Coexistence between Man and the Other Animals
Dolphins, Pets, Birds & Aircraft
Dolphins
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Issue: December 1996 |
cores of cetaceans -- including small whales and several pods of 4-5 dolphins -- live in the Gulf of Eilat and along lsrael's Mediterranean coastline. Most common among the dolphins are the bottlenose (tursiops truncatus), the striped (stenella), and the common dolphin (delphinus delphis).
Curious dolphins initiate encounters with humans. Many have developed close relationships with fishing boats, especially trawlers. They approach the boats hoping for a free meal and snatch any fish protruding from the nets. Mariners on navy vessels, fishing boats and yachts often spot these lovable creatures riding in their wake and playing in the water currents as if they were surfing.
The Center for Maritime Studies at the University of Haifa and the Ministry for the Environment have recently founded the Israel Marine Mammal Research and Assistance Center. The Center is the first and only institution of its kind in the Middle East. Its aim is to preserve and study the marine mammals of the eastern Mediterranean basin and the Gulf of Eilat. The center is located on the grounds of the Maritime School, Mevo'ot Yam, at Mikhmoret.
Oz Goffman
Israel Marine Mammal Research and Assistance Center (IMMARAC)
The Recanati Center for Maritime Studies
The University of Haifa
Haifa 31905
Pets
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Issue: December 1996 Designer: Kati Messing Size: 40mm x 25.7mm Plate #: 295 Sheet of 15 stamps Tabs: 5 Printers: E. Lewin-Epstein Ltd. Printing Method: offset |
aising animals for social and amusement purposes began in ancient Egypt and spread all over the world. Pets provides their owners with company, serve as status symbols in many societies, and help mankind in various
ways. The most common reason for having a pet in Western society is the need for its companionship and unconditional love. While most domestic animals serve some sort of economic or practical purpose, the benefits of keeping a pet are a direct result of the bond between the animal and its owners.
In recent years, researchers have become more aware of the contribution made by animals to the physical and emotional well-being of human beings. In Western societies, the strongest and most common bond between humans and animals is with dogs and cats. In Israel, the Department of Zoology at Tel Aviv University has embarked on a new project called "Animals and Society" to investigate the relationship between humans and animals.
Prof. Yossi Terkel
Head, Department of Zoology
Tel Aviv University
Ramat Aviv 69978
Birds and Aircraft
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Issue: December 1996 Designer: Kati Messing Size: 40mm x 25.7mm Plate #: 294 Sheet of 15 stamps Tabs: 5 Printers: E. Lewin-Epstein Ltd. Printing Method: offset |
rom the dawn of history, Israel's unique location at the crossroads of three continents has made it a central focus of intemational political tensions. This location, on the other hand, is also a bottleneck and junction for migrating birds unmatched by any other site in the world!
Research over the past two decades has shown that around 500 million migrating birds fly across Israel's modest airspace twice a year, attracting bird-watching pilgrims from all over the world.
Nevertheless, this massive migration has created a serious safety problem for Israeli military aircraft and can endanger the lives of air force pilots. A joint reserach project carried out by the Israel Air Force, the Society for the Protection of Nature in lsrael, the Ministry of Science and Tel Aviv University uses light aircraft, a motorized glider, drones, radar, and ground observers to reduce the number of air collisions. To date, the project has reduced collisions by 88% and saved the Air Force around $350 million -- not to mention pilots' lives.
Currently, Tel Aviv University -- in cooperation with the Society for the Protection of Nature and the Yad LeShiron organization established to honor Israel's Armoured Corps -- is setting up a center for studying bird migration at the Yad LeShirion site in Latrun. The center will investigate a variety of topics related to migration, including research, education, eco-tourism, and nature preservation. Using the catchphrase, "Migrating Birds Know No Boundaries," the program emphasises the contribution bird migration can make to the region's peace process. Further details are available at the "http://www.birds.co.il" web site.
Dr. Yossi Leshem
Department of Zoology
Tel Aviv University
Ramat Aviv 69978
