Objective
The drainage of the 6,000 hectare Hula Lake and swamp in Northern Israel during the late 1950's resulted in the loss of a very diverse and rare ecosystem. The Hula Lake and swamp was one of the very few large habitats for freshwater flora in the Near East as well as an important phytogeographic meeting zone for holoartic and paleotropic species (Zohary and Orshansky, 1947). It was an important feeding station for migrating birds as well as a bird breeding ground and wintering area. It was also a significant habitat for hundreds of invertebrate species and 16 fish species were known to exist in the lake.
Re flooding part of the swamp area has created the opportunity to restore some of the features that were lost by drying the largest wetland system in Israel. The restoration and conservation of the reflooded area requires the re introduction of characteristic endemic plant and animal species. In addition, the relatively small area of re flooded swamp requires management to maintain high habitat diversity and prevent homogenization and closure of the area by invading woody species (mainly Tamarix jordanis). To this end, the introduction of large herbivores such as the native water buffalo and the newly re introduced species of Persian fallow deer (Dama dama mesopotamica) is essential. This will result in a diverse ecosystem structure suitable for the bird population that migrates through the valley and winters there.
The proposed restoration and conservation project will be based on the following principles:
- The reintroduction of lost animal and plant species such as the extremely rare Persian Fallow deer (Dama dama mesopotamica) and the recreation of destroyed habitats;
- The protection of species and sites from intrusive plants and harmful rodents;
- The management of the vegetation for habitat diversity by the introduction of water buffalo grazing in selected areas and through controlled mowing;
- Creation of specific niche habitats for animal and plant species (establishment of shading trees for animal shelter and creating an habitat for common stern, Sterna hirundo, nesting);
- Monitoring the ecosystem to determine the success or failure of restoration and conservation measures.
Topic(s)
Data not availableCall for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
12100 Rosh Pina
Israel