Least ConcernCommon Crane
Grus grus
A biblical oasis in the desert beside the Dead Sea, mentioned in the Song of Songs and a refuge of King David
Area
14 km²
Designated in
1971
Region
Middle East (Judaean Desert)
Declared in 1971, this reserve protects an oasis of freshwater springs in the middle of the Judaean desert, beside the Dead Sea, mentioned explicitly in the Hebrew Bible: the Song of Songs alludes to its vineyards, and the First Book of Samuel tells how the future King David hid in its caves while fleeing King Saul. Its waterfalls and freshwater pools, fed by springs rising straight out of the desert rock, create a stark contrast with the surrounding landscape, one of the most arid on the planet, and have been a site of unbroken human settlement for more than 5,000 years, documented in Copper Age archaeological remains found in the area.
3 dive sites within 300 km are also shown.
Ecosystems found in Israel, where Ein Gedi lies.
Where can I dive near here?
220 km away
221 km away
224 km away
What is worth looking out for this month in Israel?
Now is a good time: Crane wintering in the Hula Valley (October to March (highest concentration November to February))
Which other parks are like this one?
Same country: Israel
Same type of protected area: Nature Reserve
Same type of protected area: Nature Reserve
Based on what we already know about this park.
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Climate
Tropical, Arid / desert, Mediterranean
Threatened:,,
Same type of protected area: Nature Reserve
Israel
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Syria
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