The Turtle Dove, Once Common, Now Faces Extinction in Israel
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
The European Turtle Dove, a migratory bird once common in Israel and mentioned in the Song of Songs, is now globally threatened with extinction. Its population in Israel has plummeted by 81% in the last decade due to climate change, habitat loss, and massive illegal hunting. Israel has extended a complete hunting ban for the species for another year to aid its recovery and conservation efforts.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- The European Turtle Dove, once common in Israel, is now globally threatened with extinction.
- Its population in Israel has declined by 81% over the past decade.
- Climate change and habitat loss are major threats to the species.
- Massive illegal hunting in the Mediterranean basin significantly contributes to its decline.
- Israel has extended a complete hunting ban for the turtle dove for an additional year.
- The bird plays a vital role in seed dispersal within its ecosystem.
The European Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur), a migratory bird once found across Israel, is now facing global extinction and has significantly declined in the country. Dr. Yoav Perlman, Director of the Israeli Ornithological Center at the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, explained that while often confused with the common house dove, the turtle dove is a distinct species known for its unique song, mentioned in the Song of Songs. It undertakes a long annual migration from Europe and Central Asia to sub-Saharan Africa, with breeding grounds historically in northern valleys, the southern coastal plain, and the northern Negev, though it has nearly vanished as a breeder in central Israel.
Globally, the turtle dove is classified as 'Vulnerable' (VU), the third most severe threat level. In Israel, it was previously categorized as 'Near Threatened' (NT) as of 2017, but a recent report indicated an 81% decrease in its density over the preceding decade. Experts anticipate its status in Israel will be upgraded to a higher threat level in the next assessment. The bird plays a crucial role in seed dispersal, contributing positively to the ecosystem.
Research involving tracking devices placed on turtle doves in Israel's Springs Valley and Azerbaijan revealed their migration routes and wintering grounds. Out of 12 birds tagged, 7 reached Africa, with one covering over 1,000 kilometers non-stop from Israel to southern Egypt, continuing another 700 kilometers to the Nile River. Their wintering areas were identified in Sudan and South Sudan, with stopovers in agricultural areas along the Nile.
Major threats include climate change, which impacts the quality of stopover sites and wintering grounds, particularly in the Sahel region suffering from desertification. This is compounded by the loss of open spaces and habitats. Additionally, massive illegal hunting, primarily in the Mediterranean basin, where millions are killed annually for food and sport, is a significant factor in the population's decline.
In response to the crisis, Israel implemented a complete hunting ban in 2020. This ban was recently extended for another year by Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman, a decision based on professional recommendations and public support, to allow for population assessment and recovery. This measure aligns with Israel's international commitments to biodiversity conservation. Europe has had an action plan since 2018 focusing on habitat restoration and hunting prevention.