The geographical location of the Arava, with its biblical landscapes, positions it on one of the main routes for bird migration in the world. The conditions of the arid desert and its unique ecology additionally allow local species of birds to nest and flourish. A long-term research on the biology, ecology and social behavior of the Arabian Babbler, a medium sized passerine which live in a cooperatively breeding groups, has been conducted in the Sheizaf Reserve since 1971. The entire population of the Babblers in the research area is marked, and the birds are used to the presence of human observers. The researchers are familiar with most of the individual birds, who live in some 20 groups in the research area.

 

Academic research

 With the assistance of universities from Israel and abroad and the Dead Sea and Arava Science Center we bring students and researchers working in the fields of ecology and anthropology to the Arava.  A research technician is currently going into the field every morning to maintain and track the studies. The Arabian babbler study has an updated dataset that represents over 40 years of detailed data collection on individual life histories, reproductive success and group dynamics. 

 

Research facilities

  The Arabian babblers research station is located between the villages of Idan, Hazeva and Ein-Yahav in the Arava region, Israel. The station is only about three hours drive from Tel Aviv & Jerusalem, and an hour and a half drive from Eilat. The research office and laboratories are located at the Hazeva R&D station and is part of the Dead Sea & Arava Science Center. The research facilities contain of a state of the art research equipment, fast Wi-Fi and internet connection, computers and benches for researchers and students. A renovated apartment that can house up to eight researchers is located at the nearby Hazeva field study center.

 

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