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SPNI report: One quarter of nesting birds are in danger By Zafrir Rinat Tags: negev  The situation of over 20 species of birds in Israel has worsened considerably in recent years, and one-quarter of local nesting species are facing various levels of threats - and possibly extinction. These are the conclusions of a report released ahead of the Jerusalem Environment and Nature Conference, sponsored by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) and opening today in the capital. The report, prepared by Dan Alon and Yoav Perlman of the SPNI's Israel Ornithological Center, cites changes that have affected the status of birds since publication six years ago of "The Red Book" (the list of endangered fauna in Israel). Since publication of the book, the report states, the situation of 21 bird species has worsened, while that of only two has improved, and 13 species that were not in danger before are defined as such today. Particularly noticeable is the worsening plight of desert birds such as the hoopoe lark and the pin-tailed sandgrouse, which are affected by the development of agriculture in various parts of the Negev. Advertisement In total, there are currently 18 species in Israel facing a serious threat of extinction, and there is a high probability that they will disappear completely within a few years, if no measures to save them are implemented. The report further notes that several of the larger local birds of prey are under serious threat: There are only a few remaining pairs of golden eagles, which have been severely affected by poisonings, electrocution and nest robbing in areas of the Palestinian Authority. The vulture population in the Golan Heights and Galilee has been hurt by poisonings and there has also been a decline in the population of Egyptian vultures; today there are around 50 pairs of nesting couples in Israel, compared to 150 some 20 years ago. Songbirds silenced? The number of Houbara buzzards living in the Negev dropped 75 percent within a decade and there has also been a decline in the number of songbirds, such as Cretzschmar's bunting, which has suffered due to the disappearance of natural forests and other vegetation. Another species affected is the golden oriole, which hatches very small numbers of eggs (less than 10 couples are doing so) in eucalyptus forests in the Hula Valley; it is gradually disappearing due to the fact that the trees are aging and being cut down. Report authors Perlman and Alon call for agricultural planning in the Negev that does not adversely affect the habitats of wild animals. They also recommend increasing efforts to prevent electrocution, and reducing the use of poisoning via a government monitoring authority that will determine environmentally friendly methods of using the land for agricultural purposes. The authors also recommend supervision of hiking and army training to prevent damage to nesting sites. Related articles: Looking for a national bird - does the bulbul fit the bill? Ringing in the changes Catching two birds with many brushes Bookmark to del.icio.us   Fear of extinction The state of over 20 species of birds in Israel has worsened considerably. Taking advantage Jerusalem police probe possible gang rape of disabled woman.

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