Nature Reserves

Within its relatively small area, Israel comprises an astonishing variety of scenery and climes, harboring over 2,500 different species of plants, 350 varieties of birds and 70 types of mammals. In order to preserve these extraordinary natural resources, the State of Israel has designated over 200 sites as nature reserves. In over 20 years of extensive activity, the Israel Nature Reserves Authority has many achievements to its credit. Not the least is the preservation of the ibex and gazelle, species which, not too long ago, were on the brink of extinction. They are to be seen in growing numbers in the hilly area of the country. The Authority has reintroduced biblical animals, such as the fallow deer, the addax, the oryx and the onager. Israel may soon be the only place in the world where the last three can be found. Wild irises, cyclamens and narcissi, which had become a rare sight, once again cover the fields.

Obverse: A Madonna Lily and the logo of the Nature Reserves (the head of an ibex).

Reverse: A gazelle against a desert background with a predatory bird overhead; around the Edge, the quotation "All that I have created, I have created for thee" (Koheleth Rabba 7:28), in Hebrew and in English

Edge: Mint MarksThe words "State of Israel" in Hebrew and English and the symbol of the State of Israel.

Serialization: All the medals are numbered.

Designer: Obverse - Lily Sher. Reverse - Yosef Bass.

Engraving: Tidhar Dagan

Mint: Moshe Hecht.