ENDANGERED SPECIES
Vertebrates in Israel
2002
REPTILES
FOWL
In danger
of
extinction
33%
In danger
of
extinction
24%
Not in
danger of
extinction
67%
Extinct
3%
Not in
danger of
extinction
52%
Not
assessed
12%
Extinct
2%
Not
assessed
7%
Total number of species - 105
Total number of species - 210
SWEETWATER FISH
AMPHIBIANS
In danger
of
extinction
19%
Not in
danger of
extinction
56%
Not in
danger of
extinction
14%
In danger
of
extinction
72%
Not
assessed
0%
Extinct
19%
Extinct
14%
Not
assessed
6%
Total number of species - 32
Total number of species - 7
MAMMALS
Not in
danger of
extinction
35%
In danger
of
extinction
58%
Not
assessed
2%
Extinct
5%
Total number of species - 105
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VERTEBRATES IN ISRAEL IN DANGER OF EXTINCTION
IN SELECTED YEARS
80
70
Percentages
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Not in danger of
extinction
In danger of extinction
1975
1987
Extinct
Not assessed
2002
Description of the indicator
This indicator presents the percentage of species of vertebrates who are in danger of extinction,
out of all known local species, and constitutes an indicator of man’s activities that cause a
reduction of living space and injury to habitats of populations of various species of animals.
Relevance to sustainable development
This indicator helps to assess the efficiency of the conservation of the various species of
vertebrates in the country. Conserving a variety of species is important for sustainable
development, due to the importance of conserving the ecosystem that also supports human
life. Human activity causes great pressures on the environment and puts many species in
danger of extinction. The challenge of sustainable development is to bring about an
intelligent and informed use of environmental resources, in a manner that will not endanger
the living spaces of various species.
Selected findings
The data used to prepare the indicator were obtained from three research projects written at
three points in time – 1975, 1987 and 2002. The data were collected by researchers from
various fields, and therefore these research projects are based on subjective assessments,
different methods and various categorizations.

Since the beginning of the 20th century 30 species of vertebrates have become extinct in
Israel (7% of all known species). 146 additional species, which constitute 32% of all
known species, are in danger of extinction.

Among vertebrates there is a very high rate of species in danger of extinction among
amphibians (frogs, toads, etc. – 5 of 7 species in danger of extinction); among other
reasons, due to the over-exploitation of surface water sources (the Kinneret and the
rivers) and their pollution.

In addition, among the vertebrates there is a high rate of mammal species that are in
danger of extinction (58 out of 100); among other reasons, due to the reduction of their
habitats for the benefit of constructing infrastructure and residential, agricultural and
industrial buildings.
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