Watch Wild Israel

Wild Israel is a breathtaking nature documentary series produced by Smithsonian Earth that showcases the incredible wildlife, diverse landscapes and unique ecology of Israel. The show features stunning cinematography and captures the beauty of Israel's wilderness with great precision.

The series is presented by Dr. Jonathan L. Friedmann, a renowned biologist and naturalist who has been studying and researching Israel's wildlife for decades. The show primarily focuses on the country's diverse landscapes which include mountains, deserts, forests, wetlands, and coastal regions. Each episode is dedicated to a specific region or ecosystem, and Dr. Friedmann provides informative and engaging commentary about the flora and fauna that inhabit these places.

The first episode of the series titled "Wildlife on the Edge" explores the diverse range of animals that have adapted to living in the harsh conditions of the Negev desert. Dr. Friedmann takes viewers on a journey through this arid landscape, introducing them to the hardy creatures that have carved out their existence here. This includes the sand cat, a nocturnal feline that survives by eating small rodents and reptiles, and the Nubian ibex, a goat-like animal that is incredibly agile and can climb steep rocky terrain with ease.

The second episode is titled "Mediterranean Melting Pot" and explores the unique ecology of the Carmel Mountains. The region is known for its biodiversity, and Dr. Friedmann highlights the numerous species that call this place home. The episode features the rare caracal, a large wild cat that is known for its striking appearance and elusive nature. It also includes the Syrian brown bear, which has made a comeback in recent years after being nearly hunted to extinction.

The third episode is titled "Heavenly Heights" and takes viewers to the Golan Heights, a mountainous region that forms a natural border between Israel and Syria. Here, Dr. Friedmann explores the alpine meadows and introduces viewers to the unique flora and fauna that live in this harsh environment. This includes the rock hyrax, a small furry mammal that is related to the elephant, and the griffon vulture, a large bird of prey that can soar at altitudes of up to 30,000 feet.

The fourth episode, "Rivers of Paradise," focuses on the water-rich areas of Israel, including the Jordan River, Sea of Galilee, and Hula Valley. These regions are home to a diverse range of aquatic species, including the endangered European eel, which migrates thousands of miles to spawn in the rivers of Israel. The episode also highlights the incredible birdlife that thrives in the wetlands, including the majestic great white pelican and the rare black stork.

The final episode of the series, "Coastal Treasures," explores the unique marine life that inhabits Israel's Mediterranean coast. The episode features the endangered Mediterranean monk seal, which is one of the rarest marine mammals in the world. Dr. Friedmann also introduces viewers to the incredible underwater landscape of the Red Sea, which is home to some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world.

Overall, Wild Israel is a compelling and visually stunning nature documentary series that showcases the incredible beauty and diversity of Israel's wilderness. Dr. Friedmann's informative commentary and the breathtaking cinematography make this show a must-watch for nature lovers and anyone who appreciates the natural world.

Wild Israel is a series that ran for 1 seasons (5 episodes) between April 4, 2016 and on Smithsonian Earth