Gamla nature reserve is a nature reserve and archaeological site located in the center of the Golan Heights, about 20 km south to the Israeli settlement of Katzrin. It adjoins the Yehudiya Forest Nature Reserve.
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The nature reserve
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The nature reserve stretches along two streams, Gamla and the Daliot, and includes natural and archaeological attractions.[1] Among the former are the largest nesting colony of griffon vultures in Israel, various other birds of prey, among a variety of wildlife and wild plants.[1] Among the latter are the ancient city of Gamla and a Bronze Age dolmen field containing 716 dolmens.[1] At the head of the Gamla stream there is a 51-meter high waterfall, the highest in Israel and the Israeli occupied territories,[1] which dries up during summer and autumn.[2][1]
The reserve also contains several other sites, such as a memorial monument and the ruins of a Byzantine-period village. The memorial is dedicated to the Jewish Golan Heights settlers who were killed during the Israeli wars and as a result of attacks;[1] the remains of the Christian village from the 4th–7th century CE, known by the Arabic name of Deir Qeruh, include a well-preserved monastery centered around a church[1] with a square apse - a feature known from ancient Syria and Jordan, but not present in churches west of the Jordan River.[3]
Vultures population
In 2007, vultures perching on the cliffs were poisoned. After the event, 7 younglings were taken to the Carmel until they were healed, after which they were taken to a restorative location. In 2008 a plan was undertaken to restore the vulture population. The vultures eggs are then taken to the Biblical zoo for incubation.
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References
External links
32°54′22.71″N 35°44′45.65″E / 32.9063083°N 35.7460139°E