Rare Golden Eagles Spotted in Arava Desert, Only 9 Pairs Left in Israel
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
A rare pair of golden eagles was recently spotted in Israel's Central Arava desert, a significant event as only nine pairs remain in the country. The sighting occurred during the peak migration season, which sees millions of birds, including raptors and songbirds, pass through Israel. Conservation efforts are ongoing for various eagle species facing threats like electrocution and poisoning.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- A rare pair of golden eagles was sighted in Israel's Central Arava, with only nine pairs left in the country.
- Golden eagles are the largest nesting birds of prey in Israel but are facing extinction.
- Israel is a major global route for bird migration, with millions of songbirds and raptors passing through.
- Threats to golden eagles include electrocution, poisoning, illegal trade, and aircraft disturbances.
- Conservation projects are underway to protect and rehabilitate eagle populations in Israel.
A rare pair of golden eagles, a male and female, has been observed in the Central Arava region of Israel's desert. The majestic birds were filmed from a powered paraglider during the peak of the migration season. Golden eagles are the largest birds of prey nesting in Israel, but they are unfortunately becoming extinct, with only nine pairs remaining in the country, making this sighting exceptionally rare.
Dr. Yoav Perlman, Director of the Birdwatching Center at the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, stated that approximately 15,000 lesser spotted eagles passed over Israel the previous day, marking the near end of this migration season for many large raptors, with the exception of black vultures.
Perlman emphasized that raptors are only a small fraction of the total number of migratory birds passing through Israel, which includes hundreds of millions of songbirds in both autumn and spring. Israel is a crucial global bird migration route, and its stopover sites are vital for the safe passage of these birds.
The golden eagle, measuring 55-65 cm with a wingspan of about 1.5 meters, builds nests up to 2 meters wide on cliffs or large trees. Significant threats to the species include electrocution, poisoning from pesticides and lead, illegal trade for falconry, and disturbances from aircraft. Efforts are underway through the 'Porchim Kenaf' project, involving the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, the Society for the Protection of Nature, and the Electric Company, to rehabilitate the booted eagle population in Israel, including a breeding program at the Carmel Hai-Bar Nature Reserve.
This rare sighting of golden eagles in the Arava serves as a reminder of Israel's unique natural wealth and the importance of conservation efforts for its remaining rare raptor populations.
Mentioned
