Humans increase the limited number of daylight hours available to them by using artificial light ... more Humans increase the limited number of daylight hours available to them by using artificial light at night (ALAN) to improve their ability to continue functioning under light conditions. Several studies found that ALAN has multiple impacts on wildlife, and even humans. We examined whether the prey of striped hyenas (Hyaena hyaena), a commensal of human-altered areas, has adapted to this change in the natural environment. We collected prey remains in 12 different dens during 20 breeding attempts between 1993 and 2022. Our analysis shows that ALAN had no impact on diet or den distribution in central Israel. We were able to identify 654 prey items from 49 species in the dens. We divided the species into five main groups: domestic animals (11 species), wild mammals (19), reptiles (3), and birds (17). Domestic animals were the most numerous in the diet. We also found vegetative species, mainly fruits and vegetables, of 10 species in the dens. In conclusion, our study shows that the plasticity of striped hyena feeding behavior, which may vary depending on geographical region and habitat, and is influenced by human and livestock waste disposal. Their respectful behavior and tolerance of human disturbance make the striped hyena an exceptional carnivore, providing ecosystem services. Therefore, public awareness of the importance of protecting this species in the Middle East must be developed to raise appropriate environmental education programs for the public.
The striped hyena is an enigmatic species that is little studied. It is mainly found in semiarid ... more The striped hyena is an enigmatic species that is little studied. It is mainly found in semiarid and arid regions and is described as elusive, cryptic, nocturnal, and solitary. The global distribution is disjunct, and the species suffers from human persecution. However, specific communities consider them to be commensals. Owing to their scavenging behavior, striped hyenas are disproportionately involved in vehicular‐wildlife incidents, most of which are fatal. By combining data collected by the Scientific Data Department of the Israel Nature Parks Authority with information from remote sensing imaging, we illustrate the distribution of the striped hyena, identify critical habitats in which they occur, and illustrate the zones with the highest conflicts in the whole of Israel and the West Bank. The scale of striped hyena mortality (44.3/year) suggests that populations are much higher than previous estimates. We found more striped hyena carcasses on road/highway networks and urban areas than in natural surroundings. Our results should help focus the efforts to mitigate wildlife road kills by implementing conservation measures in urban areas and inter‐city highways, with a stress on striped hyena mortality.
Even though birds are some of the most common road-killed animals, it remains to be
determined wh... more Even though birds are some of the most common road-killed animals, it remains to be determined whether avian roadkills are related to breeding numbers and breeding success, mainly due to a lack of study areas that monitor breeding populations and roadkills. We studied whether barn owl breeding numbers and breeding success are related to roadkills. We monitored yearly barn owl breeding numbers (2174 breeding attempts and 1682 adults ringed) and breeding success (9380 nestlings ringed) and monitored 95 km of roads weekly for roadkills from 2009 to 2017 in the Beit Shean and Emek Yizreel Valleys, Israel. During the study period, we documented 1073 roadkilled barn owls, of which 328 were ring recoveries. The highest mortality occurred between July to September, coinciding with the barn owl post-fledging period. The number of breeding pairs and the number of nestlings ringed were positively related to the total number of barn owl roadkill, the proportion of roadkill ring recoveries, and the proportion of ring recovered roadkills in the first year of their life. First-year owls represent the majority of ringed owls, accounting for 64.6%, while adult owls compose 35.4%. Notably, a substantial fraction of adult ring recoveries, encompassing 67.2%, may pertain to floaters since we did not observe these individuals as breeding adults. Even though more females were found as roadkill ring recoveries, the proportion of male/female ring recoveries from roadkills was similar to that of adults ringed at the nest boxes. This study is the first that shows that barn owl roadkills are density-dependent and demonstrate the importance of monitoring breeding and population numbers in roadkill studies.
In an ongoing study of the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), we observed that in the nine
different ... more In an ongoing study of the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), we observed that in the nine different females, alloparenting by the daughters of a previous litter was not uncommon and occurred on fifteen different occasions, twice with two helpers. Alloparenting persisted from when the cubs are approximately a month old until they reach the age when they go out foraging with their mothers at 10–12 months. Helpers perform most maternal duties, except suckling, even in the mother’s presence. Helpers accrued indirect fitness and practiced parenting before reaching sexual maturity. Future studies must study the reproductive biology of the striped hyena in the wild throughout its geographic range to elucidate additional breeding properties that have not yet been identified. The continued persecution of striped hyenas and the lack of information about their breeding rituals and capabilities in the wild mean that this study of their different reproduction strategies, focusing on surrogate mothers, is of great conservation importance. The fact that we have found cooperative breeding in this solitary species suggests that there is much more to uncover of the enigmatic striped hyena in the wild.
Population trends of striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) in Israel for the past five decades, 2023
The striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) is considered "Near Threatened" globally and "Vulnerable" in th... more The striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) is considered "Near Threatened" globally and "Vulnerable" in the Middle East. In Israel, the species has experienced extreme population fluctuations owing to poisoning campaigns during the British Mandate (1918-1948) which were also further exacerbated by the Israeli authorities in the mid-twentieth century. We collated data from the archives of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority for the past 47 years to elucidate the temporal and geographic trends of this species. During this period we found a 68% increase in population and the estimated density is at present 2.1 individuals/100km 2. This is significantly higher than all previous estimates for Israel. It appears that the major factors contributing to their phenomenal increase in number are the increase in prey availability because of the intensification of human development, preying on Bedouin livestock, the extinction of the leopard (Panthera pardus nimr), and the hunting of wild boars (Sus scorfa) and other agricultural pests in some parts of the country. Reasons should also be sought in increasing people's awareness as well as in advanced technological capabilities that have allowed an improved observation and reporting system. Future studies need to understand the effects of the large concentrations of striped hyenas on the spatial distribution and temporal activity of other sympatric wildlife to ensure the continued persistence of the wildlife guilds in the Israeli nature.
Regional Sustainability through Dispersal and Corridor Use of Asiatic Lion Panthera leo persica in the Eastern Greater Gir Landscape, 2024
Despite previous concerns regarding the survival of Asiatic Lions confined to the Gir
Protected A... more Despite previous concerns regarding the survival of Asiatic Lions confined to the Gir Protected Area, their dispersal into surrounding landscapes has become a subject of considerable research and discussion. This study employs species distribution modeling, corridor analysis, and additional landscape assessment using satellite-based temperatures and Land Cover statistics to investigate this dispersal and identify potential corridors based on extensive field data. The results reveal the identification of a potential corridor from Gir Wildlife Sanctuary towards Velavadar Blackbuck National Park, indicating the expansion of the Asiatic Lion’s range in the Eastern Greater Gir Landscape. These findings highlight the significance of resilience in Lion dispersal and corridor expansion, with implications for conservation and potential regional benefits, including ecosystem services and eco-tourism for sustainable development of the region.
Neo-taphonomy of striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) in Israel, 2024
Humans increase the limited number of daylight hours available to them by using artificial light ... more Humans increase the limited number of daylight hours available to them by using artificial light at night (ALAN) to improve their ability to continue functioning under light conditions. Several studies found that ALAN has multiple impacts on wildlife, and even humans. We examined whether the prey of striped hyenas (Hyaena hyaena), a commensal of human-altered areas, has adapted to this change in the natural environment. We collected prey remains in 12 different dens during 20 breeding attempts between 1993 and 2022. Our analysis shows that ALAN had no impact on diet or den distribution in central Israel. We were able to identify 654 prey items from 49 species in the dens. We divided the species into five main groups: domestic animals (11 species), wild mammals (19), reptiles (3), and birds (17). Domestic animals were the most numerous in the diet. We also found vegetative species, mainly fruits and vegetables, of 10 species in the dens. In conclusion, our study shows that the plasticity of striped hyena feeding behavior, which may vary depending on geographical region and habitat, and is influenced by human and livestock waste disposal. Their respectful behavior and tolerance of human disturbance make the striped hyena an exceptional carnivore, providing ecosystem services. Therefore, public awareness of the importance of protecting this species in the Middle East must be developed to raise appropriate environmental education programs for the public.
Our objective was to investigate the diversity of Plasmodium species in birds of the Rift Valley ... more Our objective was to investigate the diversity of Plasmodium species in birds of the Rift Valley section in Israel. Plasmodium merulae Corradetti & Scanga, 1973 was previously reported in blackbirds (Turdus merula Linnaeus, 1758), that are resident. We also report and describe three other species and seven new species of Plasmodium from migratory birds in the north, and from Eilat at the southernmost tip of the Jordan Valley. New species are: Plasmodium lusciniae sp. n., Plasmodium alloreticulatus sp. n. and Plasmodium paranuclearis sp. n. from Luscinia svecica (Linnaeus, 1758), Plasmodium phoenicuri sp. n., Plasmodium reticulatus sp. n. and Plasmodium synnuclearis sp. n. from Phoenicurus phoenicurus (Linnaeus, 1758), and Plasmodium bilobatus sp. n. from Acrocephalus schoenobaenus (Linnaeus, 1758). The morphological affinities among the new described species and between P merulae and Plasmodium vaughani Novy & MacNeal, 1904 are highlighted and discussed. The host birds belong to two families: Muscicapidae (Turdus merula, Luscinia svecica and Phoenicurus phoenicurus) and Sylviidae (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus). All the parasites species are affiliated to the so-called "vaughani complex" (Corradetti & Scanga 1973) which are small parasites that possess a characteristic refractile globule in their cytoplasm.
Humans increase the limited number of daylight hours available to them by using artificial light ... more Humans increase the limited number of daylight hours available to them by using artificial light at night (ALAN) to improve their ability to continue functioning under light conditions. Several studies found that ALAN has multiple impacts on wildlife, and even humans. We examined whether the prey of striped hyenas (Hyaena hyaena), a commensal of human-altered areas, has adapted to this change in the natural environment. We collected prey remains in 12 different dens during 20 breeding attempts between 1993 and 2022. Our analysis shows that ALAN had no impact on diet or den distribution in central Israel. We were able to identify 654 prey items from 49 species in the dens. We divided the species into five main groups: domestic animals (11 species), wild mammals (19), reptiles (3), and birds (17). Domestic animals were the most numerous in the diet. We also found vegetative species, mainly fruits and vegetables, of 10 species in the dens. In conclusion, our study shows that the plasticity of striped hyena feeding behavior, which may vary depending on geographical region and habitat, and is influenced by human and livestock waste disposal. Their respectful behavior and tolerance of human disturbance make the striped hyena an exceptional carnivore, providing ecosystem services. Therefore, public awareness of the importance of protecting this species in the Middle East must be developed to raise appropriate environmental education programs for the public.
The striped hyena is an enigmatic species that is little studied. It is mainly found in semiarid ... more The striped hyena is an enigmatic species that is little studied. It is mainly found in semiarid and arid regions and is described as elusive, cryptic, nocturnal, and solitary. The global distribution is disjunct, and the species suffers from human persecution. However, specific communities consider them to be commensals. Owing to their scavenging behavior, striped hyenas are disproportionately involved in vehicular‐wildlife incidents, most of which are fatal. By combining data collected by the Scientific Data Department of the Israel Nature Parks Authority with information from remote sensing imaging, we illustrate the distribution of the striped hyena, identify critical habitats in which they occur, and illustrate the zones with the highest conflicts in the whole of Israel and the West Bank. The scale of striped hyena mortality (44.3/year) suggests that populations are much higher than previous estimates. We found more striped hyena carcasses on road/highway networks and urban areas than in natural surroundings. Our results should help focus the efforts to mitigate wildlife road kills by implementing conservation measures in urban areas and inter‐city highways, with a stress on striped hyena mortality.
Even though birds are some of the most common road-killed animals, it remains to be
determined wh... more Even though birds are some of the most common road-killed animals, it remains to be determined whether avian roadkills are related to breeding numbers and breeding success, mainly due to a lack of study areas that monitor breeding populations and roadkills. We studied whether barn owl breeding numbers and breeding success are related to roadkills. We monitored yearly barn owl breeding numbers (2174 breeding attempts and 1682 adults ringed) and breeding success (9380 nestlings ringed) and monitored 95 km of roads weekly for roadkills from 2009 to 2017 in the Beit Shean and Emek Yizreel Valleys, Israel. During the study period, we documented 1073 roadkilled barn owls, of which 328 were ring recoveries. The highest mortality occurred between July to September, coinciding with the barn owl post-fledging period. The number of breeding pairs and the number of nestlings ringed were positively related to the total number of barn owl roadkill, the proportion of roadkill ring recoveries, and the proportion of ring recovered roadkills in the first year of their life. First-year owls represent the majority of ringed owls, accounting for 64.6%, while adult owls compose 35.4%. Notably, a substantial fraction of adult ring recoveries, encompassing 67.2%, may pertain to floaters since we did not observe these individuals as breeding adults. Even though more females were found as roadkill ring recoveries, the proportion of male/female ring recoveries from roadkills was similar to that of adults ringed at the nest boxes. This study is the first that shows that barn owl roadkills are density-dependent and demonstrate the importance of monitoring breeding and population numbers in roadkill studies.
In an ongoing study of the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), we observed that in the nine
different ... more In an ongoing study of the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), we observed that in the nine different females, alloparenting by the daughters of a previous litter was not uncommon and occurred on fifteen different occasions, twice with two helpers. Alloparenting persisted from when the cubs are approximately a month old until they reach the age when they go out foraging with their mothers at 10–12 months. Helpers perform most maternal duties, except suckling, even in the mother’s presence. Helpers accrued indirect fitness and practiced parenting before reaching sexual maturity. Future studies must study the reproductive biology of the striped hyena in the wild throughout its geographic range to elucidate additional breeding properties that have not yet been identified. The continued persecution of striped hyenas and the lack of information about their breeding rituals and capabilities in the wild mean that this study of their different reproduction strategies, focusing on surrogate mothers, is of great conservation importance. The fact that we have found cooperative breeding in this solitary species suggests that there is much more to uncover of the enigmatic striped hyena in the wild.
Population trends of striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) in Israel for the past five decades, 2023
The striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) is considered "Near Threatened" globally and "Vulnerable" in th... more The striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) is considered "Near Threatened" globally and "Vulnerable" in the Middle East. In Israel, the species has experienced extreme population fluctuations owing to poisoning campaigns during the British Mandate (1918-1948) which were also further exacerbated by the Israeli authorities in the mid-twentieth century. We collated data from the archives of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority for the past 47 years to elucidate the temporal and geographic trends of this species. During this period we found a 68% increase in population and the estimated density is at present 2.1 individuals/100km 2. This is significantly higher than all previous estimates for Israel. It appears that the major factors contributing to their phenomenal increase in number are the increase in prey availability because of the intensification of human development, preying on Bedouin livestock, the extinction of the leopard (Panthera pardus nimr), and the hunting of wild boars (Sus scorfa) and other agricultural pests in some parts of the country. Reasons should also be sought in increasing people's awareness as well as in advanced technological capabilities that have allowed an improved observation and reporting system. Future studies need to understand the effects of the large concentrations of striped hyenas on the spatial distribution and temporal activity of other sympatric wildlife to ensure the continued persistence of the wildlife guilds in the Israeli nature.
Regional Sustainability through Dispersal and Corridor Use of Asiatic Lion Panthera leo persica in the Eastern Greater Gir Landscape, 2024
Despite previous concerns regarding the survival of Asiatic Lions confined to the Gir
Protected A... more Despite previous concerns regarding the survival of Asiatic Lions confined to the Gir Protected Area, their dispersal into surrounding landscapes has become a subject of considerable research and discussion. This study employs species distribution modeling, corridor analysis, and additional landscape assessment using satellite-based temperatures and Land Cover statistics to investigate this dispersal and identify potential corridors based on extensive field data. The results reveal the identification of a potential corridor from Gir Wildlife Sanctuary towards Velavadar Blackbuck National Park, indicating the expansion of the Asiatic Lion’s range in the Eastern Greater Gir Landscape. These findings highlight the significance of resilience in Lion dispersal and corridor expansion, with implications for conservation and potential regional benefits, including ecosystem services and eco-tourism for sustainable development of the region.
Neo-taphonomy of striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) in Israel, 2024
Humans increase the limited number of daylight hours available to them by using artificial light ... more Humans increase the limited number of daylight hours available to them by using artificial light at night (ALAN) to improve their ability to continue functioning under light conditions. Several studies found that ALAN has multiple impacts on wildlife, and even humans. We examined whether the prey of striped hyenas (Hyaena hyaena), a commensal of human-altered areas, has adapted to this change in the natural environment. We collected prey remains in 12 different dens during 20 breeding attempts between 1993 and 2022. Our analysis shows that ALAN had no impact on diet or den distribution in central Israel. We were able to identify 654 prey items from 49 species in the dens. We divided the species into five main groups: domestic animals (11 species), wild mammals (19), reptiles (3), and birds (17). Domestic animals were the most numerous in the diet. We also found vegetative species, mainly fruits and vegetables, of 10 species in the dens. In conclusion, our study shows that the plasticity of striped hyena feeding behavior, which may vary depending on geographical region and habitat, and is influenced by human and livestock waste disposal. Their respectful behavior and tolerance of human disturbance make the striped hyena an exceptional carnivore, providing ecosystem services. Therefore, public awareness of the importance of protecting this species in the Middle East must be developed to raise appropriate environmental education programs for the public.
Our objective was to investigate the diversity of Plasmodium species in birds of the Rift Valley ... more Our objective was to investigate the diversity of Plasmodium species in birds of the Rift Valley section in Israel. Plasmodium merulae Corradetti & Scanga, 1973 was previously reported in blackbirds (Turdus merula Linnaeus, 1758), that are resident. We also report and describe three other species and seven new species of Plasmodium from migratory birds in the north, and from Eilat at the southernmost tip of the Jordan Valley. New species are: Plasmodium lusciniae sp. n., Plasmodium alloreticulatus sp. n. and Plasmodium paranuclearis sp. n. from Luscinia svecica (Linnaeus, 1758), Plasmodium phoenicuri sp. n., Plasmodium reticulatus sp. n. and Plasmodium synnuclearis sp. n. from Phoenicurus phoenicurus (Linnaeus, 1758), and Plasmodium bilobatus sp. n. from Acrocephalus schoenobaenus (Linnaeus, 1758). The morphological affinities among the new described species and between P merulae and Plasmodium vaughani Novy & MacNeal, 1904 are highlighted and discussed. The host birds belong to two families: Muscicapidae (Turdus merula, Luscinia svecica and Phoenicurus phoenicurus) and Sylviidae (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus). All the parasites species are affiliated to the so-called "vaughani complex" (Corradetti & Scanga 1973) which are small parasites that possess a characteristic refractile globule in their cytoplasm.
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Papers by Reuven Yosef
determined whether avian roadkills are related to breeding numbers and breeding success, mainly
due to a lack of study areas that monitor breeding populations and roadkills. We studied whether
barn owl breeding numbers and breeding success are related to roadkills. We monitored yearly
barn owl breeding numbers (2174 breeding attempts and 1682 adults ringed) and breeding success
(9380 nestlings ringed) and monitored 95 km of roads weekly for roadkills from 2009 to 2017 in the
Beit Shean and Emek Yizreel Valleys, Israel. During the study period, we documented 1073 roadkilled
barn owls, of which 328 were ring recoveries. The highest mortality occurred between July
to September, coinciding with the barn owl post-fledging period. The number of breeding pairs
and the number of nestlings ringed were positively related to the total number of barn owl roadkill,
the proportion of roadkill ring recoveries, and the proportion of ring recovered roadkills in the first
year of their life. First-year owls represent the majority of ringed owls, accounting for 64.6%, while
adult owls compose 35.4%. Notably, a substantial fraction of adult ring recoveries, encompassing
67.2%, may pertain to floaters since we did not observe these individuals as breeding adults. Even
though more females were found as roadkill ring recoveries, the proportion of male/female ring
recoveries from roadkills was similar to that of adults ringed at the nest boxes. This study is the
first that shows that barn owl roadkills are density-dependent and demonstrate the importance of
monitoring breeding and population numbers in roadkill studies.
different females, alloparenting by the daughters of a previous litter was not uncommon and occurred
on fifteen different occasions, twice with two helpers. Alloparenting persisted from when the cubs
are approximately a month old until they reach the age when they go out foraging with their mothers
at 10–12 months. Helpers perform most maternal duties, except suckling, even in the mother’s
presence. Helpers accrued indirect fitness and practiced parenting before reaching sexual maturity.
Future studies must study the reproductive biology of the striped hyena in the wild throughout its
geographic range to elucidate additional breeding properties that have not yet been identified. The
continued persecution of striped hyenas and the lack of information about their breeding rituals and
capabilities in the wild mean that this study of their different reproduction strategies, focusing on
surrogate mothers, is of great conservation importance. The fact that we have found cooperative
breeding in this solitary species suggests that there is much more to uncover of the enigmatic striped
hyena in the wild.
Protected Area, their dispersal into surrounding landscapes has become a subject of considerable
research and discussion. This study employs species distribution modeling, corridor analysis, and
additional landscape assessment using satellite-based temperatures and Land Cover statistics to
investigate this dispersal and identify potential corridors based on extensive field data. The results
reveal the identification of a potential corridor from Gir Wildlife Sanctuary towards Velavadar
Blackbuck National Park, indicating the expansion of the Asiatic Lion’s range in the Eastern Greater
Gir Landscape. These findings highlight the significance of resilience in Lion dispersal and corridor
expansion, with implications for conservation and potential regional benefits, including ecosystem
services and eco-tourism for sustainable development of the region.
determined whether avian roadkills are related to breeding numbers and breeding success, mainly
due to a lack of study areas that monitor breeding populations and roadkills. We studied whether
barn owl breeding numbers and breeding success are related to roadkills. We monitored yearly
barn owl breeding numbers (2174 breeding attempts and 1682 adults ringed) and breeding success
(9380 nestlings ringed) and monitored 95 km of roads weekly for roadkills from 2009 to 2017 in the
Beit Shean and Emek Yizreel Valleys, Israel. During the study period, we documented 1073 roadkilled
barn owls, of which 328 were ring recoveries. The highest mortality occurred between July
to September, coinciding with the barn owl post-fledging period. The number of breeding pairs
and the number of nestlings ringed were positively related to the total number of barn owl roadkill,
the proportion of roadkill ring recoveries, and the proportion of ring recovered roadkills in the first
year of their life. First-year owls represent the majority of ringed owls, accounting for 64.6%, while
adult owls compose 35.4%. Notably, a substantial fraction of adult ring recoveries, encompassing
67.2%, may pertain to floaters since we did not observe these individuals as breeding adults. Even
though more females were found as roadkill ring recoveries, the proportion of male/female ring
recoveries from roadkills was similar to that of adults ringed at the nest boxes. This study is the
first that shows that barn owl roadkills are density-dependent and demonstrate the importance of
monitoring breeding and population numbers in roadkill studies.
different females, alloparenting by the daughters of a previous litter was not uncommon and occurred
on fifteen different occasions, twice with two helpers. Alloparenting persisted from when the cubs
are approximately a month old until they reach the age when they go out foraging with their mothers
at 10–12 months. Helpers perform most maternal duties, except suckling, even in the mother’s
presence. Helpers accrued indirect fitness and practiced parenting before reaching sexual maturity.
Future studies must study the reproductive biology of the striped hyena in the wild throughout its
geographic range to elucidate additional breeding properties that have not yet been identified. The
continued persecution of striped hyenas and the lack of information about their breeding rituals and
capabilities in the wild mean that this study of their different reproduction strategies, focusing on
surrogate mothers, is of great conservation importance. The fact that we have found cooperative
breeding in this solitary species suggests that there is much more to uncover of the enigmatic striped
hyena in the wild.
Protected Area, their dispersal into surrounding landscapes has become a subject of considerable
research and discussion. This study employs species distribution modeling, corridor analysis, and
additional landscape assessment using satellite-based temperatures and Land Cover statistics to
investigate this dispersal and identify potential corridors based on extensive field data. The results
reveal the identification of a potential corridor from Gir Wildlife Sanctuary towards Velavadar
Blackbuck National Park, indicating the expansion of the Asiatic Lion’s range in the Eastern Greater
Gir Landscape. These findings highlight the significance of resilience in Lion dispersal and corridor
expansion, with implications for conservation and potential regional benefits, including ecosystem
services and eco-tourism for sustainable development of the region.