28 December 2021
An outbreak of avian influenza H5N1 has killed more than 5,200 migratory cranes in Israel, prompting authorities to declare a popular nature reserve (Hula Lake park) off-limits to visitors. The deaths of thousands of wild birds in the Hula Nature Reserve, one of the world’s premier bird sanctuaries, is a tragic ecological event. Carcasses of other waterbirds, such as pelicans and egrets, have also been found.
About 50,000 cranes pass through Israel each year on the way to Africa and a small number stay behind. This year, an estimated 30,000 cranes stayed in Israel for the winter.
Image by: Hadas Kahaner/Israel Nature and Parks Authority
