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In a landmark move to address the illegal hunting of wildlife, the Nature and Parks Authority (NPA) has filed a substantial damages claim of NIS 594,000 against Jamal Haj from Tamra.
This lawsuit marks a significant step in the fight against poaching and aims to secure funds for the rehabilitation and preservation of Israel’s endangered deer population.
The claim, submitted through the State Attorney’s Office, is centered on the illegal hunting of a female Israeli deer by Haj, who was apprehended nearly seven years ago in Ramat Sirin. The case has drawn widespread attention due to its implications for wildlife protection and environmental justice.
Illegal Hunting Incident
The confrontation began when NPA inspectors discovered Haj transporting a female Israeli deer in his vehicle. Despite being instructed to stop, Haj continued driving, ultimately colliding with an inspection vehicle.
This incident was not Haj’s first encounter with the law for illegal hunting, making the case even more critical for the NPA.
The Tiberias Magistrate’s Court, under Judge Nir Mishori Lev-Tov, convicted Haj on charges related to the violation of protected natural values.
He was sentenced to eight months in prison, to be served through community service, and fined 25,000 shekels. However, the state deemed this penalty insufficient and pursued a tort claim for nearly 600,000 shekels to address the broader ecological damage.
Environmental and Ecological Impact
The Nature and Parks Authority’s lawsuit emphasizes the severe environmental damage caused by Haj’s actions. To support its claim, the NPA has presented an expert opinion from Dr. Noam Leder, Director of the Ecology Division at the NPA.
Dr. Leder’s report utilizes a probabilistic model to demonstrate the impact of poaching a single deer on the overall population.
According to Dr. Leder’s findings, reintroducing a single adult female deer to the wild necessitates the release of five captive females, with the hope that at least one will survive and integrate into the existing herd.
The lawsuit meticulously calculates the costs involved in this reintroduction process, including expenses for ecologists, inspectors, captive deer rearing, and necessary equipment such as transmitters.
Dr. Leder underscored the significance of the Israeli deer, describing it as a “distinctive symbol of nature in Israel” and highlighting the vital role the species plays in the country’s natural heritage.
The expert stressed that the responsibility for preserving this species from extinction rests heavily on the State of Israel’s ability to enforce protective measures and undertake necessary conservation actions.
The Broader Context of Wildlife Protection
The Israeli deer, with its population of approximately 5,500 individuals, represents a crucial element of Israel’s wildlife. Historically, the species’ range extended from the Arabian Peninsula through Syria and west to Sinai.
However, due to extensive hunting following World War I, the deer’s numbers dwindled dramatically, leading to its extinction in the region except for Israel.
Current threats to the deer population include illegal hunting, predation by stray dogs, and habitat loss.
Additionally, increased vehicle traffic poses a significant risk of collisions. The NPA’s lawsuit aims to highlight these challenges and advocate for stronger protective measures to ensure the survival of this endangered species.
A Call for Public Awareness and Action
Dr. Leder’s report serves as a call to action for the Israeli public to recognize the real damage inflicted on nature through illegal hunting and the violation of protected natural values.
The lawsuit seeks not only to hold Haj accountable but also to raise awareness about the broader environmental consequences of wildlife crime.
The NPA hopes that this legal action will deter potential offenders and emphasize the importance of safeguarding Israel’s natural heritage.
By securing damages and using the funds for conservation efforts, the authority aims to mitigate the impact of poaching and support the ongoing preservation of the Israeli deer population.
Conclusion
The Nature and Parks Authority’s lawsuit against Jamal Haj marks a pivotal moment in Israel’s efforts to combat wildlife crime and protect endangered species.
By pursuing a significant financial claim, the NPA underscores the seriousness of the offense and the broader implications for environmental conservation.
As the case progresses, it will undoubtedly serve as a critical precedent for future wildlife protection efforts and reinforce the importance of preserving Israel’s unique natural heritage.