Hundreds of Wild Birds Found Dead in Southern Israel

Hundreds of wild birds, including rare and endangered species, have been found dead in southern Israel, with authorities suspecting pesticide poisoning as the cause.

The Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) confirmed on Sunday that a total of 335 black kites, a greater spotted eagle, a lapwing, and a gray crow were discovered near Moshav Patish, a small community in the southern part of the country.

Rangers swiftly collected the carcasses, which have been sent for autopsy. The results are expected in the next 24 to 48 hours to confirm the exact cause of death.

Although the specific pesticide responsible has not yet been identified, experts suspect that the chemical used may have been toxic to a variety of species and could persist in the environment for extended periods.

The INPA’s new chief scientist, Prof. Dror Hablana, issued a dire warning about the potential impact of the chemical, describing the situation as “the tip of the iceberg.”

He stressed that the pesticide could have far-reaching consequences for Israel’s wildlife, particularly birds of prey.

“It is possible that the chemical was used properly,” Hablana said, “but this tragedy underscores the ongoing issue of pesticide misuse in Israel, whether deliberate or accidental. Without proper regulation and enforcement, our efforts to protect wildlife are futile.”

He also emphasized the need for greater cooperation between the Environmental Protection Ministry and the Agriculture Ministry’s Plant Protection Service to ensure better control over agricultural toxins.

The INPA has long worked to protect and breed birds of prey, particularly the griffon vulture, a species often victimized by pesticide poisoning.

In many cases, farmers deliberately poison carcasses of animals, such as cows, to ward off wolves and other wild or feral animals that may threaten their livestock. However, these poisoned carcasses also pose a fatal risk to birds of prey, which often scavenge from them.

Hablana’s predecessor, Yehoshua Shkedy, had previously called for tighter regulations on pesticide and fertilizer use, advocating for laws that would allow authorities to arrest individuals suspected of poisoning wildlife.

In 2021, Shkedy specifically called for restrictions on the sale and ownership of dangerous chemicals, warning that the absence of such regulations left wildlife vulnerable.

As it stands, pesticides can be purchased freely, and suspects can only be charged if caught in the act of poisoning.

The affected bird species include the black kite, which, despite being plentiful globally, has been regionally extinct since the early 2000s, although the birds still migrate through or visit Israel during the winter.

The greater spotted eagle, also a seasonal visitor, is classified as globally vulnerable, making its loss all the more concerning.

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing challenges Israel faces in balancing agricultural practices with environmental conservation.

As authorities await the autopsy results, they are calling for immediate action to prevent further wildlife casualties and to ensure that the country’s biodiversity is better protected against the dangers of pesticide misuse.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members