New Study Warns Against Adding Hiking Trails in Israel
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
A new study by Ben-Gurion University and the Nature and Parks Authority warns that adding new hiking trails in Israel could harm wildlife. Researchers found that animals react differently to human presence, with some species retreating or altering their behavior. The study suggests managing existing trails and visitor numbers is more effective than creating new ones to balance tourism and conservation. This approach is becoming increasingly relevant globally as climate change impacts natural habitats.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Creating new hiking trails in Israel can negatively impact wildlife, according to a new study.
- Animal responses to human presence vary by species, with some retreating and others adapting.
- The study used 288 cameras to monitor animal behavior in simulated trail conditions.
- Researchers recommend managing visitor numbers and access times over adding new trails.
- The findings are crucial for balancing tourism with ecological preservation in natural areas.
- Temporary behavioral changes were observed in some animals when trails were in use.
A new study conducted by researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev's Sde Boker campus, in collaboration with the Nature and Parks Authority, has investigated the ecological impact of creating new hiking trails in previously undeveloped areas. The research, led by Professor Oded Berger Tal and with significant contributions from Dr. Yuval Zuckerman, aimed to understand how wildlife reacts to human presence in areas where they are not accustomed to it. The findings suggest that simply adding more trails to accommodate the growing number of hikers may not be the solution and could harm wildlife.
Zehava Siegel, an ecologist with the Nature and Parks Authority, explained that planning new trails is a complex balancing act between the need for new routes and ecological preservation. While people hike to connect with nature, their presence can disrupt the animals' habitats. The goal, she stated, is to minimize this impact through managed visitation, including limiting the number of visitors, days, and hours of access.
The experiment involved creating one-kilometer trail segments in six desert areas of the Negev and Arava that were not previously open to the public. These segments were subjected to varying levels of daily visitor activity, ranging from zero to 48 simulated hikers per day. For a week, volunteers walked the trails to mimic this activity. Throughout the process, 288 cameras placed at different distances from the trails recorded the animals' behavior before, during, and after the simulated disturbance.
The results, presented at the 54th annual conference on Science and the Environment, revealed that different species reacted differently. Some animals, like the Negev gazelle, moved further away from trails with higher visitor numbers. Others, such as caracals, appeared more sensitive to the disturbance due to their hunting methods, while species like wolves showed more tolerance. Some animals also shifted their activity to nighttime hours. However, the study also found that for some species, these behavioral changes were temporary, with activity patterns returning to normal after the trails were no longer used.
Dr. Zuckerman emphasized that the impact of a trail can extend far beyond its physical boundaries. Therefore, careful consideration of trail location is crucial, especially in arid environments where resources are concentrated. The research highlights the need for a nuanced approach to trail planning, considering specific species, their habitats, and ecological importance. Future strategies may include managing visitor numbers, restricting access during sensitive periods like nesting seasons, or exploring alternatives like permit-based trails or enhanced shuttle services to existing routes, rather than simply creating new ones.