Tamar Dayan
Full Professor
Director of the of the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History
Contact: [email protected]
CV
Director of the of the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History
Contact: [email protected]
CV
Ph.D. students
Francesca Libera Falco
Ph.D. student
Contact: [email protected] Phone: +41 78 700 84 33
CV
I am interested in issues of scale mismatch between ecological processes and conservation or management action in socio-ecological systems.
My current project deals with landscape-scale farmland biodiversity conservation and explores to what extent a landscape approach has been integrated in the European Union agricultural and nature protection policy settings.
Ph.D. student
Contact: [email protected] Phone: +41 78 700 84 33
CV
I am interested in issues of scale mismatch between ecological processes and conservation or management action in socio-ecological systems.
My current project deals with landscape-scale farmland biodiversity conservation and explores to what extent a landscape approach has been integrated in the European Union agricultural and nature protection policy settings.
Talia Shalom
Ph.D. student
Contact: [email protected] Phone: 052-6526791
The manifestation of biodiversity conservation considerations in agricultural governances Agriculture which provides our food is also one of the big threats to the survival of species. Consequently, the endeavor of finding an efficient policy to mitigate between biodiversity conservation and agricultural production, is the motivation for my research. In the last decades, the market and the civil sector have proved their abilities to establish efficient voluntary standards for sustainable agriculture, but state intervention is still needed, both to support and disseminate these standards, and also to regulate them in order to assure that public interest is maintained and to prevent “greenwashing”. Therefore, my research focuses on a modern environmental policy, known as ’inclusive’ or ‘cooperative governance’, between the state and the private sector. I investigate the manifestation of biodiversity conservation considerations in different typologies of governances, for sustainable agriculture, in Israel and in the Netherlands. Both countries are located in sensitive ecological areas, with biodiversity abundance. My goal is to find the mode of governance that provides the best protection for biodiversity in agricultural production.
Ph.D. student
Contact: [email protected] Phone: 052-6526791
The manifestation of biodiversity conservation considerations in agricultural governances Agriculture which provides our food is also one of the big threats to the survival of species. Consequently, the endeavor of finding an efficient policy to mitigate between biodiversity conservation and agricultural production, is the motivation for my research. In the last decades, the market and the civil sector have proved their abilities to establish efficient voluntary standards for sustainable agriculture, but state intervention is still needed, both to support and disseminate these standards, and also to regulate them in order to assure that public interest is maintained and to prevent “greenwashing”. Therefore, my research focuses on a modern environmental policy, known as ’inclusive’ or ‘cooperative governance’, between the state and the private sector. I investigate the manifestation of biodiversity conservation considerations in different typologies of governances, for sustainable agriculture, in Israel and in the Netherlands. Both countries are located in sensitive ecological areas, with biodiversity abundance. My goal is to find the mode of governance that provides the best protection for biodiversity in agricultural production.
Asaf Ben David
Ph.D. student
Citizen science as a tool for strengthening one’s sense of community and place
Contact : [email protected]
CV
My main research interest is citizen science, soundscape ecology and tracking as a tool for wildlife monitoring.
Ph.D. student
Citizen science as a tool for strengthening one’s sense of community and place
Contact : [email protected]
CV
My main research interest is citizen science, soundscape ecology and tracking as a tool for wildlife monitoring.
Liron Israely
Ph.D. student
Optimizing riparian buffer restoration in agricultural landscapes: Ecologic, Economic and Social considerations
Contact: [email protected]
A Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030, declared by the UN, is a rallying call for the protection and revival of ecosystems all around the world. My research aims to close knowledge gaps needed for the effective implementation of riparian buffers restoration as a component in watershed management facing the severity of climate change effects.
The multidisciplinary approach of this research is combining riparian buffer effectiveness assessment in the provision of ecosystem services, spell out at a field level experimental site.
A cost-effectiveness investigation of riparian buffer locations at the watershed level and their relationship between sediment retention and habitat provision.
And clarifying the mechanism of behavioral change of farmers willing to adopt riparian buffers.
Ph.D. student
Optimizing riparian buffer restoration in agricultural landscapes: Ecologic, Economic and Social considerations
Contact: [email protected]
A Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030, declared by the UN, is a rallying call for the protection and revival of ecosystems all around the world. My research aims to close knowledge gaps needed for the effective implementation of riparian buffers restoration as a component in watershed management facing the severity of climate change effects.
The multidisciplinary approach of this research is combining riparian buffer effectiveness assessment in the provision of ecosystem services, spell out at a field level experimental site.
A cost-effectiveness investigation of riparian buffer locations at the watershed level and their relationship between sediment retention and habitat provision.
And clarifying the mechanism of behavioral change of farmers willing to adopt riparian buffers.
Ayelet Barash
Ph.D. student
Dog Domestication
Contact: [email protected]
My research focuses on the domestication process of the dog and Neoteny. Where and when did the changes occur in the Canine genome? I use a bioinformatic and genetic approach to locate these changes. I have sampled different dog breeds, jackals, wolves and more, and am cooperating with research teams from Italy and Slovenia. My lab is based in the Golan Heights’ Shamir research Institute, but I try to visit the museum as much as I can.
Ph.D. student
Dog Domestication
Contact: [email protected]
My research focuses on the domestication process of the dog and Neoteny. Where and when did the changes occur in the Canine genome? I use a bioinformatic and genetic approach to locate these changes. I have sampled different dog breeds, jackals, wolves and more, and am cooperating with research teams from Italy and Slovenia. My lab is based in the Golan Heights’ Shamir research Institute, but I try to visit the museum as much as I can.
Shlomo Preiss - Bloom
Ph.D. student
Contact: [email protected]
My PhD research focuses on the ecology of human-wolf conflict and coexistence in the Golan Heights, against a uniquely dense matrix of anthropogenic land use. I use non-invasive research methods such as camera traps, tracking and scat surveys to evaluate interspecific trophic interactions and understand how human activity is shaping local food webs. By deepening our ecological understanding and cooperating with cattle ranchers, we aim to promote the use of effective, non-lethal wildlife management methods to maintain a healthy, balanced ecosystem.
Ph.D. student
Contact: [email protected]
My PhD research focuses on the ecology of human-wolf conflict and coexistence in the Golan Heights, against a uniquely dense matrix of anthropogenic land use. I use non-invasive research methods such as camera traps, tracking and scat surveys to evaluate interspecific trophic interactions and understand how human activity is shaping local food webs. By deepening our ecological understanding and cooperating with cattle ranchers, we aim to promote the use of effective, non-lethal wildlife management methods to maintain a healthy, balanced ecosystem.
M.Sc. students
Yulia Gordover
M.Sc. student
Understanding human-environment interactions using faunal remains from early Neolithic sites
Contact: [email protected]
My research focuses on the beginning of animal husbandry in the southern levant, using faunal remains from prehistoric sites. It combines zooarchaeology and isotope analysis to further understand the lengthy and subtle process of domestication, which has greatly altered the human way of life and consequently the environment.
M.Sc. student
Understanding human-environment interactions using faunal remains from early Neolithic sites
Contact: [email protected]
My research focuses on the beginning of animal husbandry in the southern levant, using faunal remains from prehistoric sites. It combines zooarchaeology and isotope analysis to further understand the lengthy and subtle process of domestication, which has greatly altered the human way of life and consequently the environment.
Ziad Naser Eddin
M.Sc. student
Understanding human-environment interactions using faunal remains from early Neolithic sites
Contact: [email protected]
I am interested in studying the occurrence and distribution of the Gray wolf in Palestine, and how their occurrence affects other trophically linked species such as meso-predators (jackals and foxes), and ungulates. I also aim to implement conservation tactics that will aid in coexistence with the gray wolf and meso-predators.
M.Sc. student
Understanding human-environment interactions using faunal remains from early Neolithic sites
Contact: [email protected]
I am interested in studying the occurrence and distribution of the Gray wolf in Palestine, and how their occurrence affects other trophically linked species such as meso-predators (jackals and foxes), and ungulates. I also aim to implement conservation tactics that will aid in coexistence with the gray wolf and meso-predators.
Zohar Afek
M.Sc. student
Contact: [email protected]
My research is about the factors affecting the populations of two endangered butterfly species in Israel (Tomares nesimachus and Apharitis cilissa), aimed at improving their conservation and that of their habitats. The research is carried out at Hamaarag, and is based on data from citizen science, collected in yearly surveys of the two species.
M.Sc. student
Contact: [email protected]
My research is about the factors affecting the populations of two endangered butterfly species in Israel (Tomares nesimachus and Apharitis cilissa), aimed at improving their conservation and that of their habitats. The research is carried out at Hamaarag, and is based on data from citizen science, collected in yearly surveys of the two species.
Clotilde Gavagnach
M.Sc. student
Contact: [email protected]
I have always been passionate about animals and seeking to be as much into nature as possible since my childhood. My interest in protecting wildlife intensified as I grew up and therefore, I now dedicate myself in promoting human-wildlife coexistence, especially with the wolf, a species I have always admired. My research focuses on the use of Livestock Guarding Dogs (LGDs) as a non-lethal method to prevent predation from wolves in the Golan Heights. From being a very ancient tool, it has now resurged to fit modern challenges but their use and efficacy in modern ranches in the dense multi-use landscape of rural northern Israel is controversial. The ultimate goal of my research is to bring back LGDs to their native role, as much adapted to the local environment and pastoral system of the region as possible, and to find the best methods and practices to optimize their efficiency while promoting their use across livestock breeders.
M.Sc. student
Contact: [email protected]
I have always been passionate about animals and seeking to be as much into nature as possible since my childhood. My interest in protecting wildlife intensified as I grew up and therefore, I now dedicate myself in promoting human-wildlife coexistence, especially with the wolf, a species I have always admired. My research focuses on the use of Livestock Guarding Dogs (LGDs) as a non-lethal method to prevent predation from wolves in the Golan Heights. From being a very ancient tool, it has now resurged to fit modern challenges but their use and efficacy in modern ranches in the dense multi-use landscape of rural northern Israel is controversial. The ultimate goal of my research is to bring back LGDs to their native role, as much adapted to the local environment and pastoral system of the region as possible, and to find the best methods and practices to optimize their efficiency while promoting their use across livestock breeders.
Former lab members
Orr Comay
Post-doc Student
Spatial and temporal trends in Israel's citizen-science butterfly monitoring scheme
Contact: [email protected] Phone: +972-3-6409024
CV
I am interested in the way faunas change with time: what drives or delays species extinctions and introductions? I study two distinct sources about past and present faunas: micromammals found in owl pellets and their resulting fossil assemblages, and citizen science observations in butterflies. While fossils offers insights of the ancient past, butterfly observations provide greater temporal and spatial resolution, as well as data on more numerous species. I apply novel statistical methods in community ecology to utilize these strengths and overcome the challenges each information source presents.
Post-doc Student
Spatial and temporal trends in Israel's citizen-science butterfly monitoring scheme
Contact: [email protected] Phone: +972-3-6409024
CV
I am interested in the way faunas change with time: what drives or delays species extinctions and introductions? I study two distinct sources about past and present faunas: micromammals found in owl pellets and their resulting fossil assemblages, and citizen science observations in butterflies. While fossils offers insights of the ancient past, butterfly observations provide greater temporal and spatial resolution, as well as data on more numerous species. I apply novel statistical methods in community ecology to utilize these strengths and overcome the challenges each information source presents.
Iris Bernstein
Post-doc student
My research focuses on the linkage between landscape planning and landscape ecology for the achievement of sustainable development. The study examines ecological tools and their applications to integrate biodiversity in land-use planning.
Contact: [email protected]
Post-doc student
My research focuses on the linkage between landscape planning and landscape ecology for the achievement of sustainable development. The study examines ecological tools and their applications to integrate biodiversity in land-use planning.
Contact: [email protected]
Tal Levanony
Ph.D. Student
Species diversity in plantations of Pinus halepensis and P. brutia in comparison to the natural habitats they replaced
Contact: talevanony @ gmail.com
CV
Ph.D. Student
Species diversity in plantations of Pinus halepensis and P. brutia in comparison to the natural habitats they replaced
Contact: talevanony @ gmail.com
CV
Roi Maor
Ph.D. Student
The Evolution and Ecology of Mammalian Activity Patterns
Contact: roimaor @ post.tau.ac.il
CV
Activity pattern is the distribution of daily activity typical to an animal species. Activity patterns are genetically heritable yet responsive to environmental pressures, thus reflecting the interplay between the evolutionary history of a species and the conditions it faces at present. Direct and indirect interactions link the activity of one species to others, so the evolution of activity patterns is intertwined with the structure of ecological communities.
I use cutting edge phylogenetic methods to (1)reconstruct the evolution of activity patterns in mammals, (2)identify the forces governing this evolutionary process and (3)characterise its impacts on the structure of ecological communities. The data I use span all extant mammal orders worldwide in order to trace mammal evolution back to its Mesozoic origins. My findings may be relevant to palaeontologists, evolutionary scientists and ecologists, and wilI hopefully be used to inform conservation efforts.
Ph.D. Student
The Evolution and Ecology of Mammalian Activity Patterns
Contact: roimaor @ post.tau.ac.il
CV
Activity pattern is the distribution of daily activity typical to an animal species. Activity patterns are genetically heritable yet responsive to environmental pressures, thus reflecting the interplay between the evolutionary history of a species and the conditions it faces at present. Direct and indirect interactions link the activity of one species to others, so the evolution of activity patterns is intertwined with the structure of ecological communities.
I use cutting edge phylogenetic methods to (1)reconstruct the evolution of activity patterns in mammals, (2)identify the forces governing this evolutionary process and (3)characterise its impacts on the structure of ecological communities. The data I use span all extant mammal orders worldwide in order to trace mammal evolution back to its Mesozoic origins. My findings may be relevant to palaeontologists, evolutionary scientists and ecologists, and wilI hopefully be used to inform conservation efforts.
Aviv Avisar
Ph.D. Student
Flora, fauna and land restoration after the removal of the eucalyptus groves in the Sharon
Contact: Avivavisar31 @ gmail.com
CV
My research and life's work revolve around the meeting point between man and nature. Urban Nature, agro-ecology and restoration of natural ecosystems. I specializes in conserving architecture development to minimize the effect on natural landscapes.
My PhD research conducted in Alexander River national park, follows natural succession of land, vegetation, reptiles and arthropods after the removal of 50 years old eucalypt groves planted on sand dunes in Israel's Mediterranean region.
Ph.D. Student
Flora, fauna and land restoration after the removal of the eucalyptus groves in the Sharon
Contact: Avivavisar31 @ gmail.com
CV
My research and life's work revolve around the meeting point between man and nature. Urban Nature, agro-ecology and restoration of natural ecosystems. I specializes in conserving architecture development to minimize the effect on natural landscapes.
My PhD research conducted in Alexander River national park, follows natural succession of land, vegetation, reptiles and arthropods after the removal of 50 years old eucalypt groves planted on sand dunes in Israel's Mediterranean region.
Hila Shamoon
Ph.D. Student
Anthropogenic effects on carnivores in an agro-rural-natural landscape
Contact: hila.shamoon @ gmail.com
CV
My research focuses on movement patterns and habitat and resources preferences of carnivores in a rural-agricultural-natural matrix. I investigate changes in temporal and spatial population fluctuations in natural and agricultural systems.
I’m interested in ecological modeling, animal behavior, human-wildlife conflict, and land use changes effects on wildlife.
Ph.D. Student
Anthropogenic effects on carnivores in an agro-rural-natural landscape
Contact: hila.shamoon @ gmail.com
CV
My research focuses on movement patterns and habitat and resources preferences of carnivores in a rural-agricultural-natural matrix. I investigate changes in temporal and spatial population fluctuations in natural and agricultural systems.
I’m interested in ecological modeling, animal behavior, human-wildlife conflict, and land use changes effects on wildlife.
Opher Mendelsohn
Ph.D. Student
Impact and adoption of Mediterranean fruit fly regional IPM
Contact: [email protected]
I am interested in improving large scale agro-ecological policy and management for better interface between agriculture and environment. My research focuses on the impact and adoption of regional management of the Mediterranean fruit fly,Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) within an entire heterogeneous region of deciduous fruit orchards in northern Israel. This research will assist in improving pest population and damage potential trends detection at various levels, as part of designing a novel conceptual combined risk analysis and decision support model within regional integrated pest management scheme.
Ph.D. Student
Impact and adoption of Mediterranean fruit fly regional IPM
Contact: [email protected]
I am interested in improving large scale agro-ecological policy and management for better interface between agriculture and environment. My research focuses on the impact and adoption of regional management of the Mediterranean fruit fly,Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) within an entire heterogeneous region of deciduous fruit orchards in northern Israel. This research will assist in improving pest population and damage potential trends detection at various levels, as part of designing a novel conceptual combined risk analysis and decision support model within regional integrated pest management scheme.
Adi Weiss
M.sc. student
Identifying the eco-hydrological niches of macroinvertebrates to assess the impact of prolonged drought in the upper Jordan river
Email: [email protected] phone: +972-502530229
CV
currently study the impact of the last years of drought on the society of invertebrates on the Jordan's tributaries, in order to identify their niche preferences, classify them by their sensitivity to prolonged drought events and set up the hydrological values required to maintain their aquatic ecosystem in a resilient state.
M.sc. student
Identifying the eco-hydrological niches of macroinvertebrates to assess the impact of prolonged drought in the upper Jordan river
Email: [email protected] phone: +972-502530229
CV
currently study the impact of the last years of drought on the society of invertebrates on the Jordan's tributaries, in order to identify their niche preferences, classify them by their sensitivity to prolonged drought events and set up the hydrological values required to maintain their aquatic ecosystem in a resilient state.
Hamutal Friedman
M.Sc. Student
changes in bird community structure between natural habitats and altered lands
Contact : [email protected]
CV
My research focuses on changes in bird community structure between natural habitats and altered lands (i.e., agriculture, towns and plantations), and across a climate gradient. Birds are considered sensitive to environmental changes, therefore, can serve as indicators of habitat intactness. I model bird community structure changes by accounting for the relationship between bird life history traits and habitat type. My research can inform land managers on the way anthropogenic development effects biodiversity across multiple habitats and aid future conservation decisions.
M.Sc. Student
changes in bird community structure between natural habitats and altered lands
Contact : [email protected]
CV
My research focuses on changes in bird community structure between natural habitats and altered lands (i.e., agriculture, towns and plantations), and across a climate gradient. Birds are considered sensitive to environmental changes, therefore, can serve as indicators of habitat intactness. I model bird community structure changes by accounting for the relationship between bird life history traits and habitat type. My research can inform land managers on the way anthropogenic development effects biodiversity across multiple habitats and aid future conservation decisions.