Carmel Hai-Bar Nature Reserve

By the turn of the twentieth century, many of larger animals who had once made their homes in Eretz Israel disappeared from the landscape, largely because of large-scale hunting. These animals had been an important link in the ecosystem. The Hai-Bar (wildlife preserve) was established so that the animals that are suited to life in the Mediterranean scrub forest can return to this region.

The re-acclimation process has three main stages. At first, the animals live in reproduction pens, which are built in a place as similar as possible to the environment in which the animals will eventually be released. During the second stage, the best candidates move into a larger penned-in area, where they acclimate to the Carmel Mountain Range. The final stage is the release of the animals into the natural world.

Four species of mammals (wild sheep, wild goats, fallow deer, and roe deer) and three species of birds of prey (Griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures, and Bonelli`s eagle) are bred at the wildlife preserve. Many Griffon vultures have been released in an effort revive the significantly diminished vulture population.

Because the Hai-Bar Carmel Nature Reserve is not always open, we suggest that you call before you set out. Guided tours are available but must be arranged in advance.