Endangered Animals in Israel

"ENDANGERED ANIMALS IN ISRAEL"
Israel 73rd Anniversary Coin
Legal Tender issued by the Bank of Israel

The many references to animals in the bible are an indication of the abundance of amazing animals that once roamed the Land of Israel. Over the years, however, harm to their natural habitats and illegal hunting has had a devastating effect on them. Some have already become extinct, while others are now in danger of extinction.
Today, these endangered animals can only be seen in a zoo or nature reserve.

The Israel 73rd Independence Day Coin presents three of the animals in Israel now in danger of extinction:
The Arabian Leopard: Once considered king of the desert, the impressive Arabian Leopard is rare today. On the threshold of extinction, a few single leopards only are to be found in the Judean Desert and Negev Hills. 
The Caracal: Also known as the "Desert Lynx", the Caracal is one of the feline species once common in Israel. Today, a few Caracals only are found in desert regions of southern Israel and the Judean Desert. The Caracal too has become almost extinct as a result of harm caused to its habitat and decreasing food sources.
The Sea Turtle: The Sea Turtle in Israel is diminishing in number as its natural habitat along the coast has been destroyed by massive building projects, which include the marinas and residential areas. The Sea Turtle needs an unpopulated, flat, sandy shore area for building its nest and laying its eggs. Such areas are now disappearing and this is affecting the turtles, adding them to the group of animals in danger of extinction.

The Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem together with other zoos of the world, is participating in global conservation projects to protect the animals in danger of extinction.

Coin Description
Obverse: The Israel State Emblem, "Israel" in English, Hebrew and Arabic, "Independence Day 2021" in English and Hebrew, face value and mint mark.  On the 10 Shekel Gold Coin, the Sea Turtle, on the 2 Shekel Silver Proof Coin, the Arabian Leopard, and on the 1 Shekel Silver Prooflike Coin, the Caracal.

Reverse: Inscription: "Endangered Animals in Israel" in English, Hebrew and Arabic, three animals representing the endangered species, each shown in its natural surroundings – the Arabian Leopard, Caracal and Turtle.

Design: Michal Hamawi Mizrahi