It is one of the goals of the project to seek and help by collection to preserve, the widest possible genetic variation in the samples. This entails collection from as many diverse populations as can be found and will support collection without harm to their continuity.
Lake Kinneret
The northern margin of Lake Kinneret (the Sea of Galilee) was formerly marshy. The Level of the lake has dropped significantly in recent years, as a result of water extraction. Whether this is the cause or not, the marshes have largely disappeared. River channels in this area, comprising the River Jordan and other smaller streams entering the Lake can shift around, as they have a very sandy substrate which is vulnerable to the floods that take place in some Winters.
The area was searched, covering all the suitable habitat, however, Papyrus was not located. Although it has grown here in the past, it hasn’t been seen in this area for many years and therefore is probably locally extinct.
A small river where it enters Lake Kinneret. Cyperus dives in the foreground.
The signs of historical conflicts were evident and only accessible areas were searched.
The (now vacated) breeding nests of St. Peter’s Fish (Tilapia spp.) were frequent in the sandy shallows of this area. These fish are very good parents (both), caring for their fry and taking them into their mouths when there is danger.
We found several young plants of the cosmopolitan giant sedge C. articulatus L., growing in this area, easily identified by its tangible septa inside the stem.
Cyperus articulatus L. The sandy, gravelly substrate can clearly be seen in this ‘photo.
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