Arabian oryx and other mammals in Israel (1 Viewer)

Steve Babbs · Jul 2, 2014

Hi all

I’m considering a trip to Israel for the first two weeks of next April. One of my main targets would be Arabian oryx. From the report by Timo Marijnissen it seems the best bet is Ein Shak. Does anyone have any thoughts on the best area to see them, nearby accommodation etc? In fact any tips on mammal watching in Israel would be much appreciated.

Regards

Steve

Xenospiza · Jul 2, 2014

Apparently you can stay in Hazeva (also written Hatzeva, Hatseva).
As it is a moshav it may well be gated, so find out if you can get out early/get in late (although I assume you can), but you'll be very close to the site.
It's about an hour from Ein Gedi: there must be accommodation between Ein Gedi and Ein Shahak.

I can't help you with mammal watching tips (Ibex and Hyrax are a doddle at Ein Gedi). Note that I've been refused entry to Neot HaKikkar (north of Hazeva) once because of people smugglers in the area. Assume you will be watched!

jurek · Jul 2, 2014

I though Arabian oryx in Israel are not considered wild by any authority.

Steve Babbs · Jul 3, 2014

jurek said:
I though Arabian oryx in Israel are not considered wild by any authority.

As they went extinct in the wild re-introduced animals are sadly the best available.

Steve Babbs · Jul 3, 2014

Xenospiza said:
Apparently you can stay in Hazeva (also written Hatzeva, Hatseva).
As it is a moshav it may well be gated, so find out if you can get out early/get in late (although I assume you can), but you'll be very close to the site.
It's about an hour from Ein Gedi: there must be accommodation between Ein Gedi and Ein Shahak.

I can't help you with mammal watching tips (Ibex and Hyrax are a doddle at Ein Gedi). Note that I've been refused entry to Neot HaKikkar (north of Hazeva) once because of people smugglers in the area. Assume you will be watched!

Thanks. Much appreciated.

rockfowl · Jul 3, 2014

Done quite a lot of mammal watching in Israel Steve, a great destination if you put the time in though a good challenge to define your targets and plan allocated time. Wolves in the Golan or Negev, Jungle Cat easy in the Hula, Striped Hyena, Caracal ?
The Punks did well with an impressive 42 species in a week! - http://birdingfrontiers.com/2014/01/16/dorcas-gazelle/ though I haven't yet seen the trip report.

Arabian oryx and other mammals in Israel (1 Viewer)

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