Israel is home to just 210 to 220 griffon vultures, with only 53 active nests recorded nationwide in 2026, according to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. The figures highlight the precarious situation facing the country's largest bird of prey, whose population has been severely affected by poisoning and other threats.
In an effort to raise awareness and encourage wildlife conservation, the authority is marking October as Vulture Month, offering guided tours, educational activities and family events at four national parks and nature reserves across Israel. The events will introduce visitors to the ecological importance of vultures, the dangers threatening their survival and the conservation programs aimed at rebuilding their population.
Vulture Month is traditionally held in September, around International Vulture Awareness Day, but this year's activities were moved to October because of the Jewish holidays.
"The vulture is one of the most impressive and remarkable animals in Israeli nature, but its population in Israel is critically endangered," said Mazi Meghnagi, head of the Public Information Division at the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. "Vulture Month is an opportunity to introduce the public to the fascinating world of vultures, learn about the challenges they face and understand the great importance of protecting them."
Vultures play an essential role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by feeding on animal carcasses, helping remove decaying remains and limiting the spread of disease. Yet their scavenging habits also leave them particularly vulnerable to poisoning.
Only 53 active nests of griffon vultures were recorded nationwide in 2026
(Photo: Gad Leyva, volunteer for Israel Nature and Parks Authority)
The situation is especially severe in the Golan Heights, where approximately 90% of the region's vultures have died over the past two decades, primarily because of repeated poisoning incidents, according to the authority.
Conservation efforts include monitoring and tracking wild vultures, breeding programs and initiatives to reintroduce birds into their natural habitats.
A fight to keep vultures in Israel's skies
The authority says each individual vulture is vital to the survival and recovery of the country's small population. Its conservation work continues throughout the year, extending beyond breeding and monitoring to efforts to prevent poisoning incidents that can kill multiple birds.
The vulture population in Israel is critically endangered
(Photo: Olga Rybak/Israel Nature and Parks Authority)
The authority urges visitors to behave responsibly around wildlife. Animals should not be approached, touched or fed, even for photographs. Anyone encountering an injured or distressed wild animal should contact the authority's hotline at *3639.
"Getting to know wildlife and understanding the importance of protecting it are integral parts of nature conservation," Meghnagi said, "so that future generations can also enjoy the sight of the king of birds soaring over Israel."
Where to see vultures in Israel this month
In northern Israel, Gamla Nature Reserve will offer special guided tours introducing visitors to the world of vultures, the dangers threatening their survival and the efforts being made to protect and rescue them.
At Hai-Bar Carmel Nature Reserve, visitors will be able to observe vultures up close, learn about the threats facing their population and ongoing conservation efforts, and participate in interactive educational stations exploring their wingspan, eggs and the technology used to track them.
Vulture in Hai Bar Carmel
(Olga Rybak/Israel Nature and Parks Authority)
In southern Israel, Hai-Bar Yotvata Nature Reserve will offer special tours introducing visitors to its vulture breeding program, the birds' importance to the ecosystem and efforts to reintroduce them into the wild. Activities will include behind-the-scenes tours, animal feeding sessions and children's crafts.
At Ein Avdat National Park, a special family activity day will celebrate Vulture Month. Visitors will learn about vultures and other birds of prey in the Negev, participate in telescope observations, meet volunteers from the Vulture Patrol and enjoy crafts, games and educational activities.