The destruction caused by the wildfires in Biriya Forest is a devastating sight, with years of work by foresters undone and entire ecosystems disrupted. The scorched earth reflects the environmental effects of the war in Israel, impacting flora and fauna in both the north and south of the country. The Agamon Hula Valley Nature Reserve, known for its bird migrations, became a wartime field hospital for animals during the conflict, with staff operating under chaotic conditions.
Despite the challenges, there were moments of hope and success, such as the rehabilitation of animals like Lilit, a tawny owl, and the increased presence of wintering bird species observed by scientists. The resilience of nature and the efforts of dedicated professionals offer a glimmer of hope amid the destruction caused by the conflict.
The winter season has brought a diverse array of birds to the Hula Valley, a stark contrast to last year when bird sightings were scarce. The decrease in crane populations in the valley last year was attributed to constant rocket fire from Lebanon, which caused a 70% drop in their numbers. However, Yaron Charka, the chief ornithologist, emphasized that factors such as climate change also play a significant role in altering the migration patterns of these birds.
To address the challenge of protecting local crops from the returning crane populations, KKL-JNF Jewish National Fund is developing a laser-based system in collaboration with an Israeli ecotech company. This technology uses cameras, lasers, and artificial intelligence to detect crane presence and redirect them to designated feeding sites without causing disruption to wildlife and tourists.
The closure of the reserve due to the conflict left the wildlife unaccustomed to human presence, leading to a decrease in bird nests observed in the spring. Inbar Shlomit Rubin, the reserve’s director, attributed this trend to birds migrating further south to quieter areas and the stress caused by the war affecting fertility in mammals and smaller animals.
Since the ceasefire, KKL-JNF has been conducting surveys to evaluate the potential for natural regeneration in the areas affected by the conflict. While the restoration efforts are expected to be long-term, there is optimism regarding the forests’ ability to regenerate naturally, with as many as 70% of burned trees expected to begin regrowth in the next year and a half.
Despite the trauma experienced by the area, wildlife has begun returning to the affected areas in recent weeks, signaling a positive sign of recovery. Rubin remains hopeful that the long-term impact of the conflict on the environment will be minimal and that the healing process will continue on the right path. To regenerate means to restore or renew something to a better or more vigorous state. It can also refer to the process of regrowing or replacing lost or damaged tissue in the body. In a broader sense, it can also refer to the renewal or revival of something that has declined or deteriorated.
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