Teenager Discovers New Species, Revives Extinct Plants in Israel
Translated & summarized from Davar by baba
Sixteen-year-old Moshe Neeman has discovered three new plant species for Israel, rediscovered extinct plants, and identified numerous new insect and bird species. His extensive fieldwork and documentation have significantly contributed to the understanding of Israel's biodiversity.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Teenager Moshe Neeman discovered new plant and insect species in Israel.
- He rediscovered plant species thought to be extinct for decades.
- Neeman identified a rare bird species never before seen in the Middle East.
- He has documented over 4,200 species in Israel.
- His passion for nature began in childhood and continues through extensive fieldwork.
Moshe Neeman, a 16-year-old from Jerusalem, has made remarkable discoveries in Israel's natural world, including three new plant species for the country, a large water bird, at least six insect species, and a butterfly population unseen for decades. His findings have impressed professional researchers, some of whom have not achieved such results in their entire careers. Neeman's passion for nature began in childhood with collecting turtles and snakes, evolving through his involvement with the Jerusalem Bird Observatory and bird banding courses at age 12. He has traveled extensively across Israel, from the Hermon to Eilat, documenting flora and fauna.
His discoveries include identifying the Pacific Diver, a rare bird seen for the first time in the Middle East, in Eilat's Peace Lagoon. He also rediscovered the Jordan Broomrape, a plant thought to have been extinct in Israel for 80 years after the Hula Valley drainage. Additionally, Neeman identified the Sinai Mallow, a plant previously unknown in Israel but found in Jordan's Red Mountains, and the Sea Dead Sea Lychis, another species not seen in the country for decades.
Neeman actively participates in nature surveys and has documented over 4,200 species in Israel on the iNaturalist platform, ranking second in the country. His documented list includes 1,800 plants, a similar number of arthropods, and about 600 other animals, primarily birds, mammals, and reptiles. He plans to expand his research to include fish and explore the world after his military service, hoping to make further discoveries.
His dedication is supported by his parents, though they wish he spent more time at home. His peers and teachers at his boarding school in Eilat recognize his unique talent, often calling him 'the birder' and acknowledging that he learns as much in the field as in the classroom. Neeman's commitment to exploring remote areas and documenting new species highlights his significant contribution to Israeli natural science at a very young age.