Birdlife

In the past weeks Avian Flu (H5N1) has been spreading among the Common Cranes wintering in the Hula Valley. Over 5000(!) Cranes have been found dead or dying. The Agamon Hula Park and nature reserve have been closed and actions are being taken at a national level.

A few infected Cranes have also been found in other parts of Israel,and efforts are being made to contain the issue. BirdLife Israel is supporting the effort by monitoring the spread of the disease to other birds and other parts of the country.

Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita) is classified as Critically Endangered, the highest threat category according to IUCN criteria, with the only remaining wild colonies known in Morocco (100 pairs) and Syria (two pairs). The Morocco population is stable and under good conservation management although development pressures are a growing concern. The Eastern race, formerly found throughout the Middle-East and latterly only in south-east Turkey, was re-discovered in Syria only in 2002 having been believed to be extinct in the wild.