Israeli Photographer Captures Rare Giant Tegu Lizard in Northern Negev Desert

Yanai Bona, a 36-year-old nature photographer and snake catcher from Ein HaBesor, has successfully documented Israel's largest lizard species, the giant tegu, in the northern Negev Desert. Using trail cameras, a technique he learned during a recent trip to Siberia, Bona patiently set up cameras near lizard tracks and burrows, checking them every few weeks until he captured the remarkable footage. Due to the species' protected status, he declined to reveal the exact location, only confirming it was in northern Negev.

Bona has been photographing wildlife in Israel for six years, after an extensive international career that included living near Lake Victoria in Kenya and traveling through Lapland. In 2013, one of his African photos won third place in a National Geographic competition among nearly 16,000 global entries. However, after suffering from depression and post-traumatic stress, and losing his savings, he returned to Israel to focus on local wildlife photography.

He expressed excitement about discovering the diversity of animals in his home country, admitting he was previously unaware of many species living nearby. While he still dreams of photographing exotic animals abroad, Bona finds a unique connection and thrill in capturing the wildlife of the Negev, emphasizing the importance of appreciating local nature before seeking distant adventures.