Israel Tackles Conservation

Abstract

Intensive agricultural and urban development by Jewish settlers, coupled with a population explosion among the Bedouin Arabs (and their goats), have brought rapid changes to both the fauna and flora of Israel. While the increase in suburban gardens has benefited some birds, the use of pesticides has exterminated others, and the use of the Negev for army training brought near disaster to the desert gazelle. But the Jewish people are conservationminded. Dr. Ashby, recently returned from Israel, describes how they are tackling the task of making five per cent. of their country into nature reserves.