About the Center

As the northern part of the Jordan River, the Hula Valley is characterized by unique natural resources, which includes the main water sources of Israel and a major site of intense agriculture. It is a unique region which serves as a major intercontinental migration route and a wintering site for birds and insects. As such, it is the focus of interdisciplinary research, getting the best of both sides and the interactions between them. Agamon Hula is a model for human-ecosystem interactions, including rehabilitation, extinction and return of animals to nature and research on invasive species, plants and animals in various fields. 

The Hula Research Center hosts researchers in the fields of agriculture, ecology in general and specially in the fields of organism and environmental ecology. The Center serves as an inter-institutional center which allows knowledge transfer and serves as a platform for cooperation between researchers. In the future it will serve as a center for inter-universities workshops and courses.
 

Research Areas

Behavioral Ecology (Dr. Yoni Vortman)
Our lab focuses on evolution and behavior. Our current main projects are examining the role of color and song on reproductive isolation and speciation in the White breasted kingfisher. Looking for new methods in controlling the invasive nutria population, using our behavioral ecology knowledge. On a quest to find the unknown magnetic sensor of animals, focusing on the symbiotic magnetic sensing hypothesis. 

Environment and Agriculture Lab (Dr. Oren Reichman)
Our lab is focusing on the agriculture and environmental issues of Hula valley and it's surrounded area. Our current research involved the subjects of dust phosphorus contribution to water bodies, improvement of potassium fertilization in the Hula valley soils and precision agriculture.
 

Accordion Title Staff and Researchers

Staff and Researchers

Dr. Yoni Vortman – Scientific Director

Mail: [email protected]

 

Dr. Oren Reichman – Head of Environment and Agriculture Laboratory

Mail: [email protected]

 

Anat Levi - Laboratories Director

Mail: [email protected]

Research at the Center

Research at the Center

Accordion Title Ecology and evolution in the white-breasted kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis)

Ecology and evolution in the white-breasted kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis)

In collaboration with Prof. Yizhar Lavner, Prof. Frank Rheindt, Dr. Robin Vijayan.
Behavioral Ecology of the White-breasted kingfisher Hula population, with emphasis on color and song. Conducted by Dana Klein.
Speciation in the White-breasted kingfisher subspecies complex: Genetic, morphological and ecological comparison of the subspecies throughout Asia. Conducted by Rimon Levin.

Accordion Title Nutria (Myocastor coypus) – an invasive species and a unique model-species

Nutria (Myocastor coypus) – an invasive species and a unique model-species

In collaboration with Prof. Uri Shanas, Prof. Lee Koren, MD-Vet Smadar Tal, Prof. Rachel Ben-Shlomo.
Hormones and sex ratios – examining the role of testosterone, cortisol and the intra-uterine environment on sex ratios. Conducted by Ruth Fishman
Examining alternative methods to manage the invasive nutria population in the Hula. Conducted by Michal Almoznino. 
 

Accordion Title Symbiotic magnetic sensing hypothesis

Symbiotic magnetic sensing hypothesis

In collaboration with Dr. Eviatar Natan, Dr. Robert Fitak. 
Examining a potential role of symbiotic bacteria in magnetic sensing of migrating birds using an integration of labratory techniques and behavioral field experiments, conduct by Yuval Werber, Uria Shoshani, Gaya Sharf, Anat Levi.
 

Accordion Title The repertoire and dialects a of the White Spectacled Bulbul (Pycnonotus xanthopygos)

The repertoire and dialects a of the White Spectacled Bulbul (Pycnonotus xanthopygos)

Conducted by Aya Mark, in collaboration with Prof Yizhar Lavner and Dr. Oren Kolodny.
 

Accordion Title Tracking dust’s phosphorus sources to Lake Kinneret and Agamon, Hula Valley

Tracking dust’s phosphorus sources to Lake Kinneret and Agamon, Hula Valley

In collaboration with Prof. Iggy Litaor, Dr. Yaron Beeri-Shalvin. 
This research aims to understand the phosphorus contribution to local water bodies through dust deposition, by collecting and analyzing dust samples throughout Lake Kinneret and Hula valley watershed. Conducted by Adi Zarka.
 

Accordion Title Precision agriculture

Precision agriculture

In collaboration with Prof. Iggy Litaor, Dr. Ofer Shir. 
The study examines the ability to determine management units in agricultural fields and accordingly the proper management of soil sampling and fertilization programs. The research use of proximity and remote sensing tools. Conducted by Nitsan Malachy.
 

Accordion Title Improvement of potassium fertilization

Improvement of potassium fertilization

In collaboration with Prof. Iggy Litaor, Prof Moshe Shenker, Dr. On Rabinovich and Tito Nathanzon.
This research examines the improvement of plant's potassium availability by introducing compost and zeolites combinations to the soil. Conducted by Ben Hakimi.
 

Accordion Title Media

Media

Hula Research Center website