About Avi Zobel & Reptiles of Israel
About Avi Zobel & Reptiles of Israel
The “Guarding the Reptiles of Israel” Project
One of Israel’s leading public projects promoting reptile conservation, environmental education and public access to knowledge
Our Story
The “Guarding the Reptiles of Israel” project is an Israeli social-environmental initiative founded in 2016 by Avi Zobel – a licensed snake catcher and environmental activist. The project was born of a vision to change public perceptions of Israel’s reptiles, reduce fear and prejudice, and encourage their protection as an integral part of Israel’s nature.
Along the way, the project created short, clear and memorable awareness messages and slogans. The first of them – “Don’t Kill Snakes” – grew out of the wish to encourage a safe, responsible and nature-friendly choice: calling a licensed snake catcher instead of harming the snake. Over the years more messages and initiatives were added, all aimed at strengthening public education, encouraging coexistence between people and nature, and protecting Israel’s reptiles.
Our Work in the Field
Unlike purely digital projects, “Guarding the Reptiles of Israel” is active on the ground, in the public space
Security Collaborations
Installing information and safety signs at IDF bases, including Paratroopers Brigade bases, to raise soldiers’ awareness and safety when encountering reptiles.
Urban Spaces
Installing information signs and running projects that make the world of reptiles accessible in ecological and urban parks, such as the Hod HaSharon Ecological Park and Ilanot Forest (KKL-JNF).
Advising Local Authorities
Work guidelines and awareness programs for municipalities and councils on managing human–snake conflicts in public spaces, for example a reassuring post: “Snake season is here”.
National and International Initiatives
National Initiatives
In 2018 the project led a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind campaign in Israel to choose “Israel’s snake”. After a wide public campaign that included outreach, collaboration with professionals and an open vote with thousands of participants, the Palestine viper was chosen and declared Israel’s national snake. The move received significant media coverage, sparked positive public discussion about snakes and helped change common misconceptions.
International Initiatives
In 2026 the project expanded its activity to the international arena, leading an initiative to declare International Toad Day, first marked on May 15. The initiative shines a spotlight on toads – from animals mistakenly seen as a nuisance to key players in ecosystems – in collaboration with organizations, researchers and nature-lover communities around the world.
The Project in the Media, Publications and Reference Sources
Over the years, the activities of “Guarding the Reptiles of Israel” and the initiatives it leads have received media coverage, mentions in official and academic sources, and recognition in Israel and around the world
Articles, Interviews and Publications
“Hod HaKfar”
Avi Zobel, licensed snake catcher, in an article on snake catching, safety and public education.
Haaretz
“The man who wants us to stop fearing snakes” – an in-depth feature on Avi Zobel, the project’s work and the vision behind it.
Channel 13 – “London & Kirshenbaum”
Interview on the national snake selection and the project’s work (from minute 47:00).
ynet
“Israel’s snake: the Palestine viper” – coverage of the national snake selection.
JTA – Jewish Telegraphic Agency
International article on the selection of the Palestine viper as Israel’s national snake and on the initiative behind it.
Jüdische Allgemeine – Germany
Mention of the initiative to choose Israel’s national snake, noting that the idea was raised by Avi Zobel to promote reptile protection.
mynet Kfar Saba
Article on Avi Zobel, the founding of the project, his reptile conservation work and the initiative to choose Israel’s national snake.
“Bishvil HaAretz” – Israel Nature and Parks Authority magazine
“Snakes: Not What You Thought” – an article on snakes, nature conservation and public education.
Amphibian Survival Alliance – AmphiBios
“Building International Toad Day” – an international article on the founding of International Toad Day and the initiative to raise awareness of toads.
Teva HaDvarim – Issue 371
“Has Israel learned to live alongside snakes?” – an article by Avi Zobel on the path that led to founding the project and its work over the years. Pages 6–11.
Haipo
“173 snake captures in Haifa” – an article on snake data and the work of “Guarding the Reptiles of Israel”.
“Shabbaton” – Issue 1291
Profile article on Avi Zobel and the project’s work, from the national snake to International Toad Day.
“Yarok” newspaper
Article on regional activity, public education and reptile conservation initiatives.
Official, Academic and Encyclopedic Sources
Israel Nature and Parks Authority
Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel
The Reptile Database
Ministry of Education – “Green Days”
The Hebrew University
Wikipedia
Palestine Viper
On 02/11/2018 Israel’s national snake was announced.
The winner, deservedly, was the most impressive and widespread venomous snake in Israel.
Project Partners
Israel Nature and Parks Authority, Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, Steinhardt Museum of Natural History at Tel Aviv University, Ramat Gan Safari, the Biblical Zoo, ynet, Negev Zoo, Reptiles and Amphibians in Israel, Life and Environment and more…
How Was It Chosen?
The vote was held democratically and freely, first as a poll in the Guarding Israel’s Reptiles group. When 10 candidates reached the semi-finals, voting was also opened on ynet. The announcement was published by all participating organizations and was also added to the global reptile-database.org
The project’s main goal: to put the protection of Israel’s reptiles on the agenda, change attitudes toward these amazing animals, reduce fear and prevent needless killing.
Someone who won’t kill a snake probably won’t kill any other animal either – and will protect wildlife.
Guarding the Reptiles of Israel
A national campaign launched to change attitudes toward very important wildlife from the reptile class: tortoises, lizards and above all snakes
All of Israel’s reptiles are protected wildlife!
Snakes are important to the ecosystem, serving both as predators and as prey. No snake chases or bites for no reason – a bite happens only if you get too close, are careless or ignore the snake’s warnings.
The campaign promotes sharing knowledge in a friendly, accessible way to bring the public closer to the subject.
Protect Israel’s reptiles! Don’t kill snakes!
Came across a snake? My name is Avi, a licensed snake catcher from Kfar Saba, providing fast, professional service to residents of the Sharon region.
Join the Community
Both channels share relevant content from Israel and around the world, alongside unique, high-quality limited-edition campaign merchandise – collectors’ items.
Facebook page: “Guarding the Reptiles of Israel” – follow us
Group: “Guarding Israel’s Reptiles” – where you can also upload photos for identification
Thanks to Our Photographers
Special thanks to photographers Kochav Azulay, Eran Gissis, Lea Chananashvili, Matthieu Berroneau, Aviad Bar, Guy Haimovitch, David David and Ilan Bial, who contributed their photos to field guides, articles and project publications.
The photos help present Israel’s reptiles in a professional, respectful and accessible way to the wider public. Thank you for your partnership and generosity.
