State of nature and wildlife in 2020

The Nature and Parks Authority presented today (Tuesday) data summarizing the year 2020. Among the data presented on nature and animals: enforcement data, a snapshot of endangered wildlife, new plant species first discovered in Israel and legislation and legal achievements.

Eagle population

As of 2020, the local eagle population is estimated at about 220 individuals (180 last year, by count). Eight eagles were born in 2020 in the breeding nuclei of the “Spreading Wing” project, jointly owned by the Nature and Parks Authority, the Society for the Protection of Nature, the Electric Company, the Biblical Zoo and the Safari in Ramat Gan, which aims to protect and establish the eagle population and other birds of prey in Israel (11 last year) 48 eagles’ nests were recorded this year (45 last year) – 10 in the Carmel area and the rest in the desert region. About 21 chicks bloomed from the nests in the wild (1 from the Carmel area) .51 eagles were tagged this year for monitoring (59 last year). The breeding nucleus and 18 eagles are being rehabilitated from Spain (compared to 13 last year).

380 sea turtle nests were found this year on beaches all over the country during the spawning season (230 last year). This is the peak of all the years. The average number of eggs in each nest is 66 and the average hatching of the hatchlings of all is 78%. During 2020, the center treated about 120 sea turtles (compared to 144 last year), of which 84 sea turtles were rehabilitated and released into the wild (75 last year).

The National Center for the Rescue of Sea Turtles of the Nature and Parks Authority is the only center of its kind in the country, designed to protect sea turtles released to the coast, provide them with medical care, rehabilitate them and return them to nature.

Deer population in Israel:

Israeli deer: About 4,137 individuals were counted this year, a figure that reflects a trend of stability compared to last year.

Zvi Negev: 1,450 individuals were counted this year, a figure that reflects a trend of stability compared to last year.

Acacia deer: 27 details were counted this year, a figure that reflects a trend of stability relative to last year.

New plant species

The Nature and Parks Authority noted that three plant species, which have not been included in the local vegetation so far, were discovered and identified for the first time in Israel, and as a result it was decided to add them to Israel’s list of rare species on the recommendation of the committee. The species first discovered in Israel are: the water limousine, the Nancy nail and the Comper strip.

Water Limousine – A pheasant family was found in the Ahihud forest in April 2020. It is a widely distributed species and it is not clear whether its population is stable. Water limousine is a small plant that grows in flooded places in winter, sometimes semi-dipped. Has small white or pink flowers.

Comper strap – It was discovered in May 2020 in the northern Golan Heights at the top of one of the bunkers. It is a species common in Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, Iraq and Iran. The Comper strip is very different from the Galilee strip known as one of the most impressive and rare orchids in Israel, which is also in danger of extinction. The flowers of the comper strip are crimson pink. From the flower stem descend a number of long strips.

The Nature and Parks Authority also reported that 16 plant species were added to the list of endangered species this year due to reduced distribution areas. In contrast, 37 species fell off the list from the threshold set for endangered species among other reasons for defining them as transient (episodic) species or those whose recent surveys have shown that their distribution is wider than has been known to date and are less endangered.

Activities of the Marine Unit of the Nature and Parks Authority:

During 2020, the Marine Unit of the Nature and Parks Authority carried out the belief in the supervision of the Fisheries Ordinance by the Ministry of Agriculture and the preservation of natural values ​​at sea, about 424 operational inspection cruises (359 in 2019). As part of its activities, 3,506 inspection activities were registered (3,639 last year), and 318 cases were opened for violating the Fisheries Ordinance (416 last year).

According to the Nature and Parks Authority, the decrease in the number of cases opened in 2020 compared to 2019 is attributed to the successful implementation of fishing laws among the fishing community that keeps the law and as a result of reduced fishing in closed shade and corona restrictions – both sporting and commercial fishing. 783 enforcement cases were registered in 2020 due to a ban on traveling on the beaches (766 last year). In addition, about 60 information activities and market audits were conducted.

The trend of regulating the fishing industry continued, with an increase of over 10% in the number of official professional / personal fishing licenses from 911 licenses at the end of 2019 to 1,013 in 2020, as well as an increase of over 13% in the number of official sporting / personal fishing licenses from -6,376 to 7,251 licenses.

The survey of the rock sting (locus) conducted in the days of the corona indicated a continuing upward trend in the number of stings, but not in their size. It is evident that regulations, supervision and enforcement, the declaration of reserves and sea conditions are beginning to affect the state of this species in the Mediterranean. However, it will take a few more years to see if there is an increase in the number of adult stingers with reproductive capacity, which are the important component for maintaining species stability. The Authority noted that it is important to emphasize that on the face of it, the corona did not contribute to nature conservation at sea, but rather made it possible to see the results of the variety of actions for nature conservation.

The flow of fish species invading the waters of Israel continues. This year we have witnessed the spread of two endangered endangered species that could greatly alter the system: Beitan Furskal (“Barbonia”, but not locally) – which turns the sediment (sediment) in the sea non-stop, and generation glare – can cause severe damage to the system by preying on fish Locals.

In 2020, 3,015 enforcement cases were opened (3,030 last year), of which 131 hunting cases (162 last year) and 12 trade cases in protected wildlife (17 last year). Also seized were 116 illegally kept wildlife (175 last year). 323 intelligence items were transmitted to the Nature and Parks Authority by an intelligence unit integrated with the Border Police. Of these, 181 yielded positive enforcement results. About 106 intelligence items were transmitted in favor of enriching general information.

Fire damage in national parks and nature reserves

In 2020, approximately 54,650 dunams were burned in the areas of nature reserves and national parks throughout the country (67,200 dunams last year). Of these, 1,290 dunams were burned in the areas of reserves and national parks in the Gaza Strip (compared with 6,543 dunams in 2019). Estimated fire factors in 2020 – 16.5% criminal / national. 7.5% negligence of travelers, 2.7% agriculture and infrastructure, 23% training and operational activities about 50% other / unknown.

Shaul Goldstein, CEO of the Nature and Parks Authority: “The year 2020 opened with many plans and goals in all areas of the authority’s activity, but the Corona from the very beginning posed an unusual and significant challenge in its power that humanity has not known for decades and beyond. Overnight reality has changed existing norms and patterns of activity at the personal level of each of us and at the organizational level. However, thanks to the employees of the Nature and Parks Authority, who are very dedicated to their mission and work, creativity and innovation, we have nevertheless managed to allow millions of Israelis to return and walk in nature safely. ”

Goldstein added that “when it comes to nature we were privileged to see special sights of wildlife that we were not used to, due to the closures that left people in homes and nature and open spaces only to wildlife. Wild and in nature in general. ”