Nahal Betzet

Nahal Betzet Nature Reserve
שמורת נחל בצת
The arch known as Keshet Cave (Rainbow Cave), the remains of a large collapsed cave
Map showing the location of Nahal Betzet Nature Reserve
Map showing the location of Nahal Betzet Nature Reserve
LocationUpper Galilee, Israel
Nearest cityNahariya
Coordinates33°04′22″N 35°12′52″E / 33.0728°N 35.2144°E / 33.0728; 35.2144
Area7,650 dunams (7.65 km2; 2.95 sq mi)
Established1972
Governing bodyIsrael Nature and Parks Authority

Nahal Betzet (Hebrew: נחל בצת, lit. "Betzet stream"; Arabic: وادي كركرة, Wadi Karkara), is a once-perennial and now intermittent stream in the Upper Galilee, Israel. Most of it is part of the nature reserve named for the stream.

Geography

The stream crosses the border from Lebanon into Israel between Shtula and Zar'it, and flows westward, emptying into the Mediterranean Sea south of Rosh HaNikra. The stream runs along a geological fault line through dolomite and limestone, and is fed along its course by springs. Currently, Mekorot (the national water company) pumps the water of the stream's springs, and has been accused of causing the stream to dry up.[1] Many caves are formed on the banks of the stream, most notably the arch known as Keshet Cave (Rainbow Cave).

Nature reserve

Most of the stream is part of a nature reserve that bears its name.[2] The reserve, declared in 1972 covers 7650-dunam[3] and part of it reaches the Israel-Lebanese border. In 2009, 1225 dunams were added to the reserve.

Flora in the area includes Nerium oleander, Platanus orientalis, and Adiantum capillus-veneris.

  • Nahal Betzet
    Nahal Betzet
  • Ruins at Nahal Betzet, identified as Khirbet Karkara, an archaeological site in Israel.
    Ruins at Nahal Betzet, identified as Khirbet Karkara, an archaeological site in Israel.
  • Sarach Cave, a stalactite cave home to insect-eating bats, where visitors are advised not to disturb the bats.
    Sarach Cave, a stalactite cave home to insect-eating bats, where visitors are advised not to disturb the bats.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Nahal Betzet Nature Reserve" (in Hebrew). iNature.info. Retrieved 2010-10-05.
  2. ^ "Nahal Betzet Nature Reserve". ProtectedPlanet.com.
  3. ^ "List of National Parks and Nature Reserves" (PDF) (in Hebrew). Israel Nature and Parks Authority. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-10-07. Retrieved 2010-09-27.
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