Yoav, what is bird conservation?

Bird conservation is more than just safeguarding birds; we consider birds as ambassadors for the entire natural system. When we protect birds and their habitats, we conserve an area to ensure their presence within it. In our efforts for nature conservation, we protect entire natural systems—their area, size, and continuity— to support the natural biological processes happening there in an optimal way.  There are various methods for nature conservation, and it's undoubtedly a complex field. Birds present an added layer of complexity in conservation compared to plants, for example. Interested in preserving a plant? Then you need to safeguard its direct location. Due to their spatial mobility, birds traverse from place to place. Effectively protecting birds requires overseeing a broader area. When dealing with migratory birds, the focus is on preserving their breeding grounds, wintering grounds—potentially on another continent—and stopover sites along their migration routes. Furthermore, birds face climate change risks over a significantly wider geographic range compared to other, less mobile organisms.

Is the situation so critical that significant resources need to be invested to prevent birds from declines and extinction?

The situation of the birds is no different from that of all other nature in the world, and certainly the biological diversity in the world is in a severe crisis that is linked with the climate crisis. Some researchers call it the 'sixth extinction'. Extinction rates of birds and other organisms around the world are at a parallel rate to dramatic extinction events that caused, for example, the extinction of the dinosaurs. So really we are now in a very, very serious situation.

Has the construction and industrialization along the East Mediterranean in the last century significantly worsened the situation? 

Certainly, especially in recent decades, the pace of development and industrialization has increased. Israel is a very complex country regarding this matter. On one hand, Israel is rich in biodiversity. Maybe not as diverse as tropical countries like Colombia or Indonesia. Yet, for this region, Israel is a biodiversity hotspot. Preserving nature here is of great importance, perhaps even more so than in other places in the world. On the other hand, the State of Israel is one of the densest countries globally, with a very high population growth rate.

We experience rapid population growth, characteristic of third-world countries, and simultaneously, we enjoy a high quality of life, leading to extensive development and industrialization.

The pressure on the natural systems in Israel is immense, and it is reflected in its changing and declining biodiversity. There are significant declines in both the populations of breeding birds and those passing through Israel. Approximately one-third of Israel’s breeding bird species are at risk of extinction. This is not just a feeling; it is a well-documented process, backed by science, considering the rate of change in population with probabilities for the future.

What is the difference between a breeding bird and a migratory bird?

In Israel, some breeding birds are with us only during the breeding season, after that they migrate to other regions. Other breeding species are resident and stay here year-round. In general, breeding birds remain here for a longer period than migrants, and utilize resources differently compared to migratory birds. The richness and density of breeding birds, especially of sensitive, habitat-specific species, can be used as a strong indication for the overall biological condition of a habitat or ecosystem.

Some migratory birds pass over Israel in continuous flight without landing, others stop for a short time, eat a few bites, and continue. Others stay for longer stopovers, to replenish their energy levels before moving on. This represents a significantly different use of resources. Therefore, when considering nature conservation in Israel, we need to take into account not only birds that breed here but also those that migrate. Some migratory birds use anthropogenic (man-made) habitats, such as different agricultural areas, to rest, feed, and continue.

Due to the special geographical location of Israel, as the only land bridge between Eurasian and Africa, situated like a critical gas station at the verge of the wide desert belt of northern Africa, the stopover sites in the country serve very large populations of birds from vast geographical areas worldwide and are of global importance.

Do you observe any changes in migration patterns from the coastal plain towards the inland or alterations in the routes they traverse?

The changes we observe are less from east to west and more from north to south. Some species exhibit greater adaptability and plasticity in their migratory habits, allowing them to respond to changing conditions and adjust their migratory patterns. On the contrary, there are other species that show less plasticity and adhere to their traditional routes. This lack of flexibility can pose challenges for these birds, risking their ability to cope with climate change. For instance, certain birds migrate vast distances from extremely northern regions to the farthest southern areas. As they approach the poles, the impacts of climate change become more intense, leading to extending migration distances. Climate Change could add another 2000-3000 kilometers in each direction, which could be a matter of life and death. On the other hand, there are birds that in the past never wintered in Israel or in much smaller numbers, and today a significant portion spends the winter here, such as the Black Kite and Common Crane. Increasing proportion of their populations stopped migrating to Africa and spend the winter in Israel. These changes aren't just about climate changes, there are also factors related to land use changes and other developments with new conditions created that makes wintering here more comfortable. For example, Black Kites utilize in winter the enormous landfill sites around the country (remember the increasing human population, consumption and standard of living?).

Do conservation actions also include dealing with invasive species such as the Common Myna and Ring-necked Parakeet in Israel?

Certainly, invasive species are among the most significant risks to biodiversity, globally and in Israel. More research has been conducted globally, resulting in a better understanding of the link between the appearance of invasive species and their impact on native biodiversity. In Israel there is still work to be done on the matter, but the results are visible empirically. When we talk about alien species, we mean species that have spread around the world not as a result of natural process but because of human interventions. In urban and rural areas of Israel, Common Myna and Ring-necked Parakeet stand out among the most prominent species. While there is still insufficient research demonstrating the link between the appearance of these species and the decline in several native species, one doesn't need to be a great scientist to figure out the connection.  It is a complex problem and unfortunately, at the national level, currently there is no solution in sight, and there is no current method to eliminate the Common Mynas.

How does the issue of hunting affect conservation?

On June 11, 2006, I was working in Agamon Hula (nature park in the north of Israel. I.S). I found a White Stork with an African spear stuck in it. Last spring, another White Stork was spotted in Israel with an African spear stuck in it by my friend Ady Gancz. In Africa, a considerable number of people hunt wild animals for protein and for their survival, because of the widespread poverty in the continent. Unlike some other regions where you can approach hunters and suggest alternative methods, this isn't the case in Africa- It's not effective to come as a white man and tell the locals , "This is wrong, don't hunt animals."  We are working on this together with nature conservation organizations in Africa, in places where we know White Storks are hunted. In Tanzania, for example, an organization called Nature Tanzania initiates more advanced conservation projects, aiming to assist local communities in developing alternative economic paths.

While in Africa you can't really call it illegal hunting, here in the Middle East there is widespread illegal hunting. In the Middle East and around the Mediterranean basin,  one of the biggest challenges in wildlife conservation is hunting. I participated in a groundbreaking study published a few years ago that estimated the number of birds hunted illegally around the Mediterranean basin and the Middle East at around 30 to 40 million birds annually.  Some people hunt for sport and post on social media. There are species in the world that have already become extinct due to hunting and there are species that are on the verge of extinction. In Israel, there is relatively more efficiency in addressing illegal hunting than in other countries around us. In addition, the issue is different in Israel because, within the context of kosher dietary laws, one cannot consume an animal they have hunted. Hunting has never been a part of Jewish culture.

How do you see the state of the birds in five years from today?

Currently, I'm not very optimistic. When considering the climate and biodiversity crisis and the way the world is dealing with this crisis does not leave much room for hope. At the moment, both in Israel and worldwide, we are falling short— not just a minor setback but a significant failure to meet any goals to tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis.

When you zoom out and observe the broader processes, it may seem tempting to shut it down here and seek another world for us to live in. However, when you zoom in and examine the specific areas where we do make an impact—through successful nature conservation founded on science, collaboration with communities, and the participation of various parties —there is certainly room for hope. For example, in recent years, we have been focusing on habitat restoration, in Israel and worldwide. We are increasingly investing in this initiative, recognizing the current inadequacy of natural areas to the global processes of climate and biodiversity crisis. It is crucial to reverse this trend by restoring damaged areas, ensuring more areas for nature in the years 2030 and 2050. In Israel, our primary efforts involve habitats severely affected over the last century. We have seen local successes through projects in Emek HaMaayanot (valley in the north of Israel I.S) and the Carmel Coast (Coastal area near the Mediterranean sea I.S). Recognizing the potential of fish ponds—given the financial collapse of the fishing industry in Israel and the abandoned fish ponds owned by kibbutzim—we've forged partnerships to cultivate nature instead of fish. While our existing projects have been highly successful at the local level, a broader impact requires more areas and greater participation by different organizations including government agencies.

How did you get interested in birds?

I began my birding journey as a child in Jerusalem. While my parents weren't birders, they cultivated a love for nature by frequently taking my brother, who is also a birder, and me outdoors. Recognizing our interest, they enrolled us in the only nature club available in Jerusalem at the time – birding club. Had it been a snail club, perhaps I'd be a snail expert today. We joined the club at a very young age, where I was fortunate to have excellent guides and mentors. My passion for birds started early, and by my teenage years I was already working in the field. I even tutored in the same birding club where I had started, and worked on surveys and research. After completing my military service, I immediately joined The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, where I've been working ever since.

What was your field of research in the PhD?

I studied for my PhD at the University of East Anglia in England, but the research itself took place in Spain and Portugal. Primarily in Europe, humans have been influencing nature for millennia, and many animals have adapted to an environment extensively managed by humans. Agricultural areas in Europe were traditionally managed in a particular way—farmers plowing the land with donkeys or oxen at a slow pace, without pesticides or irrigation, using a rotational system between cereal growing and livestock raising at low densities. Various animals, including different birds, adapted to live within this low-key agricultural system. 

In recent decades, especially with the establishment of the European Union, agricultural policy with substantial EU subsidies began to develop. Agriculture is now undergoing a process of significant industrialization, characterized by intensive farming, homogeneity, and the use of irrigation and pesticides. Many animals, including birds, are reacting to these changes.

My specific focus was on a bird called Great Bustard, a large and impressive species facing the risk of global extinction, with a large portion of its global population living in Spain and Portugal. I studied the agricultural changes in these regions, and linked population changes of Great Bustards and other bird species with these agricultural changes. I identified ecological processes and provided recommendations for nature conservation policies. This project was essentially a collaborative effort with local governments in Spain and Portugal to assist them in better management of natural and cultural resources and preventing the extinction of species like the Great Bustard

What project are you currently working on?

I am currently serving as director of BirdLife Israel (formerly known as the Israel Ornithological Center, I.S.), a department within The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel. In my role, I oversee the different various activities at BirdLife Israel and manage project managers. I lead and manage several ongoing conservation initiatives in Israel, such as wetland restoration. BirdLife Israel’s responsibilities include data collection on the state of the birds of Israel, to inform conservation. In collaboration with others, I imported to Israel a citizen-based data collection system, eBird. In partnership with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, renowned pioneers citizens science, we implemented their system here, translated and adjusted it to use in Israel. Additionally, BirdLife Israel manages a national network of bird observatories, including the Nili and David Jerusalem Bird Observatory and Eilat Birding Center. These centers collect data on birds, and carry out important outreach work – education, tourism, community work and advocacy.

How would you advise someone interested in birding to take it one step further?

There is an abundance of information available on the Internet today—numerous photographs, videos, written materials, sounds, and online courses that are easily accessible and provide a strong theoretical background. However, there is no substitute for going out into the field and experiencing it firsthand. Those with the confidence and ability should venture out on their own, exploring the surroundings near their homes and traveling to different places in the country. I acknowledge this is more challenging for women. The more you discover and research, the greater your knowledge and confidence become in bird identification and in knowing how to find them. There are options to connect with others who can help and teach, whether they be mentors or fellow birders. Birding clubs operate throughout the country, and guided tours are also available.

We have definitely seen in recent years a very large increase in the number of people who are interested in birdwatching in Israel.

Contact Yoav Perlman

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