|
ملخص البحث |
A total of 210 vertebrate species were recorded in Gaza Strip between January 1996 and January 2003. The recorded species comprise: 3 amphibians, 30 reptiles, 162 birds and 15 mammals. All amphibian, reptile and mammal species are resident breeders; while about two/third of bird species are migratory non-breeders. The most commonest and abundant water and terrestrial birds are Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis, and House Sparrow Passer domesticus respectively. It is worth mentioning that most of the recorded species are highly endangered, some of them are on the verge of extinction, while others had already exinct such as: Porcupine Hystrix indica, Jackal Canis aureus, Wolf Canis lupus, Red Fox Vulpes vulpes, Striped Hyena Hyaena hyaena, Caracal Felis caracal schmitzi, Wild Boar Sus scrofa and Arabian Gazelle Gazella saudiya Of the recorded species, four are endemic viz., Palestine Viper Vipera palaestinae, Palestine Sunbird Nectarinia osea, Palestine Mole Rat Spalax leucodon and Palestine Jird Meriones sacramenti, while four are globally threatened: Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca, Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, Corncrake Crex crex, and Sociable Plover Chettusia gregaria. Further studies are necessary to clarify the current status of these species. The urgent conservation priorities of Palestinian Authority include protection of the natural and agricultural habitats, establishment of protected areas with captive breeding sites and re-introduction measures. |
