Nature and Parks Authority

Rare gemstone discovered by 12-year-old boy during archaeological dig in ancient Jewish village

Dig director Dr. Achia Kohn-Tavorn from Ariel University identified the stone as a Nicolo, a type of agate stone often used in jewelry and signet rings by the Romans as a symbol of wealth.

|ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM
Twelve-year-old Alon Horwitz who discovered an ancient gemstone at Korazim National Park in the Galilee, June 1, 2026.
Manta ray spotted in Eilat Bay, April 21, 2026.

'Graceful dancing giants': Divers spot five manta rays swimming through Eilat Bay

Manta rays are cartilage fish that can reach an impressive wingspan of about seven meters, and despite their impressive size, are known as "gentle giants" and are not dangerous to humans. 

|ByZIV REINSTEIN
Stray dogs in Israel

Animal rights organization urges Nature and Parks Authority to cease shooting of stray dogs

According to data obtained by Let the Animals Live, the Nature and Parks Authority killed approximately 1,300 stray dogs in 2025, an increase from the 794 killed in 2024.

|ByGOLDIE KATZ
A mother sperm whale and her calf off the coast of Mauritius.

Sperm whale found dead on Israeli beach near Gaza border, cause of death unknown

The cause of death has yet to be determined; experts from the University of Haifa and the Delphis Association for Marine Animals are expected to conduct an autopsy in the coming days. 

|ByMAYA ZANGER-NADIS

Enjoy the beautiful weekend with fun activities at the national parks

With pleasant weather expected for the weekend, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority has announced a packed list of activities for the weekend.

MARCH 7, 2019ByTZVI JOFFRE
Beit Guvrin (Israel Nature and Parks Authority)

Israel foils smuggling of rare birds at Ben Gurion Airport

"The establishment of INPA's new intelligence unit has a significant contribution in our efforts to advance law enforcement and protecting wildlife," Shamir added.

DECEMBER 26, 2018ByCASSANDRA GOMES-HOCHBERG
Protected rare birds worth 70,000 euros were recovered in a smuggling attempt at Ben Gurion Airport

Nature and Parks Authority holds ‘Volunteer Week’ across Israel

Volunteering activities range from beach cleaning, park and reserve maintenance and tour trips to archeological sites.

DECEMBER 24, 2018ByCASSANDRA GOMES-HOCHBERG
Dor habonim beach