TIMNA'S NATURE

Timna Flora and Fauna

Nestled in one of the world’s driest climates,
Timna Park is a sanctuary where the untamed beauty of the desert comes alive.
Wander among ancient acacia trees where Wheatears chorus,
majestic herds of Nubian Ibex traverse expansive valleys,
and Agama-spiny tail lizards bask in the sun’s embrace on rugged cliffs.
This unique ecosystem, home to a diverse array of creatures, showcases the remarkable adaptability of desert life, from nocturnally active foxes and wolves to the elusive hedgehog.
As twilight falls, the desert awakens with foxes, wolves, and hedgehogs venturing into the cool night while many insects burrow beneath the earth’s surface, seeking refuge from the sun.
By day, ibexes and rock pigeons find solace in the shade, and the Sinai Rosefinch ascends to the cooler climes of the Negev Highlands. In contrast, the Sinai Agama and other reptiles thrive in the warmth, which is vital for their movement and survival.

Respecting Our Desert Dwellers

As visitors to this pristine wilderness,
we are privileged to witness these animals in their natural habitat.
We encourage guests to observe from a distance, respecting the delicate balance of this ecosystem, allowing the park’s inhabitants to flourish undisturbed.

The Nubian Ibex, a majestic creature often spotted on the rugged mountain cliffs of the Arava region, captivates with its presence in numerous ancient rock carvings across the area. These large animals, with a diet primarily consisting of acacia trees, shrubs, and seasonal flora found in streambeds, play a pivotal role in the local ecosystem. Male Ibex stand out with their striking, backward-curving horns, which can grow up to 130 cm long. These horns, which thicken and lengthen over time, serve as indicators of age and rank within their social hierarchy. Adult males, weighing as much as 60 kg, are known for their solitary nature, except during mating season when they vie for dominance and the title of the herd’s leader through impressive horn battles.

In contrast, female Ibex are smaller, more docile creatures, weighing up to 40 kg, with shorter horns. They tend to move in smaller groups, navigating the terrain with grace. Historically, the Nubian Ibex’s predators included tigers, which roamed the area until their extinction in the 20th century.

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The gazelle, emblematic of open plains and valleys, is a creature finely tuned to its arid desert surroundings. An adult male can weigh up to 20 kg, subsisting primarily on the leaves, flowers, and fruits of the Acacia, as well as shrubs and seasonal vegetation. Remarkably adapted to the harsh desert environment, gazelles do not strictly need to drink water to survive.

Dominant males exhibit territorial behaviour, staking claim to their chosen patches of the wilderness. Females and fawns, on the other hand, gather into small herds for safety and companionship, as do younger males. This social structure enables gazelles to thrive amidst the stark beauty of their desert habitat.

The Predator of the Canid Family: The most widespread and dominant predator in the area today, though smaller than its Mediterranean counterparts, with adult males weighing up to 20 kg. In the desert expanse, they live in small packs, occasionally collaborating in hunts. Wolf encounters are extremely rare, as they are shy and tend to avoid humans. If you’re fortunate to encounter one, it’s advised to stand still and allow it to distance itself safely and comfortably.

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ืจื—ื
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A raptor from the Accipitridae family, this bird has a wingspan ranging from 150 to 170 cm. It primarily feeds on carrion but also preys on small reptiles and feeds on the eggs of other birds, which it cracks open by dropping stones on them mid-flight. Its significance in local culture is evident as it appears as a hieroglyph in ancient Egypt, earning it the name “Egyptian Vulture.”

ย This bird leads a nomadic life, changing its location annually based on moisture and rainfall. Depending on the year’s climate, it chooses its wintering and breeding grounds, showcasing remarkable adaptability to its environment. Its wings are black, but in flight, a white patch appears, resembling a flag, hence its name.

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ืฉื—ื•ืจ ื–ื ื‘
ืจื—ื

Preferring areas with Acacia trees, this bird adapts to changing desert conditions, moving if necessary, during prolonged dry periods. After rains, Blackstarts spread throughout the desert valleys, but in drought, they cluster around trees in areas with high groundwater or artificial irrigation.

The Egyptian Spiny-tailed lizard, reaching up to 75 cm in length, feeds on desert vegetation, primarily during daylight hours, warming itself in the sun.

The Ornate Spiny-tailed lizard, smaller and more colorful, inhabits the rocky environment of the Eilat mountains, occasionally seen in Timna.

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ืฉื™ื˜ื” ืกืœื™ืœื ื™ืช

The most iconic and central tree across the Arava desert, the Acacia Tortilis, hails from Africa. It thrives on floodwaters absorbed and stored underground in riverbed channels, making it exceptionally suited to the arid desert conditions. This acacia is a fundamental resource for a wide array of wildlife that feeds on its foliage, flowers, and fruitsโ€”from insects and birds to large mammals like gazelles and ibexes. In the secondary cycle of the ecosystem, predators feed on those directly nourished by the acacia, positioning it as a pivotal element in desert ecology. Essential to the human economy in the desert, the acacia provides shade, food for sheep and camels, and materials for construction and fuel (charcoal from acacia trees was used for smelting copper in Timna throughout various periods).