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reptiles

The lizard tail trapped in roughly 99 million year-old amber from northern Myanmar that zoology student Dolev Fabrikant spotted in the collection of Tel Aviv University's Steinhardt Museum of Natural History. (Dolev Fabrikant)
October 25, 2026, 4:08 pm
Lizards have been shedding tails to stay safe for 99 million years, Israeli research finds
Tel Aviv University student finds evidence locked in tiny piece of amber; lizard tails keep wriggling long after detachment, distracting predators while the animal escapes
By Sue Surkes
The red-eared slider, native to the southern US and far northern Mexico, has become invasive in Israel, according to the latest Red List on reptiles. (slowmotiongli/iStock)
September 9, 2025, 12:50 pm
Four in ten reptile species in Israel at risk of extinction, rare audit finds
Threats range from construction, agriculture, destruction of open space to invasive and feral species, solar fields, sand mining, off-road vehicles, and military activity
By Sue Surkes
Radiated tortoises, originally a native species of southern Madagascar, are on display during an annual flora and fauna expo in Jakarta, Indonesia, July 29, 2010. (Dita Alangkara/AP)
August 21, 2023, 11:31 am
Madagascar sentences Israeli caught smuggling tortoises to two years
Man stopped with 59 rare reptiles in his suitcase; attorney says crowdfunding campaign to pay legal fees failed but hopes for release on appeal
By ToI Staff
Some of the 21 reptiles seized at Ben Gurion Airport in a joint operation by the Border Police, Customs and Excise Authority and Israel Nature and Parks Authority on June 10, 2023. (INPA)
June 11, 2023, 5:21 pm
Israeli caught at airport trying to smuggle reptiles into country
Haul of 21 creatures impounded at customs in joint op by Border Police, customs and Nature and Parks Authority
By Sue Surkes
Screen capture from video of a snake found in the luggage of a woman who tried to smuggle dozens of reptiles into Israel, May 2023. (Twitter. Used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)
June 1, 2023, 2:36 pm
Woman nabbed trying to smuggle over 70 reptiles into Israel
Among the rare creatures found wriggling in socks and bags in her suitcase was a baby anaconda, which can grow to be a dangerously large constrictor
By ToI Staff
A small lizard that was smuggled into Israel from Hungary by a young Israeli and was seized during an operation at Ben Gurion Airport, January 2023. (Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry spokesperson)
January 9, 2023, 4:18 pm
Man attempts to smuggle reptiles in socks from Hungary
Authorities foil attempt to bring three lizards and two snakes into the country, stashed in plastic containers, tin foil and socks
By ToI Staff
Telescopus hoogstraali, or Desert Tiger Snake, an endangered species of snake endemic to the Middle East. (Simon Jamison, Tel Aviv University)
June 5, 2022, 12:39 pm
One in every five species of reptiles worldwide is facing extinction, study finds
Covering over 10,000 species, study involving Israeli researchers is the most comprehensive of its kind to date; half of all turtles and crocodiles in danger of dying out
By Tobias Siegal
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