Rare endangered birds in Israel. Fauna of Israel - luda_sha. Birds of cities and countryside

Main article: List of aircraft accidents This list lists incidents in civil and military aviation that occurred in 2000 and resulted in the loss of an aircraft and / or loss of life. The list does not include ... ... Wikipedia

This article is missing links to sources of information. The information must be verifiable, otherwise it can be questioned and deleted. You can ... Wikipedia

The fauna of Israel is one of the main components of Israel's nature. Israel is home to over a hundred species of mammals, over a hundred species of reptiles, over 200 species of birds (only constantly nesting species, with more than 500 species migrating) and about ... ... Wikipedia

Geography of Israel Part of the World Asia Region Middle East Coordinates 31 ° 30′N, 34 ° 45′E Area 149 th in the world 20 770 km² land: 97.86% water: 2 ... Wikipedia

This term has other meanings, see Israel (disambiguation). State of Israel מדינת ישראל Medinat Israel دولة إسرائيل Daulat Israel ... Wikipedia

Hoopoe ... Wikipedia

On ... Wikipedia

List of minor characters in the novels about Maxim Isaev (Stirlitz), written by the honored art worker, laureate of the State Prize of the RSFSR Yulian Semyonov. In the presented list, all characters are divided into two categories ... ... Wikipedia

State of Israel, in Zap. Asia, east. Mediterranean coast. It was formed in 1948 on the basis of the decision of the UN General Assembly of November 29, 1947. The name of the Jewish state, which existed approximately in these ... ... Geographical encyclopedia

This is a quote from this post

Fauna of Israel

Fauna of Israel

Israel has always been lucky because of its location on Earth. The country is located at the junction of three continents, and since time immemorial, various species of animals have come here from the south, north and east. The Bible mentions more than 130 species that lived in the land of ancient Israel. But due to frequent wars and invasions, the fauna in the country was constantly changing: some animals were exterminated by the conquerors, others, on the contrary, were brought with them. Interestingly, not only theologians, but also natural scientists consider Israel unique country: almost all changes in its fauna were due to human intervention.

The fauna of Israel is diverse and rich.

The fauna includes about 100 species of mammals, the most famous are leopard, cheetah, caracal, lynx, jungle cat, eared hedgehog, wolf, jackal, striped hyena, Mediterranean fox, badger, porcupine, one-humped camel, gazelle, fallow deer, maned ram, antelope, oryx, wild boar, African buffalo, ichneumon.

Afghan fox z included in the Red Book.

Nubian mountain goat

Wild boars and porcupines cause significant damage to plantations and fields, wolves living in the Golan Heights sneak into corrals and pick up livestock, farmers complain about losses, but nothing can be done: hunting for wolves is prohibited - they are listed in the Red Book.

Before, man destroyed animals, now he protects them.

Marsh lynx, Felis chaus.

Ain Khoresh, Eyal Bartov

Canaan gazelle, Gazella gazella ,.

Arava, Ayal Bartov.

The law on the protection of animals in Israel is not an empty formality, animals are protected and cherished here.

Daman are the closest relatives of modern elephants.

Damanovs are a family of small, stocky,

herbivorous mammals, numbering 4 species.

On the outskirts of Jerusalem, near the trash heaps, you can often see jackals and porcupines.

In Israel, there are special farms where llamas, crocodiles, ostriches, and peacocks are bred.

Jay (Garrulus).

Basic Provisions

The reason for this is the country's geographical position at the junction of three continents. Eretz Yisrael is a narrow land bridge between the Mediterranean Sea and the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, which since ancient geological periods served as a way for various animal species to penetrate here from the north, south and east.

Several species of animals were brought to Eretz Yisrael by various conquerors. Numerous invasions, which the country was subjected to over the millennia, were accompanied by the destruction of vegetation, which, in turn, led to the death of herbivorous mammals and birds, and with them predators. The flora and fauna that were recovering in the intervals between the wars often differed from those destroyed: the vacated space was captured by species that were more resistant and adapted to these biotopes.

Due to the fact that during the historical period there were no significant changes in climate, all changes in the composition of the animal world should be attributed to the influence of humans. The fauna of Eretz Yisrael changed continuously; even today it differs markedly from the one that existed during the period of the British Mandate and even more from the fauna that existed in the country before the beginning of the Zionist activity.

During the last century human activity hunting, in particular, led to the fact that many large animals that had lived in the territory of modern Israel for centuries were destroyed there, including bears, cheetahs, roe deer, fallow deer, oryx and onagra.

Sources of origin of the fauna of Israel

In Eretz Israzl, there are animals from three large zoogeographic regions of the Holarctic region:

• Mediterranean, covering the entire Mediterranean coast, except Libya and Egypt;
• The Saharo-Sindh, stretching from Morocco through the deserts of Egypt and the Arabian Peninsula to northwestern India;
• Irano-Turan, covering the deserts and uplands of Central and Western Asia.

Zoogeographic regionalization almost exactly coincides with botanical and geographical. The representatives of the Mediterranean fauna are the Syrian hare, stone partridge, swallow, agama and others; Sakharo-Sindskaya - jerboas, desert lark, monitor lizard; Iranian-Turanian - dressing, Trans-Caspian sparrow and Trans-Caspian agama. Other animal species found in Eretz Yisrael are quite common in several areas of the Holarctic region: the European pipit, some small shrews, and others.

Damans ("rock hares")

The emergence of the fauna of Eretz Yisrael refers to the end of the Eocene era, when the eastern part of the Trans-Jordan region, and then the rest of the country, rose from the sea. During this period, the territory of Eretz Yisrael was associated only with the Afro-Arabian massif, from where the first representatives of its animal world originate (for example, daman, tilapia). In the Pliocene epoch, as a result of the migration of animals from southeastern Europe, the fauna of Eretz Yisrael approached in character the fauna of the savannah of modern East Africa.

Remains of this fauna were preserved in Eretz Yisrael at the beginning of the Pleistocene (warthog, hippopotamus, thermophilic rhinoceros, spotted hyena, some antelopes). The penetration of animals from India into Eretz Yisrael, for example, various species of wild bulls, dates back to the Pleistocene era. The wolf, badger, gazelle, wild horses and donkeys entered Eretz Yisrael from Central Asia or southern Europe. The influence of the Ice Age in Europe was not so significant as to lead to the invasion of northern animals into Eretz Yisrael. At the end of the Neolithic era (about 5000 BC), the fauna of Eretz Yisrael largely corresponded to the present one.

But several species of large mammals - lion, fallow deer, onager, Berber ram, oryx, as well as eagle owl and crocodile - disappeared as a result of the destruction of forests, or were exterminated by humans. Ancient stone tools found at Ubeidiya suggest that humans began to influence the fauna of Eretz Yisrael over a million years ago. Several species are currently close to extinction. The study of the rich marine fauna of the Mediterranean coast of the country and the Red Sea in the Eilat region has been carried out only recently.

In ancient times, the masters of Eretz Yisrael were famous for the production of dyes of animal origin (purple, carmine). The most important domestic animals in Eretz Yisrael are: the local breed of cattle from crossing the Dutch breed with the so-called Damascus; Arabian horse; a donkey descended from the wild Nubian; goat and sheep of local breeds; a one-humped camel that lives within the country, apparently from the era of the Judges and played an important role in the settlement of desert regions. Local chicken breeds are diverse. Beekeeping has been known in the country since at least the Mishna era, but honey collection took place already in the most ancient era. In recent decades, new breeds of domestic animals have been brought into the country. The development of marine fishing and fish farming in ponds (mainly carp; attempts are being made to breed trout) have acquired a completely new character.

The fauna of Eretz Yisrael was rich in the biblical era. The Bible mentions about 130 species of animals, of which a third are mammals, a third are birds. This is only an insignificant part of the representatives of the fauna of Eretz Yisrael known today; some invertebrates have tens of thousands of species. But the Bible contains very accurate and detailed descriptions of large representatives of the animal world and birds.

Mammals

Mongoose. Photo by Chris Hodges.

Nutria. Photo by Vadim Bugaenko.

a lion(Panthera leo) was distributed throughout the country in the biblical era; mentioned in the Bible under various names: arye, ari, leviya, shahal, gur. The latter name is also used to refer to juveniles of other predator species. Serves as a symbol of power and strength. The lion was exterminated by the crusaders.

Leopard(Panthera pardus) in the biblical era was found throughout the country. The last representatives of the larger subspecies were destroyed in the 1920s. A smaller subspecies multiplied in the Dead Sea Valley (after the introduction in 1955 of the law on the protection of the animal kingdom of Israel) in connection with the appearance or increase in the number of animals that serve it as food (gazelles, stone goats). This is possibly biblical intend, mentioned by the prophet Jeremiah (13:23) as an example of the constancy of the color of the skin. Now - the largest predator in Eretz Yisrael.

Occasionally, they can enter the territory of Israel Syrian gray bears (Ursus arctos syriacus).

From rodent pests Agriculture the most common are voles (Microtius) and gerbils (Meriones). Perhaps the sacrifice of golden mice by the Philistines at the return of the Ark of the Covenant is connected with the deification of these destroyers of crops (Sam. I, 6: 4-5, 11, 18). There are three types of rats (hulda) in the country: gray rat (Rattus norvegicus), garden rat (Rattus alexandrinus) and black (Rattus rattus). The first is dangerous as a carrier of plague fleas; a systematic struggle is being waged against it, especially in ports.

Porcupine(Hystrix striata) spread in the country due to the development of truck farming, of which it is a pest.

The list of ruminants whose meat the Bible (Deut. 14: 5) allows for food includes red deer (Cervus elaphus, ayal), gazelle (Gazella gazella, tsvi), fallow deer (Cervus dama, yakhmur), bezoar goat (Capra aegagrus) or, possibly, mouflon (Ovis musimon, akko), maned ram (Ammotragus lervia), mendes antelope (Addax nasomaculatus, Dishon), oryx (Oryx leucoryx, Zemer). This includes the buffalo (Bos bubalus, mri). These animals have cloven hooves. The Land of Israel itself is sometimes called the Land of the Deer in Jewish sources (ארץ הצבי).

Wild boars in Ariel. Photo by Mikhail Goldstein.

Fox in Nokdim at night. Photo by Vadim Bugaenko.

The unclean animals include the one-humped camel (Camelus dromaderius, gamal), hyrax (Hyrax syriacus, safan) and domestic pig (Sus domestica, khazir). Wild boars are also common.

Rocky, or Cape, hyrax ( Procavia capensis), an unusual, short-eared rabbit-like herbivorous mammal with suckers on its fingers, whose closest living relative is probably an elephant.

Among the mammals of the seas washing Eretz Yisrael, dolphins and the Dugong dugon in the Red Sea should be mentioned. It is possible that the dugong is a biblical tachash, the skin of which was used to make the tabernacle (Ex. 25: 5). Eretz Yisrael is home to numerous species of bats (Chiroptera, atalef), both carnivorous and herbivorous.

Birds

Eretz Yisrael is home to over 600 species of birds; more than half of them live permanently in the country, the rest are migratory. Eretz Yisrael serves as an intermediate point on the route of migratory birds from Northern Europe and Asia to Africa and back. The appearance of large flocks of some migratory birds (starlings, storks, turtle doves) serves as a sign of a certain time of the year.

By day birds of prey includes the griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus, nesher), lamb (Gypaetus barbatus, perez), black vulture (Vultur monachus, oznia), kite (Milvus spp., daya), Eurasian steppe eagle ( Aquila nipalensis), snake-eater ( Circaetus gallicus), marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus), vulture (Neophron percnopterus, raham), several species of falcons (Falco spp., takhmes, baz; the most common is the common kestrel, Falco tinnunculus; also a hobby, Falco subbuteo, and the little kestrel, Falco naumanni), buzzards (including buzzards, Buteo buteo ayah, and buzzard, Buteo rufinus) sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus, netz) and kites (the most common black kite, Milvus migrans).

Night feathered predators include: owl (Athene noctua, braid), owl (Asio spp., Yanshuf), barn owl (Lyto alba, tinshemet) (the most common species), eagle owl (Bubo bubo, oah), tawny owl (Strix aluco, lilith ) - the last two species are rare, as well as the short-eared owl ( Asio flammeus), long-eared owl ( Asio otus) and scops owl ( Otus scops). Brown fish owl ( Bubo zeylonensis) is currently considered exterminated in Israel, last seen in 1975.

There are three species of crows (Corvus spp., Oryv), gulls (Larus spp., Shahaf).

Palestinian Sunbird

In urban and rural areas, the most common birds are: the house sparrow (Passer domesticus), two species of wagtails (Motocilla alba and flava), the blackbird (Turdus merula), the bulbul (Pycnonotus capensis), the common starling (Sturnus vulgaris), the goldfinch (Carduelis elegans), chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs), greenfinch (Chloris chloris), several species of tits (Parus spp.), the most common titmouse (Parus major), and others.

In the country there are two types of storks (Ciconia spp., Hasid), ten species of herons (Ardea spp., Anafa) (Egyptian, Bulbulcus ibis, small white, Egretta garzetta, gray, Ardea cinerea, and night heron, Nycticorax nycticorax; four more species were recorded only a few times), as well as the ibex ( Plegadis falcinellus) and spoonbills ( Platalea leucorodia, do not breed chicks in Israel, but are often found from autumn to spring).

White storks (Ciconia ciconia) arrive in large flocks in spring; The pink pelican (Pelicanus onocratulus) is found in most of the country in spring and autumn. In the Eilat area, you can see small flamingos ( Phoenicopterus minor). Shepherd's are represented primarily by moorhen ( Gallinula chloropus), coots ( Fulica atra) and gray cranes ( Grus grus).

Hoopoe (Upupa epops, duhifat) and jay (Garrulus glandarius) live near settlements... In May 2008, in connection with the 60th anniversary of Israel, at the initiative of the Ministry of Ecology, elections for a national bird were announced. As a result of a vote, in which all residents of the country could take part, the hoopoe was chosen - more than 35% voted for him, leaving far behind the warbler, goldfinch, short-toed songbird and some other birds.

In desert places and in thickets of bushes, there are two species of stone partridges (Alectoris spp.), Francolines (Francolinus spp.), Quail (Coturnix coturnix, biblical glories). In the past, quail hunting was very common. To this day, Bedouins use nets to catch large flocks of quails on the Mediterranean coast of the Sinai.

In wetlands, the clawed lapwing ( Vanellus spinosus; in 2008 he was nominated for the title of "bird of Israel"); sometimes you can find other types of lapwings. The sandpiper-sparrow ( Calidris minuta); in addition to him, common representatives of plovers are blackies ( Tringa ochropus) and herbalist ( Tringa totanus).

The most common representatives of duck in Israel are the mallard ( Anas platyrhynchos), teal whistle ( Anas crecca), red-headed duck ( Aythya ferina), broad-bearer ( Anas clypeata) and crested duck ( Aythya fuligula), on the path of migrations which is Eretz Yisrael. Such rare species as the marble teal ( Marmaronetta angustirostris) and white-eyed duck ( Aythya nyroca).

Common birds of cities and countryside in Israel are the brownie ( Passer domesticus) and Spanish ( Passer hispaniolensis) sparrows, blackbird ( Turdus merula), great tit ( Parus major), bulbul ( Pycnonotus xanthopygos; another nominee for the title of "bird of Israel"), jackdaw ( Corvus monedula), black Crow (Corvus corone cornix), black-headed goldfinch ( Carduelis carduelis), greenfinch ( Carduelis chloris) and linnet ( Carduelis cannabina).

Turtle doves are widespread (ringed, Streptopelia decaocto, and small, Streptopelia senegalensis) and blue doves ( Columba livia). The stone sparrow is also frequent ( Petronia petronia), white wagtail ( Motacilla alba), common starling ( Sturnus vulgaris) and finch ( Fringilla coelebs) (nest in autumn and winter months). Jays (Garrulus glandarius) live close to human habitation.

For desert areas, the common bird is the desert raven ( Corvus ruficollis). Stone partridges ( Alectoris chukar), desert chickens ( Ammoperdix heyi) and turachi (francolins, Francolinus francolinus); Avdotkas ( Burhinus oedicnemus).

Other common birds of the Country of Israel are kingfisher ( Ceryle rudis), millet ( Emberiza calandra), barn swallow ( Hirundo rustica) and African rock swallow ( Ptyonoprogne fuligula), Palestinian sunbird ( Cinnyris osea, also nominated for the title of "Bird of Israel"), Mediterranean warbler ( Sylvia melanocephala), Arabian Thrush Thymelia ( Turdoides squamiceps), Syrian woodpecker ( Dendrocopos syriacus), desert lark ( Ammomanes deserti). Myna ( Acridotheres tristis) - aliens from East Asia.

Ostriches ( Struthio camelus) are currently bred under controlled conditions on ostrich farms. Attempts are also being made to return them to the wild.

Reptiles

Palestinian viper. Photo by Finkles.

More than 90 species of reptiles are widespread in Eretz Yisrael, including over 30 species of snakes, of which seven to eight are poisonous. The most common is the Palestinian viper (Vipera palaestinae), followed by the efa (Echis colorata). Representatives of other genera of horned and stone vipers (Cerastes and Pseudocerastes) are less common. Recently, in connection with the development of agriculture in the south, the area of ​​distribution of the black cobra (Walterinnesia aegyptia) is expanding. One of the most common non-venomous snakes is the boa snake (Eryx).

The lizard snake (Malpolon monspessulanum), the bite of which, fatal to small animals, is not dangerous to humans, is sometimes found in built-up areas. Water snake (Natrix tesselata) is found near fresh water bodies. Of the snakes, the most common are the black or Syrian snake (Coluber jugularis) and the spotted pseudoviper (Coluber mummifer), which are of great benefit in the destruction of rodents.

Closer to the coast of the Mediterranean Sea there are turtles: Mediterranean ( Testudo ibera), marsh ( Clemmys caspica) and green, or soup ( Chelonia mydas). The red-eared turtle ( Trachemys scripta). On the shores of Eilat, cubs of the Bissa turtle ( Eretmochelys imbricata). The Nile soft-skinned turtles (Tionyx triunguis) are found exclusively in the Alexander River.

In streams flowing into the Mediterranean, it was found until the 20th century. nile crocodile (Crocodilus niloticus). Recently, American alligators and other crocodile species have been brought to Israel for commercial purposes.

Amphibians

Drainage of swamps and land reclamation for agricultural purposes has led to a sharp decline in the number of amphibians in the Land of Israel over the past century. Black-bellied frog ( Discoglossus nigriventer), also known as israeli or Palestinian painted frog, endemic to Lake Hula, has completely disappeared as a result of drainage of the area around the lake. Six of Israel's eight remaining amphibian species are also endangered.

Of the tailed amphibians, there are, although rarely, the Asia Minor newt (Tritonus vittatus), the Near East salamander ( Salamandra infraimmaculata) and fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra).

Of the tailless amphibians, the common tree frog (Hyla arborea), marsh frog ( Pelophylax ridibundus), Levantine green frog ( Pelophylax bedriagae) and toads - green (Bufo viridis), spotted ( Bufo variabilis) and Syrian (Pelobates syriaca). More recently, the tree frog (Hyla heinzsteinitzi), another endemic to Israel, related to the Asia Minor tree frog, has been discovered.

Invertebrates

Of the land invertebrates in Eretz Israzl, arthropods are especially numerous, primarily insects, of which there are tens of thousands of species. During the humid season, two types of subclass of apterigoths are often found in the country, which sometimes harm vegetable gardens. Orthoptera are extremely numerous, especially locusts (Acridoidea), both non-herd (Apterygota) and gregarious, sometimes causing significant harm to agriculture.

More than ten species of praying mantis (Mantoidea) are well adapted to environmental conditions. There are three species of cockroaches (Blattoidea) competing with each other for food and territory.

Crickets (Grylloidea) are abundantly represented: brownies, stem crickets and bears. Bed bugs (Heteroptera), both land and water, are represented by many genera and species. Turtles (Eurygaster) harm cereals and vegetables, tree bugs harm fruit trees. On the surface of water bodies, you can see predatory water striders (Gerridae).

Cycadids (Auchenorrhynda) are quite diverse in appearance and according to the way of life. The country is home to both the families of true (singing) cicadas (Cicadidae), and representatives of other families of the suborder neck-proboscis ( Auchenorrhyncha), including various aphids ( Aphidoidea).

The fauna of Eretz Israel is adorned with a variety of butterflies, or Lepidoptera. One of the large sailfish (Papilionidae) is the yellow swallowtail with black pattern (Papilio machaon). Among the largest diurnal butterflies in the country is the two-tailed nymphalis ( Charaxes jasius), pandora mother-of-pearl ( Damora pandora pandora).

Whites (Pieridae) are very common. At twilight and in the daytime in the shade, Danaidae come across, most often - the angler (Vanessa). Moths of various families are very common. Sphingidae fly mainly at dusk. A dead head butterfly (Manduca atropos) flies into the hives. The moths (Noctuidae) are very numerous. Waves are also found ( Lymantriidae) and marching silkworms ( Thaumetopea). Some of them (Prodenia and Agrotis) are serious agricultural pests.

In Israel, you can find rare Middle Eastern species of butterflies: Allancastria cerisyi speciosa, Tomares nesimachus, Cigaritis cilissa(thought to be extinct, discovered again in the last decade of the twentieth century), Olepa schleini(endemic to the coastal regions of Israel).

Forest plantations are harmed by nuns (Portheria) and marching silkworms (Thaumetopea), orchards are harmed by wolf moths (Lymantriidae).

The country's ecological features associated with a hot, dry climate explain the abundance and diversity of beetles (beetles), in particular, ground beetles (Carabidae). Diving beetles (Dytiscidae) are found in water bodies. The Staphylinidae family feeds on decaying organic foods. Dead-eaters (Silphidae) are relatively rare.

Toddlers (Histeridae) are often found in animal manure and carcasses. Soft beetles (Cantharidae) appear in flocks on flowers and quickly disappear, as wild bees carry their larvae into their burrows, where they feed their offspring. Fireflies (Cantharis) belong to the same family. Goldfish (Buprestidae), especially the genus Buprestis, cause serious damage to fruit trees. Grinder (Anobiidae) damage furniture, other beetles of this family harm zoological and botanical collections. Dermestidae damage food and collections.

ladybugs(Coccinellidae) provide significant benefits in killing aphids and worms that damage citrus plantations. Nibs (Meloidae) destroy harmful locusts.

Darkling beetles(Tenebrionidae) are quite common in Israel. Some species are harmful to grain supplies. Longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) harm field and fruit growing. Leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) eat the leaves and stems of plants. Numerous species of weevils (Curculionidae) harm crops and fruit trees. Scarabaedia, feeding on manure, as well as beetles ( Melolonthinae), inhabiting the spring flowers - poppy and anemone (the most common genera Amphicoma, Anisoplia and Potosie).

A life hymenoptera Israel is usually associated with periods of flowering plants (spring, autumn). The natural conditions of Israel provide food for numerous species of wasps and bees, both public and solitary. Among social wasps, the subgenera Vespa and Vespula are often found, whose representatives arrange nests, where tens and even hundreds of insects settle together. The bite of large wasps (such as hornets) is dangerous. Small social wasps (for example, Polistes) build open nests in which several dozen insects can develop. Solitary wasps (Eumenidae), like others, build nests from clay with one or more cells. The larvae are fed by killed caterpillars and other insects.

There are many species of ants (Formicoidea), the most common is the bulldog ants (Messor barbarus).

Honey bee(Apis millifera) belongs to the breed imported into the country from Italy and differs from the local Syrian breed in greater productivity and ease of breeding. For bees, an exception has been made in the kosher rules: usually, if an animal is not kosher, then everything it produces (milk, eggs or caviar) is also prohibited from eating. But the products of the activity of bees (which in themselves are not kosher), primarily honey, are allowed for consumption.

Various species of real flies (Muscidae) have always been a real scourge for the population of the Middle East. Thanks to scientifically developed methods for the disposal and destruction of garbage, this problem was largely solved by the early 1960s. Great damage to fruit trees is caused by variegated flies (Trypetidae).

Of the arachnids (Arachnoidea), scorpions (Scorpiones) are especially characteristic of Eretz Yisrael. There are about 17 species and subspecies of scorpions in the country, the most dangerous of which is the yellow scorpion (Leiurus quinguestriatus), otherwise known as israeli desert scorpion... There are several hundred species of spiders (Araneinae). Of these, karakurt (Latrodectus tredecimguttalis) and loxosceles (Loxosceles) are dangerous to humans. Various mites (Acarina) belong to harmful arachnids; some of them are carriers of diseases in humans and livestock.

Eight new species of arthropods (crustaceans, insects and arachnids) were discovered in 2006 in a chalk cave isolated from the outside world near the city of Ramla, called "Ayalon"; according to researchers, the age of these relict species is millions of years. All discovered species lack eyes.

Of the land worms, some tapeworms (Taenia saginata and Taenia echinococcus) are medically important. Various roundworms (Nematoda) harm plants. Worm infestations have significantly decreased with the spread of hygiene (disinfection of vegetable gardens, etc.). Cases of trichinosis are relatively rare. Earthworms appear on the surface of the earth only during the humid season.

Of the protozoa (Protozoa), the dysentery amoeba (Entamoeba histolitica) is dangerous for humans, and of the flagellates (Flagellata) - the malarial plasmodium and leishmania. Among the coccidia (Coccidia) there are representatives of the genus Eimeria.

Aquatic fauna

Underwater in the Gulf of Eilat.

Coral reef of the Red Sea (view from the Underwater Observatory)

Fish pond in the Negev. Photo of the company "Alekon"

Murex trunculus

The fauna of the seas surrounding Eretz Yisrael is diverse. In the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Israel, there are many crustaceans, some of which are found on land (Myra fugax, Squilla massavenses, Penacus japonicus and Portunus). These and other species entered the Mediterranean from the Red Sea through the Suez Canal.

The fish of the waters washing Eretz Israel are divided into three groups: the fish of the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, and freshwater. The first group includes fish of oceanic origin (Mullus barbatus, Diplodus vulgaris, Epinephelus). More than twenty species migrated from the southern seas to the Mediterranean after the opening of the Suez Canal. Most of them remained near the eastern Mediterranean coast.

The fish that live in the Red Sea differ from the Mediterranean in their bright color and bizarre shape. Most of them (genera Clupea, Scombridae and Tistularia) live among coral reefs. The Eilat Reef ecosystem has 1,270 fish species belonging to 157 families, hundreds of coral species and 1,120 shellfish species, according to an estimate provided by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The number of freshwater species is much less, but still, according to various estimates, it reaches from 32 to 60-70. Lake Kinneret is especially rich in freshwater fish, where the tilapia (Tilapia galilaea), sometimes called "St. Peter's fish", is found. Another type of cichlids, Tristramella sacra, also lives only in the Kinneret Lake.

Many of the freshwater species have been introduced to Israel at different times, some (such as carp, tench, grass carp, Mozambican tilapia) are grown commercially in ponds and are not yet found in the wild.

A number of freshwater fish are endemic to Israel, which have already led to the extinction of some of them as a result of the drainage of marshy areas and the reclamation of agricultural land. Examples of such types are Nun galilaeus, Myrogrex hulensis and Tristramella simonis intermedia, formerly endemic to Lake Hula and its surroundings. Another endangered endemic to Israel is the Yarkon spiny bream ( Acanthobrama telavivensis), whose existence is threatened by the drying up of Israeli coastal rivers; now work is underway to save the species and return it to its natural environment. Another endemic to Israel - Nemacheilus dori, found only in the Beit Sheana valley (protected in the Ein Malkoah nature reserve).

Rare and Endangered Species and Conservation Efforts

The proportion of endangered species among Israel's vertebrates

Reading time: 3 min.

Israel is home to a huge number of colorful and magnificent birds. Climatic and natural diversity makes the Jewish State an ideal destination for a wide variety of birds. Due to the favorable geographical location of the country relative to Europe, Africa and Asia, migration routes of many birds from these continents pass through it.

Sultanka (Porphyrio Porphyrio)

The sultan has many different names (the sultan's hen or shepherd boy are just a few of them), but this bird cannot be confused with anyone thanks to its bright red beak and plumage of gorgeous blue with shades of blue and purple.

Common Bunting (Emberiza Citrinella)

This bird of a characteristic black and yellow color has a rather bright history. This magnificent bird inspired poets (including John Clare's Nest of Bunting), and its melodic trills influenced the writings of Beethoven himself.

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo Atthis)

The tiny kingfisher has a short tail and large head, and the bright blue and orange plumage of the belly sets it apart from other birds. The special structure of the kingfisher's eyes allows him to see under water - this property makes this bird an excellent angler.

Golden Bee-eater (Merops Apiaster)

The golden bee-eater, or bee-eater, got its formidable name for a reason - it actually eats bees. In addition, their diet also includes dragonflies. One of the most colorful birds in Europe, the bee-eater is made by magnificent feathers of green, red and yellow flowers.

Indian ringed parrot (Psittacula Krameri)

Awesome bird! The Indian ringed parrot is arguably the brightest bird on our list. The green, blue and yellow colors in the plumage make it unmistakably recognizable. It is probably due to these qualities that the Indian ringed parrot has become an extremely popular pet.

Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica)

This small, sparrow-sized bird has a characteristic blue throat (or bib) that often contrasts with the body of earthy hues. On the blue bib of the male, you can also distinguish feathers of black, white and brown, while in the plumage of the females these bright colors are absent.

Common Oriole (Oriolus Oriolus)

A stunning yellow and black pattern covers the oriole's wings and body, and sometimes creates beautiful rings around her eyes. The coloration of the male is more typical of the species, while the female's plumage is dominated by green.

Barn Swallow (Hirundo Rustica)

The Barn Swallow is the most common swallow in the world, but this does not detract from its beauty. Its forked tail and curved wings are covered in dark blue feathers that contrast with its small red beard. The Barn Swallow is the national bird of Austria and Estonia, but they are also abundant in Israel.

Black-headed Bunting (Emberiza Melanocephala)

If you think black-headed oatmeal is similar to the common oatmeal mentioned earlier, then you are right. Both birds come from the bunting family and share similar traits. However, the plumage of the black-headed bunting is more uniform and bright, which makes it sometimes difficult to distinguish it from the bilious bunting.

Subalpine Warbler (Sylvia cantillans)

At first glance, it might seem that the tiny subalpine warbler does not deserve a place on the list of the most beautiful birds... But take a closer look at those gorgeous orange rims around her eyes. Not only are they bright on their own, but they make a great contrast to the smoky gray plumage that covers the rest of her body.

If you are an esthete and love beautiful, rare and bright things, you will definitely like these birds! Some of these beauties are proud of their variegated feathers, while others will surprise you with their extraordinary size. Perhaps a few birds will seem familiar to you, but here you will definitely meet completely unique species, which not everyone knows about.

25. Royal Crowned Fly Eater

This bird is famous for its bright tuft and surprisingly modest size. Males of the crowned fly beetle are proud of bright scarlet crowns, and females are proud of yellow combs with black and silver-blue spots. By the way, fly-eaters demonstrate their bizarre crests not only during the mating season, but also to demonstrate belligerence during clashes with competitors.

24. Macau Lear


Photo: Charlesjsharp

Also known as indigo macao, this rather large and almost completely blue Brazilian parrot sometimes lives longer than 50 years. Unfortunately, the species is threatened with extinction, and there are only about 1,300 adults left in the world of such birds. Habitat destruction, hunting and trade are the main reasons why blue macao is now in great danger. It is good that there are initiative groups that have taken on the mission of rescuing and increasing the population of this species. Their efforts have already begun to pay off!

23. Indian Hornbill

Photo: Shutterstock

These birds are most commonly found in Sri Lanka and India. The rhinoceros bird is easily recognizable by its unusual horn that grows directly from its massive beak. Indians believe that amulets made from the horn of an outlandish bird bring good luck and can enrich their owner. The population size of this species is still unknown to anyone, but the Indian hornbill presumably may also be on the verge of extinction due to local superstitions and environmental problems.

22. Atlantic impasse

Photo: Shutterstock

Typical inhabitants of oceanic coasts, puffins are the only members of the auks family living in the Atlantic region. The Atlantic Puffin spends most of its life at sea, resting directly on the waves when it is not flying in search of food. In the spring and summer, puffins return to land to join the large colony and find a mate. Surprisingly, this bird flies very well - the most active puffins can accelerate to a speed of 88.5 kilometers per hour.

21. Scaly bird of paradise


Photo: Stavenn

Most likely you have never seen or heard of such a bird. The scaly bird of paradise is unusual in that incredibly long feathers grow from its head, resembling either cockroach antennae or horns. When it was first brought to Europe, people even thought they were fake feathers and that someone had glued them on for fun. During the mating season, scaly birds of paradise emit such unusual sounds that someone even compared such singing to a composition of machine noise, a chainsaw, dubstep and chirping.

20. Curly Arasari


Photo: Shutterstock

Curly-haired arasari are amazingly beautiful and bizarre creatures. In addition, they are the brightest and one of the largest members of the toucan family. Obviously, the bird got its name for the black curly feathers on the crown, which seem to be smeared with wax for styling hair. Incredibly, this exotic bird is still not on the verge of extinction, although its natural habitat has for some time begun to suffer from the spread of mining mines.

19. Balinese bird of paradise


Photo: Andrea Lawardi

This bird of paradise lives on the island of New Guinea, and is known for the fact that it is almost never met by the locals. The thing is that the feathered beauty prefers the most remote and uninhabited corners of the land, where unwary tourists or poachers do not bother her. These creatures are incredibly attractive, and they also have very strange (sometimes even comical) behavior - for example, they like to hang upside down on branches.

18. Common or Blue Kingfisher


Photo: Shutterstock

These birds are excellent hunters, and all thanks to their long and sharp beaks. They catch fish right out of the water, take it to their nests, where they beat it unconscious to eat it calmly. And they always start from the head of their victim. It is not surprising that bright birds live mainly near waterfalls and ponds, rivers and lakes, and sometimes even in the area of ​​rocky coasts.

17. African crowned crane


Photo: Shutterstock

The African crowned crane is a very graceful bird that can be easily distinguished by its gray body and white wings. The plumage of this species is white, brown and gold, and thin golden feathers flaunt on the head of the southern cranes. Crowned cranes love African swamps, savannahs, and are often found south of the Sahara.

16. Hoopoe


Photo: Shutterstock

The hoopoe is Israel's national bird, but it is also found in Africa and Eurasia. An exotic bird is easily recognizable by its prominent feather crown and unusual singing.

15. South American night heron


Photo: Francesco Veronesi

This amazing creature does not like outsiders at all, so few people have seen South American night herons. The representative of herons differs from most of her relatives in a yellow neck, black cap and face. blue... South American night herons are not common in the wild, but they are not yet classified as an endangered species.

14. California Condor


Photo: Shutterstock

If you compare the condor with other exotic birds from this list, it is unlikely that you will find it so colorful and attractive. But it's not without reason that this feathered one got into our rating, because the Californian condor is an unusually large and powerful creature. The bird lives in North America, and there it is considered the largest of its kind. The vulture has a wingspan of 2.8 meters and is, unfortunately, an endangered species. In the 20th century, the California condor practically disappeared from the face of the Earth, but thanks to the efforts of nature conservation services, the species still survived. As of 2013, 435 individuals were recorded in the world, 237 of which lived in the wild.

13. Peacock


Photo: pixabay

Peacocks are probably one of the most famous birds on our list. As you know, only males of this species can boast of bright plumage, and females look much more modest. But this is not surprising, because it is the pea who choose their mate when it comes to the mating season, and these days males have to try a lot to impress future partners with their lush and variegated tails.

12. Quetzal


Photo: Shutterstock

Quetzals live in the mountains of Central America, and they are incredibly beautiful creatures. They are easily distinguished by their iridescent green plumage, red breasts and an unusual double tail, which sometimes reaches almost a meter in length. The Aztecs and Maya once considered quetzals sacred animals, and they called these birds nothing more than "rare pearl birds of the world."

11. Spotted trachyphonus


Photo: Shutterstock

Spotted Trachyphonus is one of 42 species of African beards, and the whole family lives in the Sahara region. Unlike most of the known birds that nest in trees, spotted trachyphonuses nest in vertical underground tunnels 60 to 90 centimeters long.

10. Red cardinal


Photo: Shutterstock

These birds do not change their bright red color depending on the season, and they do not fly to warm countries for wintering. Therefore, Americans living in states where it snows in winter are the real lucky ones, because scarlet feathers on a white background are just a magnificent sight. Red cardinals are quite common in America, they are not afraid of crowded areas and love seeds, so many lovers of these creatures arrange feeders and admire their feeding right in their backyard without any problems.

9. Red-bearded night bee-eater


Photo: Shutterstock

The red-bearded night bee-eater adores bees, but also feeds on other insects, including wasps and hornets. It is most often found in northeast Asia in the region of Myanmar, Thailand, on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo. It is very easy to identify these birds by their bright green plumage, red breast and long curved beak.

8. Golden pheasant


Photo: pixabay

Also known as the Chinese pheasant, the golden pheasant lives mainly in western China, but wild populations are found even in the UK and several other countries around the world. Male and female golden pheasants look completely different. Males are extremely colored - they have fiery plumage, golden backs and tufts, their wings are decorated with blue or green feathers, the tail is usually very long and striped, and the eyes are bright yellow with very small pupils. Females look very different - they are gray or brown.

7. Lilac-breasted Roller or Swallow-tailed Roller


Photo: Shutterstock

The Lilac-breasted Roller is the national bird of Kenya and Botswana, and first of all it is famous for its incredibly colorful plumage. The rich palette includes white, purple, turquoise, blue, green, black and copper colors. In addition, the Swallow-tailed Roller is a skilled aeronaut, and in flight it is capable of a whole bunch of impressive tricks.

6. Inca Tern (Inca Tern)


Photo: Shutterstock

As you can see, these Peruvian birds have gorgeous white mustaches! And we are talking not only about males, but also about females. Of course, these are not the same mustaches that people have, but these feathers look exactly like that. Inca terns live only in the cold waters of the Pacific Humboldt Current, where they create colonies of several thousand individuals.

5. Brilliant Painted Malyur


Photo: Shutterstock

The Brilliant Painted Malur is probably the most unusual Australian bird when it comes to breeding. In a calm state, both females and males usually look almost the same - their plumage is brown, and both sexes have long blue tails. However, when the period of courtship and mating comes, males transform and begin to show their bright blue plumage in order to attract the attention of beautiful ladies.

4. Multicolor lorikeet


Photo: Dick Daniels (http://carolinabirds.org/)

The multi-colored lorikeets live in the rain forests of Australia and Papua New Guinea. Sometimes these bright parrots are found right in Perth (a large Australian city), which periodically creates problems, since this species of birds behaves quite aggressively in the areas where their nests are located. Moreover, the multicolored lorikeets even interfere with other native birds, including the Australian ringnek, by constantly ravaging and destroying their nests.

3. Long-tailed velvet weaver


Photo: Shutterstock

At the moment, there are 3 isolated populations of long-tailed velvet weavers. One of them is located in Kenya, the second is in the region of Angola and Zambia, and the third is in the southern regions of Africa. The bird got its name due to the fact that during the mating season, males of African weavers show an unusually beautiful long black tail (up to 15 centimeters in length) in order to attract females.

2. Horned hummingbird (Heliactin bilophus)


Photo: Shutterstock

This bird is most often found in forests and meadows in central and western Brazil. A tiny bird grows no more than 9-11 centimeters in length, and is easily recognized by its very motley plumage - in