For 15 years, Nature and Parks Authority inspector Ezra Hadad has been researching and documenting the elusive life of the striped hyena, one of the mysterious creatures of Israeli wildlife, for scientific research purposes. Selected images will be presented starting next Thursday at an exhibition at the Gail Rubin Nature and Art Gallery at the Jerusalem Bird Observatory.
The exhibit will feature rare footage of the endangered hyena, from the Judean Hills as well as the western Negev, including images of the hyenas' daily lives in Israel: mating, feeding, and a previously unknown phenomenon, babysitting.
The Nature and Parks Authority stated that this is the first time that an entire exhibition is dedicated to the nocturnal creature, which has been subjected to ancient prejudice. During the exhibition and throughout the spring months, there will be a variety of lectures and activities for children and teenagers, with fascinating lectures on hyena research.
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Hyenas have a negative image due to prejudice
(Photo: Ezra Hadad, Nature and Parks Authority)
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After 15 year, Hadad will present photos and findings about the hyena
(Photo: Ezra Hadad, Nature and Parks Authority)
Hadad described his research: "Through prolonged tracking and extensive data collection, I managed to document special moments in the lives of hyenas. Together with my colleagues, we discovered that the family structure, managed by a mature female, includes a combination of a 'babysitter,' chosen from the older pups which then assists in raising its siblings, mainly in guarding and playing with the pups."
"I discovered that the hyena's food composition likely changes according to proximity to various human settlements. Over the years, waste components originating from human settlements become more significant in its diet, which explains the increasing and growing frequency of human-hyena encounters," he added.
The exhibition aims to shed a positive light on the importance of the hyena in the Israeli ecosystem as the "apex janitor" of Israel's ecosystem. "The coming years will be crucial for the future of the hyenas in Israel. I see the importance of presenting the exhibition to the public on the 60th anniversary of the Nature and Parks Authority and its work in preserving wildlife," said Hadad.
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Hyena-Human encounters are increasing
(Photo: Ezra Hadad, Nature and Parks Authority)
The endangered hyena, which has recently been making headlines in an increasing number of Israeli cities, such as Ruthie the hyena from Modi'in who intrigued many and ultimately was run over, has become an inseparable part of reality in urban and rural settlements.
"The increasing friction between humans and hyenas creates complex nature conservation challenges, requiring nature inspectors to find ways to reduce the impact on this unique animal while preserving the people's sense of security. Hopefully, focusing on research, sustainable planning, environmental management, and education will help preserve the hyena in Israeli nature," said Amir Belban, director of Urban Nature at the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel.