at night. Shortly after, I saw about five more. Only a few thousand Jerboas remain in Israel, and they’re at serious risk of extinction due to the destruction of loess plains, which are their main habitat,” explained Dr. Columbus.
To protect the Jerboa population, the main initiative has been to declare nature reserves in areas with wide loess plains, like the Northern Negev. One such area is “Loess Park,” declared a reserve in 2017.
As a Nature Authority member for over a decade, Dr. Columbus also shared an encounter with another critically endangered species—the Negev Desert Tortoise. This land tortoise exists only in Israel and Sinai, making it a rare endemic species.
“These tortoises inhabit only the sandy areas of the western Negev. I encountered one about a year ago. Only a few hundred of this species remain, and spotting one is rare and exceptional. We searched for them in the Agur sands (a nature reserve and dune area in the western Negev) but were unsuccessful,” he said.
Fortunately, he later managed to spot the rare tortoise. Protection of their natural dune habitat is also key to their survival. New reserves such as “Agur Sands North” and “Kelah Sinai Reserve” have been established for this purpose.
The Negev Bearded Vulture (Lappet-faced Vulture) is also critically endangered
Its population is declining due to poisoning and human harm. The species hadn't been seen in Israel since the 1980s—until three years ago, when Golan Reeder, director of the Southern Arava region for the Nature Authority, received an astonishing phone call.
“I got a call from a Hai-Bar Yotvata reserve worker saying a vulture had landed there. I couldn’t believe it—it was a Lappet-faced Vulture. I had never seen one before. I dropped everything and rushed to the site. The excitement stayed with me for days,” said Reeder.
That morning, dozens of photographers arrived to capture the rare bird, which hadn’t landed in Israel in decades. However, the ostriches at the reserve were not as welcoming and disturbed the vulture during its stay. After two days, it flew away.
The Nature and Parks Authority is working hard to reintroduce the species to Israeli nature. “We’ve upgraded the breeding enclosure and brought in vultures to help restore the extinct species. We already have two eggs that are currently incubated, and we hope to see chicks hatching soon,” Reeder added.
The next encounter comes from Omri Omsi, a marine inspector in Eilat, who twice rescued a critically endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle off the city’s coast.
This species is endangered worldwide. Its shell has been used—both historically and even today—to make eyeglass frames, bookmarks, guitar picks, and more.
Hawksbill sea turtle
(Video: Nature and Parks Authority)
Recently, citizens reported the location and condition of a Hawksbill Turtle in distress. “One afternoon I went free diving and encountered the turtle. I realized it was the one we’d been trying to locate. It appeared to be in life-threatening condition, likely due to fishing lines and hooks it had swallowed, which could’ve caused serious complications or death. I quickly brought it to shore and transferred it for medical treatment.”
The turtle was quarantined at the Underwater Observatory in Eilat. The next day, with help from staff, it was transferred to the “Kol Hai” veterinary clinic in Rehovot. There, an X-ray confirmed the presence of a hook, which was removed.
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“I recognized it was the same turtle I rescued in October 2021. At the time, it had fed on the carcass of a snake eel, probably discarded by fishing activity. I’m always happy to document marine life in the Gulf of Eilat—especially rare species like the Hawksbill Turtle. I now eagerly await the moment I can release it back into its natural habitat,” said Omsi.
These stories from Nature and Parks Authority staff reveal not only Israel’s exceptional biodiversity but also remind us of our shared responsibility to protect these creatures and their habitats.
On Independence Day, when many go out into nature with their families, it’s important not only to enjoy the views and fresh air but also to remember that we share this land with extraordinary and unique wildlife. So let’s preserve nature—for their sake, and ours.
When going on a hike:
- Stay on marked trails
- Light barbecues only in permitted areas
- Dispose of trash in designated bins
- Wild animals don’t want your leftover kebabs—and may choke on plastic wrappers or containers.