Touring Israel with a tour guide

  The Common Lionfish (Pterois miles) With its distinctive, feathery fins & zebra stripes, the lionfish is one Mediterranean’s most grave ecological threats. Native to the Indo-Pacific, the lionfish found its way into the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal. Without natural predators in these waters, its population has exploded. They use their wide, fan-like fins to corner small fish & crustaceans; a lionfish’s stomach can expand up to 30 times its normal size, & a single lionfish can reduce a reef’s native fish population by up to 80% in just a few weeks! They have 18 venomous spines across their back, belly & tail, packed with a potent neurotoxin, which causes excruciating pain. If you are ever stung, soak the wound in hot (not scalding) water to break down the venom proteins until medical help arrives. While rarely fatal to healthy humans, a sting is incredibly painful, causing swelling, nausea & severe discomfort. If you see one, admire from a distance – never ...

The Golden Jackal (Canis aureus) Often mistaken for a small wolf or stray dog, the Golden Jackal is a highly intelligent predator that has mastered the art of survival across the Middle East, Europe & South Asia. 🌍 Habitat: In Israel, you’ll find them thriving in Mediterranean woodlands, coastal plains, agricultural fields & even on the fringes of urban areas. 🍽️ Diet (Prey): They are opportunistic omnivores, hunting small mammals but they also eat fruit, insects, carrion & scraps from human settlements. They play a vital ecological role as nature’s clean-up crew. ⚔️ Predators: Their main natural threats are larger carnivores. In Israel, they are occasionally hunted by large eagles which can snatch their pups. Sadly, many are killed on Israeli roads each year. 💞 Mating & Family: They are strictly monogamous & form strong, lifelong pair bonds. Mating occurs in late winter (January–February). After a gestation of about 63 days, the female gives birth to a litt...

The Lupine (Lupinus pilosus) One of Israel’s spring wildflowers, these tall, spiky blooms turn the country’s open fields & woodlands into a sea of violet & blue from late February through April. Native to the Mediterranean basin, the scientific name Lupinus comes from the Latin word lupus (wolf), because ancient botanists believed the plants "devoured" the soil's nutrients. They actually do the opposite - it’s a natural soil improver, fixing nitrogen into the earth, helping other plants to thrive. Lupus may also refer to its toxins - see below. These were photographed in the Elah Valley - where David slew Goliath. Wild lupines contain high levels of alkaloids (specifically quinolizidine alkaloids). If you eat the raw seeds, leaves, or flowers, it can cause severe poisoning. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, confusion, rapid heartbeat & in severe cases, respiratory paralysis. AND it can be fatal. Soaking removes the toxins, & in Middle Eastern & Medit...

Lagaat Bahayot   In the heart of the  Givat Haim  region, this wonderful petting zoo & agricultural farm offers a truly special, up-close, hands-on experience with nature. It's not a typical zoo where you peer through fences; here, the animals roam freely, & you're invited to interact with & feed them. What makes it a must-visit? The farm is home to many friendly creatures such as goats, sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs & even the occasional llama or pony. They are really well-cared for & absolutely love the attention from visitors. Set in the agricultural fields of the Hefer Valley, the farm offers a rustic atmosphere that's perfect for a relaxing family afternoon. Especially in the spring when the wild flowers bloom around the enclosures. Perfect for All Ages:  Whether you're travelling with young children who want to bottle-feed the baby goats, or you are adults looking for a mindful break from city life, this place delivers! Authentic Farm Experien...

The Terebinth tree (Pistacia atlantica) This one was photographed in the Valley of Elah - which is most famous as the biblical site where David defeated Goliath. Known for its resilience, this cousin of the pistachio & the mastic tree thrives in the harshest of climates, offering shade where little else grows. Here are 3 reasons to appreciate this natural wonder: *Superpower: It can survive with almost no water, making it a crucial "guardian" against desertification. *Medicinal Secret: Its resin, known as "terebinth," has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to soothe ailments. *Wildlife Haven: Its small, red fruits are a vital food source for birds & animals in harsh environments. Humans can also safely eat terebinth fruit; they have a rich, nutty flavour & are very nutritious, containing high amounts of dietary fiber, healthy fats, & antioxidants, The ripe berries are roasted & ground to make a popular caffeine-free, nutty beverage c...