The Coypu, Nutria or the Giant Swamp Rat (Myocastor coypus Molina, 1782) in Palestine by Dr. Norman Ali Bassam Khalaf

‫بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيم‬

ISSN 0178-6288 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Norman_KhalafPrinz_Sakerfalke_Von_Jaffa/publications https://palestine.academia.edu/NormanKhalaf https://issuu.com/dr-norman-ali-khalaf/docs

================================ ‫ النشرة الفلسطينية لعلم األحياء‬: ‫الغزال‬ Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin Gazelle : Das Palästinensische Biologische Bulletin

================================ Monthly Bulletin – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022 Published by Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Khalaf Department for Environmental Research and Media, National Research Center, University of Palestine, Gaza, State of Palestine

================================

Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

The Coypu, Nutria or the Giant Swamp Rat (Myocastor coypus Molina, 1782) in Palestine ُ ‫المستنقعات‬ ُ ‫ُجرذ‬ ‫ نيوتريا) ف فلسطي‬، ‫ كويبو‬، ‫العمالق (الكيب‬ By : Sharif Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Mohammad Ahmad Ahmad Mostafa Abdallah Mohammad Khalaf-Prinz Sakerfalke von Jaffa

A Coypu, Nutria, Beaver Rat or Giant Swamp Rat (Myocastor coypus Molina, 1782) in the Hula Valley, northern Occupied Palestine. Photo: Nigel Bewley. 18.09.2017. https://www.facebook.com/nigel.bewley.3/posts/10155192738649682

Abstract The Coypu, Nutria, Giant Swamp Rat or River Rat (Myocastor coypus Molina, 1782) is one of the largest Palestinian fresh water mammals, beside the Persian Otter (Lutra lutra seistanica Birula, 1912). Coypus were originally introduced from Chile, South America, to Occupied Palestine for fur farming in 1948 and 1956, but only later was it discovered that their fur does not grow well in Palestine’s relatively hot climate. Some escaped or were set free from their breeders and without any natural predators the population has exploded in Lake Hula, northern Occupied Palestine, and has since become an invasive species in Palestine. The species spread from several localities in northern Palestine southwards to most freshwater habitats (both natural and artificial) in the Mediterranean coastal plain region of Palestine, even polluted ones; and to the Jordan River and its tributaries; and have also been found in several Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

‫‪2‬‬

‫‪localities in Jordan. Their burrows penetrate and damage the water channel‬‬ ‫‪infrastructure, the river banks, dykes and irrigation facilities, and their feeding‬‬ ‫‪methods lead to the destruction of large areas of reed swamp. It was found that‬‬ ‫‪where the Nutria is established the endangered Otter population is disappearing.‬‬

‫ُملخص‬ ‫يُسمى ُجرذ ال ُمستنقعات العُمالق أيضا باألسماء التالية ‪ :‬الكيب ‪ ،‬كويبو ‪ ،‬نيوتريا و ُجرذ النهر ؛ ويُعتبر‬ ‫من أكبر ثدييات المياه العذبة الفلسطينية إلى جانب القُضاعة الفارسية (ثعلب الماء الفارسي) ‪ .‬ولقد تم‬ ‫جلب ُجرذ ال ُمستنقعات العُمالق من موطن ِه من تشيلي في أمريكا الجنوبية إلى فلسطين ال ُمحتلة من أجل‬ ‫الفراء في عامي ‪ 1948‬و ‪ ، 1956‬ولكنه أكتشف في وقت الحق أن فِرائها ال تنمو بشكل جيد في مناخ‬ ‫فلسطين الحار نسبيا ‪ .‬وقد تمكن بعضها من الهرب أو تم إطالق سراحها من قِبل ُمربيهم ‪ ،‬وبدون ُوجود‬ ‫أية ُمفترسات طبيعية ‪ ،‬فقد تكاثرت أعدادها بشكل كبير في بُحيرة الحولة في شمال فلسطين ال ُمحتلة ‪،‬‬ ‫وأصبح ُجرذ النهر العُمالق منذ ذلك الحين من أنواع الحيوانات الدخيلة الغازية في فلسطين ‪ .‬ولقد أنتشر‬ ‫هذا النوع من عدة مواقع في شمال فلسطين ُجنوبا إلى ُمعظم مواطن المياه العذبة (الطبيعية والصناعية)‬ ‫في منطقة السهل الساحلي الفلسطيني للبحر األبيض المتوسط ‪ ،‬حتى ال ُملوثة منها ؛ كما أنتشر إلى نهر‬ ‫األردن وروافده ؛ وباإلضافة إلى ذلك فقد تم تسجيل ُوجود هذا النوع من عدة مواقع في األردن ‪ .‬إن‬ ‫سدود‬ ‫ُجحور ُجرذ ال ُمستنقعات العُمالق تخترق وت ُدمر البُنية التحتية للقنوات المائية وضفاف األنهار وال ُ‬ ‫ومرافق الري ‪ ،‬وتؤدي طرق تغذيتها إلى تدمير مساحات كبيرة من مستنقعات القصب ‪ .‬وقد وُُ جد أنه في‬ ‫األماكن التي يتواجد فيها ُجرذ ال ُمستنقعات العُمالق بكثرة فإن حيوان القُضاعة ال ُمهدد باإلنقراض يختفي ‪.‬‬

‫‪A Nutria (Myocastor coypus Molina, 1782) shows off its bright red-orange teeth on the shore of‬‬ ‫‪Lake Hula, northern Occupied Palestine. Photo: Or Hiltch.‬‬ ‫‪https://www.fromthegrapevine.com/nature/beautiful-species-call-hula-valley-home‬‬ ‫‪Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022‬‬

A Nutria (Myocastor coypus Molina, 1782) at Ayn (Ein) Afek Nature Reserve, northern Occupied Palestine. Photo: Sinai Mining. 08.02.2018. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=941799132652431&set=gm.1607973512628011

Introduction The Coypu (Myocastor coypus Molina, 1782), also known as the Nutria, Giant Swamp Rat, River Rat or Beaver Rat, is a large, herbivorous, hystricognathous rodent with a semiaquatic mode of life. Classified for a long time as the sole member of the family Myocastoridae, which belongs to the large group of native South American rodents of the suborder Caviomorpha (Baroch, Hafner, Brown, Mach and Poché, 2002), Myocastor is now included within Echimyidae, the family of the spiny rats. The coypu lives in burrows alongside stretches of water, and feeds on river plant stems. Originally native to subtropical and temperate South America, it has since been introduced to North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, primarily by fur farmers (Wikipedia). Because its pelage has a high commercial value, the species was overexploited in the wild in its original distribution area already at the beginning of the twentieth century. Captive breeding was initiated on Coypu farms in Argentina, followed by Europe, the USA, and the former Soviet Union (Özkan, 1999). Animals escaping from these farms frequently led to the creation of invasive populations in the wild. In addition, Coypus were also Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

deliberately released in some countries. At present, such invasive populations can be found in North America (e.g. Louisiana), Asia, Africa, and the Middle East (Corbet, 1978; Gosling and Baker, 1991; Wilson and Reeder, 1993; Özkan, 1999). Although it is still hunted and trapped for its fur in some regions, its destructive burrowing and feeding habits often bring it into conflict with humans, and it is considered an invasive species (Wikipedia). Their burrows penetrate and damage river banks, dykes and irrigation facilities. M. coypus' feeding methods lead to the destruction of large areas of reed swamp. Habitat loss caused by coypus impacts plant, insect, bird and fish species. This species has been nominated as one of the "100 of the World's worst invaders” by IUCN (Invasive Species Compendium, 2019). The genus name Myocastor derives from the two Ancient Greek words μῦς (mûs), meaning "rat, mouse", and κάστωρ (kástōr), meaning "beaver". Literally, therefore, the name Myocastor means "beaver rat" (Wikipedia).

A young Nutria or Coypu (Myocastor coypus) at Nahr Iskandarunah River (Nahal Alexander). It looks like he's hugging himself to conserve heat, but he's really washing his whiskers and this is one of the movements involved in doing so. Photo: Nuestra naturaleza. 22.01.2016. https://www.facebook.com/Auto500pxnature/photos/a.1022043077833798/1022506687787437

Two names are commonly used in English for Myocastor coypus. The name "nutria" (from Spanish word nutria, meaning 'otter') is generally used in North America, Asia, and throughout countries of the former Soviet Union; however, in most SpanishGazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

speaking countries, the word "nutria" refers primarily to the otter. To avoid this ambiguity, the name "coypu" or "coipo" (derived from the Mapudungun language) is used in Latin America and parts of Europe. In France, the coypu is known as a ragondin. In Dutch, it is known as beverrat (beaver rat). In German, it is known as Nutria, Biberratte (beaver rat), or Sumpfbiber (swamp beaver). In Italy, instead, the popular name is, as in North America and Asia, "nutria", but it is also called castorino ("little beaver"), by which its fur is known in Italy. In Swedish, the animal is known as sumpbäver (marsh/swamp beaver). In Brazil, the animal is known as ratão-do-banhado (big swamp rat), nútria, or caxingui (the last from the Tupi language) (Wikipedia). The coypu was first described by Juan Ignacio Molina in 1782 as Mus coypus, a member of the mouse genus. The genus Myocastor was assigned in 1792 by Robert Kerr. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, independently of Kerr, named the species Myopotamus coypus, and it is occasionally referred to by this name (Wikipedia). Five subspecies of Myocastor coypus are recognized in its native range, with M. c. coypus occurring in central Chile, M. c. melanops restricted to Chiloé Island, Chile, M. c. santacruzae found in Patagonia, M. c. bonariensis found in northern Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and southern Brazil, and M. c. popelairi found in Bolivia (Osgood, 1943; Baroch, Hafner, Brown, Mach and Poché, 2002). M. c. bonariensis, the subspecies present in the northernmost (subtropical) part of the coypu's range, is believed to be the type of coypu most commonly introduced to other continents (Wikipedia).

A Giant Swamp Rat (Myocastor coypus Molina, 1782) in the Hula Valley, northern Occupied Palestine. Photo: Gil Eliahu. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-kill-orwelcome-those-invaders-scientists-torn-over-invasive-species-1.6112519 Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

A coypu (Myocastor coypus) pup in Palestine. Mai 2018. Photo: Noam Kinrot. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10156686915382638&set=gm.2038920359701585

The Coypu Myocastor coypus is a large rodent (5-10kg; 40-60cm head and body; 30-45cm tail; 11-14 cm skull length), superficially rat-like, pelage brown and yellow-brown in colour with a cylindrical tail. It has webbed hindfeet, with a footprint up to 15cm long, imprints of the web is often visible; incisors are prominent and bright orange-yellow (unlike rats which are yellow-brown), with white marks on muzzle (Woods et al. 1992; Qumsiyeh, 1996; Carter and Leonard, 2002). Faeces cylindrical, up to 70mm long, with fine longitudinal striations (LeBlanc, 1994; Invasive Species Compendium, 2019). Nutrition: Herbivorous, Myocastor coypus eat wetland plants and crops. Selective feeding causes massive reduction in reed swamp. Occasional feeding on freshwater snails, mussels, mollusks and other invertebrates are reported. It practices coprophagy (Woods et al., 1992; Qumsiyeh, 1996; Carter and Leonard, 2002; Genesis Laboratories, Inc., 2002; Invasive Species Compendium, 2019). Reproduction: Placental. Sexual. Significant relationship between winter severity and female reproduction in the following spring. Prenatal embryo losses are high until 13-14 weeks of gestation. Sexual maturity 3-10 months. Gestation 127-138 days. Litter size 2-9; prenatal embryo losses are common during cold winter and in females in poor health condition (Woods et al., 1992; Genesis Laboratories, Inc., 2002; Invasive Species Compendium, 2019). Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

Lifecycle stages: Myocastor coypus are prolific animals. They breed throughout the year, with young usually born in the spring; post-partum oestrus. Sexual maturity 3-10 months. Gestation 127-138 days. Mean litter sizes 5-7 (2-9), prenatal embryo losses are common during cold winter and in females in poor health condition (Woods et al. 1992; Qumsiyeh, 1996; Invasive Species Compendium, 2019). They have been known to live in captivity for 6 years (Qumsiyeh, 1996).

Situation in Palestine The Coypu, Nutria, Giant Swamp Rat, River Rat or Beaver Rat (Myocastor coypus Molina, 1782) is one of the largest Palestinian fresh water mammals, beside the Persian Otter (Lutra lutra seistanica Birula, 1912). Coypu were originally introduced from Chile, South America, for fur farming by fish farmers at Kfar Masaryk, near the delta of Nahr Al-Na’ameen River (Nahal Na’aman), and Masil Al-Jizl (Kfar Ruppin) in Occupied Palestine in 1948 and 1956 (Bodenheimer, 1958; Ehrlich, 1959; Qumsiyeh, 1996; Mendelssohn and Yom-Tov, 1999a), but only later was it discovered that their fur does not grow well in Palestine’s relatively hot climate. Some coypus escaped or were set free (Ferguson, 2002; Khalaf, 2006d, 2009a, 2013b) from the fur farms of their breeders Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

near these fish ponds (Atallah, 1978) and without any natural predators the population has exploded in Lake Hula, northern Palestine, and has since become an invasive species in Palestine. The Coypu caused damage to the fish ponds and river system (Manno, 2017). The species spread to most freshwater habitats in the Mediterranean coastal plain region of Palestine, even polluted ones (Roll, Dayan and Simberloff, 20072008); and to the Jordan River and its tributaries. Their burrows penetrate and damage the water channel infrastructure, the river banks, dykes and irrigation facilities, and their feeding methods lead to the destruction of large areas of reed swamp. It was found that where the Nutria is established the endangered Otter population is disappearing. There are 122 migrating species in Occupied Palestine, two thirds of which are plants and invertebrates. It turns out that the migrants have increased Palestine’s biodiversity by 104 species (after subtracting now extinct species). To date, there has been no evidence of any migrating species causing the extinction of local species (Rinat, 2018), but it can affect its numbers and distribution negatively. One concern of the field of “invasive biology” was that migrant species endanger local species because they had not evolved together. But observations show that native species adapt to the newcomers (Rinat, 2018).

A Coypu or Nutria (Myocastor coypus) in the Hula Valley, northern Occupied Palestine. July 2017. Photo: CScreations. https://www.facebook.com/chandrushirurphotography/photos/a.1034698593277028/1557228 531024029 Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

A Coypu or Nutria (Myocastor coypus) around the Hula Lake swamps, Northern Palestine. Photo: Keshet Israel. 13.03.2020. https://www.facebook.com/keshetisraeltours/photos/a.661306180579425/2914758591900828

Distribution in Palestine The Coypu were originally introduced from Chile, South America, for fur farming by fish farmers at Kfar Masaryk, near the delta of Nahr Al-Na’ameen River (Nahal Na’aman), and Masil Al-Jizl (Kfar Ruppin) in Occupied Palestine in the 1940s and 1950s, and some escaped or were set free from the fur farms of their breeders near these fish ponds and without any natural predators the population has exploded in Lake Hula, northern Palestine, and has since become an invasive species in Palestine. The Nutria spread from several localities in northern Palestine southwards to most freshwater habitats (both natural and artificial) in the Mediterranean coastal plain region of Palestine, even polluted ones (Roll, Dayan and Simberloff, 2007-2008); and to the Jordan River and its tributaries. It is found in the perennial streams of the Palestinian coastal plain. It was recorded from Nahr Saffuriya River (Nahal Zippori), Kabara (Ma’agan Michael and Ma’ayan Zvi), north of Nahr Az-Zarqa or At-Timsah River (Nahal Taninim) (Ferguson, 2002, Khalaf, 2006d, 2009a, 2013b), Nahr Iskandarunah River (Nahal Alexander) (Ferguson, 2002, Khalaf, 2006d, 2009a, 2013b), Wadi Akka-Haifa (Zevulon Valley), and around Ayn (Ein) Afek Nature Reserve, northern Occupied Palestine. The Coypu is found along the Jordan River and its tributaries, where it is seen around the baptism sites in Qasr Al-Yahud (Palestine) and Al-Maghtas (Jordan). Several documented records are from Wadi Al-Maqta’, Marj Ibn ‘Amer (Jezreel Valley), Jenin Governorate, West Bank of the Jordan River, Palestine (Sultan Jenin, 2016, 2017, 2018; Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

Amara, 2017; Sawafta, 2018; Dr. Basha, 2018, 2019). The species is now feral in the Beisan (Beit She’an) Valley (Ferguson, 2002, Khalaf, 2006d, 2009a, 2013b), and is very well established in the Hula Lake and its drainage channels, and is seen in Moshava Yesud HaMa'ala in the Hula Valley (Newman, 2017). The species was also seen in Ayn Wiba (Ein Yahav), between the Wiba (Yahav) and Nikrot streams, northern Wadi Arabah (Arava Valley) (Ferguson, 2002, Khalaf, 2006d, 2009a, 2013b). Specimens of the Coypu at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem are from Tell El-Khuweilifeh (Tel Halif or Lahav), northern Al-Naqab (Negev) Desert, and from Al-Khudeira (Hadera), near Nahr Al-Akhdar, Haifa District (Qumsiyeh, 1996). The species have also been found in several localities in Jordan (Bodenheimer, 1958; Qumsiyeh, 1996; Mendelssohn and Yom-Tov, 1999a; Roll, Dayan and Simberloff, 2007-2008). Specimens of the Coypu at the Jordan Natural History Museum, Yarmouk University in Irbid are from 7 km south of Jerash, Jerash Reservoirs (Sil Jerash), and the Yarmouk River near Aqraba Village (Qumsiyeh, 1996).

Not a regular issue: A Nile Soft-shelled Turtle (Trionyx triunguis Forskål 1775) attacking a Coypu (Myocastor coypus Molina, 1782) in Palestine. Photo: Shlomo Waldmann. 17.09.2015. https://www.facebook.com/shlomowart/photos/a.1413794872190329/1667610896808724

References and Internet Websites Abbas, A. (1991). Feeding strategy of coypu (Myocastor coypus) in central western France. Journal of Zoology, London, 224: 385-401. Abd Rabou, Abdel Fattah N. (2005). An ecological survey and assessment of Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve, Gaza Strip–Palestine, with particular emphasis on wildlife. Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis. https://iugspace.iugaza.edu.ps/handle/20.500.12358/26223?locale-attribute=en Abd Rabou, Abdel Fattah N. (2011). The Palestinian mammalian fauna acquired by the zoological gardens in the Gaza Strip. Nusantara Bioscience 3(2): 82-91. https://smujo.id/nb/article/view/949 Abd Rabou, Abdel Fattah N. (2019). The Mammalian, Reptilian and Amphibian Fauna of Al-Mawasi Ecosystem, South-Western Gaza Strip, Palestine. Agricultural Research & Technology: Open Access Journal, Juniper Publishers Inc., vol. 23(3), pages 309-322, November 2019. https://ideas.repec.org/a/adp/artoaj/v23y2019i3p309-322.html Aharoni, I. (1930). Die Säugetiere Palästinas. Z. Säugetierkd., 5: 327-343. Aldiqs, Mansour Jafar (17.07.2016). Photo: Wadi El-Hesi stream, Liwaa’ Gaza (Gaza District), Occupied Palestine. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=268570833520788&set=a.128186804225859 &type=3 Aldiqs, Mansour Jafar (15.09.2017). Photo: Tell El-Hesi: The lost Paradise. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1539158576144034&set=pb.100001497194 174.-2207520000..&type=3

A coypu (Myocastor coypus) pup in Palestine. Photo: Gal Shiri Birnbaum. 08.02.2018. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10155372569736309&set=p.10155372569736309 Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

Amara, Abdullah (29.12.2017). Photo: Coypu at Marj Bin Amer, Jenin, Palestine. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1938154183169752&set=gm.1915827318733483 Anon (1946). The Schmitz Collection of Mammals. Bull. Jerusalem Nat. Club 23: 1-2. Atallah, S. I. (1977). The Mammals of the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Their Ecology, Systematics and Zoogeographical Relationships (Part 1). Säugetierkundliche Mitteilungen, 25: 241-320. Atallah, S. I. (1978). The Mammals of the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Their Ecology, Systematics and Zoogeographical Relationships (Part 2). Säugetierkundliche Mitteilungen, 26: 1-50. Bar-Am, Aviva and Shmuel Bar-Am (16.03.2013). Take a walk on the wild side at Huleh Agamon. Times of Israel. https://www.timesofisrael.com/take-a-walk-on-the-wildside-at-huleh-agamon/ Baroch, John; Mark Hafner, Tommy L. Brown, Jeff J. Mach and Richard M. Poché (2002). Nutria (Myocastor coypus) in Louisiana. University of Nebraska – Lincoln. 31.03.2002, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/241834279_Nutria_Myocaster_coypus_in_ Louisiana Basha, Dr. Walid (15.11.2018). Photo: Coypu (Myocastor coypus) from Marj Ibn ‘Amer, Jenin Governorate, Palestine. Facebook. Walid Basha. Basha Scientific Centre for Research and Studies. https://www.facebook.com/walid.basha.948 Basha, Dr. Walid (15.11.2019). Photo: Coypu (Myocastor coypus) pups from Marj Ibn ‘Amer, Jenin Governorate, Palestine. Facebook. Walid Basha. Basha Scientific Centre for Research and Studies. https://www.facebook.com/walid.basha.948

Coypu (Myocastor coypus) pups from Marj Ibn ‘Amer, Jenin Governorate, Palestine. Photo: Dr. Walid Basha. 15.11.2019. https://www.facebook.com/walid.basha.948 Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

A Coypu (Myocastor coypus) from Marj Ibn ‘Amer, Jenin Governorate, Palestine. Photo: Dr. Walid Basha. 15.11.2018. https://www.facebook.com/walid.basha.948

Bodenheimer, F. S. (1935). Animal Life in Palestine. An Introduction to the Problems of Animal Ecology and Zoogeography. L. Mayer Pub. Jerusalem. pps. xiii + 506. Bodenheimer, F.S. (1937). Prodromus Faunae Palestinae. Essai sur les éléments zoogéographiques et historiques du sud-ouest du sous-règne paléarctique. Mémoires présentés à l'Institut d'Égypte. Le Caire (Cairo). 33: 286 p. Bodenheimer, F. S. (1958). The Present Taxonomic Status of the Terrestrial Mammals of Palestine. Bull. Research Council of Israel, Zoology. Vol. 7B: 165-189. Bodenheimer, F.S. (1960). Animal and Man in Bible Lands. E.J. Brill Publ. Leiden. pp. 232. Bomford, M. (2003). Risk Assessment for the Import and Keeping of Exotic Vertebrates in Australia. Bureau of Rural Sciences, Canberra. http://www.feral.org.au/feral_documents/PC12803.pdf Bonaparte, C.L. Prince (1858). Catalogue des Mammiferes et des Oiseaux observes en Algerie par le Capitaine Loche : 10 Paris. Borgnia, M., Galante, M. L. and Cassini, M. H. (2000). Diet of the coypu (Nutria, Myocastor coypus) in agro-systems of Argentina Pampas. Journal of Wildlife Management 64(2): 354-361. Carmela27 (2018). Rats in Jordan River? - Israel Forum – Tripadvisor. Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g293977-i1733-k11096344Rats_in_Jordan_River-Israel.html Carter, Jacoby (2007). Worldwide Distribution, Spread of, and Efforts to Eradicate the Nutria (Myocastor coypus) USGS National Wetlands Research Center. http://www.nwrc.usgs.gov/special/nutria/index.htm Carter, J. and Leonard, B. P. (2002). A review of the literature on the worldwide distribution., spread of, and efforts to eradicate the coypu (Myocastor coypus) Source. Wildlife Society Bulletin. 30(1): 162-175. CONABIO. (2008). Sistema de información sobre especies invasoras en México. Especies invasoras - Mamíferos. Comisión Nacional para el Conocimiento y Uso de la Biodiversidad. Fecha de acceso. http://www.conabio.gob.mx/invasoras/index.php/Especies_invasoras__Mam%C3%ADferos Corbet, G. B. (1978). The Mammals of the Palaearctic Region. A Taxonomic Review. British Museum (Natural History) and Cornell University Press, London and Ithaca (NY), vii + 314 pp., 1978. https://academic.oup.com/jmammal/articleabstract/60/3/656/936909?redirectedFrom=fulltext Dahl, S.K. (1954). The Animal World of the Armenian S.S.R., Vol. 1. Vertebrates. Part 2. Mammals. Zoological Institute, Yerevan, 415 pp. Dayan, T. and E. Tchernov (1988). On the first occurrence of the common weasel (Mustela nivalis) in the fossil record of Israel. Mammalia, 52: 165-168.

Two coypu (Myocastor coypus) pups at the Hula Lake, northern Palestine. Photo: Shmuel BarAm. https://www.timesofisrael.com/take-a-walk-on-the-wild-side-at-huleh-agamon/

Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

Dolev, ʻAmit and Avi Perevolotsky (2004). The Red Book: Vertebrates in Israel. Israel Nature and Parks Authority, 318 pp. https://books.google.ae/books/about/The_Red_Book.html?id=9GHwKgAACAAJ&re dir_esc=y Dunstone, Dr. Nigel (1993). The Mink. T & A D Poyser Natural History. 1st Edition. 232 pp. ISBN-13: 978-0856610806. Ehrlich, S. (1959). Nutria breeding in fish ponds. Bamidgeh, 11: 44-47. Elbaum, Leiah (2005). Small Israeli Mammals. https://www.natureisrael.com/smallmammals.html Fasham, M; Kate Trumper (2001). Review of non-native species legislation and guidance Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/wildlife/management/nonnative/documents/review-report.pdf Ferguson, Walter W. (2002). The Mammals of Israel. Written and Illustrated by: Walter W. Ferguson, and Edited by: Susan Menache. Gefen Publishing House, Jerusalem and New York. pps 160. Genesis Laboratories, Inc. (2002). Report prepared for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. 155pp. Genovesi, P. (2005). Eradications of invasive alien species in Europe: a review. Biological Invasions. 7 (1): 127-133. Gosling, L. M. (1989). Extinction to order. New Scientist, 4 March 1989: 44-49. Gosling, L. M. and Baker, S. J. (1987). Planning and monitoring an attempt to eradicate coypus from Britain. Symposia of The Zoological Society of London 58: 99-113.

Two coypus (Myocastor coypus) at the Hula Lake, northern Palestine. Photo: Shmuel Bar-Am. https://static.timesofisrael.com/www/uploads/2013/02/coypus.jpg Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

A coypu (Myocastor coypus) swimming in Moshava Yesud HaMa'ala in the Hula Valley, northern Palestine. Photo: Israel Guide Lorne Newman. 25.07.2017. https://www.facebook.com/theguideisrael/photos/a.1335413503240962/1335413533240959

Gosling, L. M. and S. J. Baker (1989). Demographic consequences of differences in the ranging behaviour of male and female coypus. Pp. 155-167 in Mammals as pests (R. J. Putman, ed.). Chapman & Hall, London, United Kingdom. Gosling, L. M. and S. J. Baker (1991). Coypu. Pp. 267-275 in Handbook of British Mammals (G. B. Corbet and S. Harris, eds.). 3rd ed. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford, United Kingdom. Gosling, L. M., Baker, S. J. and Clarke, C. N. (1988). An attempt to remove coypus (Myocastor coypus) from a wetland habitat in East Anglia. Journal of Applied Ecology 25: 49-62. Gosling, L. M., A. D. Watt, and S. J. Baker (1981). Continuous retrospective census of the East Anglian coypu population between 1970 and 1979. Journal of Animal Ecology, 50:885-901. Gosling, L. M., and K. H. M. Wright (1994). Scent marking and resource defence by male coypus (Myocastor coypus). Journal of Zoology (London). 234: 423-436. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission (GSMFC), 2005. Myocastor coypus (Kerr, 1792). Harper, D.M., Mavuti, K.M. and Muchiri, S.M. (1990). Ecology and management of Lake Naivasha, Kenya, in relation to climatic change, alien species' introduction, and Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

agricultural development. Environmental Conservation 17: 328-336. Harris, C.J. (1968). Otters: A Study of the Recent Lutrinae. Weidenfeld and Nicolson. London. pps. 397. Harrison, David L. (1972). The Mammals of Arabia. Volume III. Lagomorpha, Rodentia. Ernest Benn Ltd., London, xvii + 383-670 pp. Harrison, David L. (1981). Mammals of the Arabian Gulf. George Allen & Unwin, London. pps. 92. Harrison, David L. and Bates, P.J. (1991). The Mammals of Arabia. Second edition. Harrison Zoological Museum, Sevenoaks, Kent. xvi + 354. Harrison, David L. and R.E. Lewis (1964). A Note on the Occurrence of the Weasel (Mustela nivalis Linnaeus, 1766) (Carnivora: Mustelinae) in Lebanon. Zeitschrift für Säugetierkunde, 29:3, 179-181. Hatough-Bouran, A. and A.M. Disi (1991). History, Distribution, and Conservation of large Mammals and their habitats in Jordan. Environ. Conserv., 18: 19-44. Ilani, G. (1988). Otters still live on the Golan Heights. Israel Land Nat., 14(1): 245. Herrera, E. A. and D. W. Macdonald (1987). Group stability and the structure of a capybara population. Symposia of the Zoological Society of London. 58: 115-130. Invasive Species Compendium (20.11.2019). Myocastor coypus (Coypu). CABI. https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/73537 IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) (2010). A Compilation of Information Sources for Conservation Managers Involved in the Prevention, Eradication, Management and Control of the Spread of Invasive Alien Species that are a Threat to Native biodiversity and Natural Ecosystems.

A coypu (Myocastor coypus) at Wadi Al-Maqta’, Marj Ibn ‘Amer, Jenin Governorate, Palestine. Photo: Fouad Sawafta. 04.10.2018. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1864184086998028&set=gm.2106982466284633 Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

A Coypu (Myocastor coypus) at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai, UAE. Photo: Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Khalaf. 17.09.2015. https://www.facebook.com/dr.norman.ali.khalaf & https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10158520352894831&set=a.127745184830

Khalaf, Norman Ali Bassam (1980). Tabie’t Al-Talawon fi Al-Haywanat (The Colouration of Animals). Al-Biology Bulletin. Number 1. January 1980, Safar 1401. Biological Society, Kuwait University, State of Kuwait. pp. 4-5. (in Arabic). Khalaf, Norman (1983). Haywan Al-Ghurair (Al-Gharir) fi Falestin wa Shibeh AlJazeera Al-Arabia (The Badger in Palestine and the Arabian Peninsula). Al-Khalisah Bulletin. The National Palestinian Assemblage. Kuwait University, State of Kuwait. First Year, Number 2, February 1983. pp. 12-13. (In Arabic). Khalaf, Norman (1983). Ta’qib ‘ala Maqal ‘Ilmi: Haywan Al-Ghurair (Al-Gharir) (A scientific Comment: The Badger). Al-Khalisah Bulletin. The National Palestinian Assemblage. Kuwait University, State of Kuwait. First Year, Number 3, April 1983. pp. 20. (In Arabic). Khalaf, Norman Ali Bassam (1983). The Honey Badger (Mellivora capensis) in the Arabian Peninsula. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178-6288. First Year, Number 2, August 1983, pp. 1-30. Hanweiler, Saarland, Federal Republic of Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

Germany. (In Arabic). Khalaf, Norman Ali Bassam (1984-1985). The Weasel Project: Scientific Research on captive weasels (Mustela nivalis, Linnaeus 1766) in the Department of Zoology, University of Durham, Durham, England, during the Academic Year 1984-1985. Supervisor: Dr. Nigel Dunstone. Unpublished scientific research and data & scientific diary. Research Notebook. pp. 1-56. Khalaf, Norman Ali Bassam (1987). A Trip to Kuwait Zoo, State of Kuwait. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178-6288. Rilchingen-Hanweiler, Federal Republic of Germany. Fifth Year, Number 13, Ramadan 1407 AH, April 1987 AD. pp. 1-5. (In Arabic). Khalaf-von Palästina, Norman Ali Bassam (1988). The Honey Badger in Kuwait Zoo, State of Kuwait. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178-6288. Rilchingen-Hanweiler, Federal Republic of Germany. Volume 6, Number 18, Rabie’ Alakher 1409 AH, November 1988 AD. pp. 1-2. (In Arabic). Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam (1991). The Otter (Lutra lutra) in Palestine. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178-6288. Volume 9, Number 22, February 1991, Rajab 1411 AH, pp. 1-4. Bonn-Bad Godesberg, Federal Republic of Germany. Khalaf, Norman Ali Bassam (1992). Notes on the Biological Ecology of the Marshes in Southern Iraq. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178-6288. Bonn-Bad Godesberg, Federal Republic of Germany. Tenth Year, Number 29, September 1992, pp. 1-9. (In Arabic). Khalaf, Norman Ali Bassam (1992). The United Nations Ecological Report confirms: The Regime of Saddam is destroying the Marshes (Al-Ahwar) Ecosystem. Sawt Al-Kuwait International Newspaper. Saturday 17 October 1992, 21 Rabi’e Al-Thani 1412. pp. 15. (In Arabic). Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam (1992). An Introduction to the Animal Life in Palestine. Gazelle. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Bonn-Bad Godesberg, Federal Republic of Germany. Number 30, Tenth Year, October 1992. pp. 1-7. (in Arabic). Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam (1994). An Introduction to the Animal Life in Palestine. Shqae’q Al-Nouma’n (Anemone coronaria). A Quarterly Magazine Issued by the Program EAI (Education for Awareness and for Involvement). Environmental Education / Children for Nature Protection. In Cooperation with Dept. of General and Higher Education. P.L.O., Palestine. Number 4. Huzairan (June) 1994. pp. 16-21. (in Arabic). Khalaf, Norman Ali Bassam (2001). The Common Weasel. In: Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin Homepage. Extinct and Endangered Animals and Reintroduction. http://gazelle.8m.net/photo3.html Khalaf, Norman Ali Bassam (2001). The Mustelids of Palestine. In: Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin Homepage. Mammals in Palestine and the Book “Mammalia Arabica”. http://gazelle.8m.net/catalog.html Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam (2004). The Otter (Lutra lutra) in Palestine. In: Gazelle: Das Palästinensische Biologische Bulletin. Eine Wissenschaftliche Reise in Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

Palästina, Arabien und Europa zwischen 1983 – 2004 / Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. A Scientific Journey in Palestine, Arabia and Europe between 1983 – 2004. ISBN 3-00-014121-9. Erste Auflage, Juli 2004: 452 Seiten. Zweite erweiterte Auflage, August 2004: 460 Seiten. Publisher: Norman Ali Khalaf, Bonn-Bad Godesberg, Germany. pp. 172-176. http://dr-norman-ali-khalaf-books.webs.com/& eBook: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/59405994/book-gazelle-thepalestinian-biological-bulletin-a-scientific-journey-in-palestine-arabia-and-europebetween-1983-2004-by-norman-ali-khalaf-von-jaffa-2004 Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam (2005a). The Otter (Lutra lutra) in Palestine. In: Aquatica Arabica. An Aquatic Scientific Journey in Palestine, Arabia and Europe between 1980 - 2005. / Aquatica Arabica. Eine Aquatische Wissenschaftliche Reise in Palaestina, Arabien und Europa zwischen 1980 - 2005. ISBN 3-00-014835-3. Erste Auflage, August 2005: 376 Seiten. Publisher: Norman Ali Khalaf, Rilchingen-Hanweiler, Bundesrepublik Deutschland & Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. pp. 133-137. http://drnorman-ali-khalaf-books.webs.com/aquaticaarabica.htm & eBook: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/59407769/book-aquatica-arabica-anaquatic-scientific-journey-in-palestine-arabia-and-europe-between-1980-2005-bynorman-ali-khalaf-von-jaffa-2005 & eBook: https://joom.ag/nN6L Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali (2005b). The Mammals in Dubai Zoo, Dubai City, United Arab Emirates. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178-6288. Volume 23, Number 45, September 2005, Sha’ban 1426. pp. 1-14. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. (In Arabic).

A Coypu (Myocastor coypus) at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai, UAE. Photo: Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Khalaf. 06.01.2017. https://www.facebook.com/dr.norman.ali.khalaf Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

A Coypu (Myocastor coypus) at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai, UAE. Photo: Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Khalaf. 06.01.2017. https://www.facebook.com/dr.norman.ali.khalaf

Khalaf, Norman Ali (2005, 2006, 2007). Chapter 3: Geography, Flora and Fauna. Pages 32-39.in: Palestine: A Guide. By Mariam Shahin, Photography by George Azar. CoAuthor: Norman Ali Khalaf. Northampton, Massachusetts: Interlink Publishing Group, 2005, 2006, 2007. xi + 471 pages. Appendices to page 500. http://ipsnewsite.mysite4now.com/journals.aspx?id=7323&jid=1&href=fulltext Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2006a). Mammalia Palaestina: The Mammals of Palestine / Die Säugetiere Palästinas. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 55, Twenty-fourth Year, July 2006, Jumada Al-Thania 1427. pp. 1-46. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://web.archive.org/web/20080315233525/http://www.geocities.com/jaffacity/M ammalia_Palaestina1.html (Part 1) & http://web.archive.org/web/20090403201333/http://www.geocities.com/jaffacity/M ammalia_Palaestina2.html (Part 2). Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam (2006b). The Otter (Lutra lutra) in Palestine. In: Mammalia Arabica. Eine Zoologische Reise in Palästina, Arabien und Europa zwischen 1980-2006 / Mammalia Arabica. A Zoological Journey in Palestine, Arabia and Europe between 1980-2006. ISBN 3-00-017294-7. Erste Auflage (First Edition), Juli 2006, 484 pp. Publisher: Norman Ali Khalaf, Rilchingen-Hanweiler, Deutschland & Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. pp. 121-125. http://dr-norman-ali-khalafbooks.webs.com/mammaliaarabica.htm & eBook (Google Drive): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mjzf_I_b8wTX_BHd1RsuU4ykhJlIKW2/view?usp=sharing Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2006c). The Mustelids of Palestine. In: Mammalia Arabica. Eine Zoologische Reise in Palästina, Arabien und Europa zwischen 1980-2006 / Mammalia Arabica. A Zoological Journey in Palestine, Arabia and Europe between 1980-2006. ISBN 3-00-017294-7. Erste Auflage (First Edition), Juli 2006. pp. 151. Self-Publisher: Norman Ali Khalaf, Rilchingen-Hanweiler, Deutschland & Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mjzf_I_b8wTX_BHd1RsuU4ykhJlIKW2/view?usp=sharing Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2006d). Mammalia Palaestina: The Mammals of Palestine / Die Säugetiere Palästinas. In: Mammalia Arabica. Eine Zoologische Reise in Palästina, Arabien und Europa zwischen 1980-2006 / Mammalia Arabica. A Zoological Journey in Palestine, Arabia and Europe between 1980-2006. ISBN 3-00-017294-7. Erste Auflage (First Edition), Juli 2006. pp. 239-285. Self-Publisher: Norman Ali Khalaf, Rilchingen-Hanweiler, Deutschland & Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mjzf_I_b8wTX_BHd1RsuU4ykhJlIKW2/view?usp=sharing Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2006e). The Common Weasel (Mustela nivalis, Linnaeus 1766) in Palestine and the East Mediterranean Region. In: Mammalia Arabica. Eine Zoologische Reise in Palästina, Arabien und Europa zwischen 1980-2006 / Mammalia Arabica. A Zoological Journey in Palestine, Arabia and Europe between 1980-2006. ISBN 3-00-017294-7. Erste Auflage (First Edition), Juli 2006. pp. 286-293. SelfPublisher: Norman Ali Khalaf, Rilchingen-Hanweiler, Deutschland & Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mjzf_I_b8wTX_BHd1RsuU4ykhJlIKW2/view?usp=sharing Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2006f). The Common Weasel (Mustela nivalis, Linnaeus 1766) in Palestine and the East Mediterranean Region. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178-6288. Number 57, Twenty-fourth Year, September 2006. pp. 1-7. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://web.archive.org/web/20080320083547/http://www.geocities.com./jaffacity/ Weasel_Palestine.html Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2006g). The Mustelids of Palestine. http://web.archive.org/web/20080820200053/http://www.geocities.com/jaffacity/Pa lestine_Mustelid.html Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2007). Mus musculus gazaensis Khalaf, 2007: A New House Mouse Subspecies from the Gaza Strip, Palestine. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178-6288. Volume 25, Number 66, June 2007, Jamada Al-Ulla 1428 AH. pp. 14-24. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. (Abstract in English). www.oocities.org/jaffacity/Gaza_House_Mouse.html Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2007). Felidae Arabica. A Zoological Journey in Palestine, Arabia and Europe between 1980-2007 / Felidae Arabica. Eine Zoologische Reise in Palästina, Arabien und Europa zwischen 1980-2007. ISBN 978-3-00-019568-6. Erste Auflage (First Edition), Juli (July) 2007, 300 pp. SelfPublisher: Norman Ali Khalaf, Rilchingen-Hanweiler, Deutschland & Sharjah, United Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

Arab Emirates. (in Arabic, German and English). Doctoral Dissertation. Ashwood University, USA. Doctor of Science Degree in Zoology (Summa Cumm Laude) on 26.09.2007. http://dr-norman-ali-khalaf-books.webs.com/felidaearabica.htm & Doctoral Dissertation eBook : https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/59397999/doctorate-dissertationfelidae-arabica-by-norman-ali-bassam-khalaf-doctor-of-science-ashwood-universityusa-2007 Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2007). Fa’r Ghaza AlManzeli (Gaza House Mouse or Palestine House Mouse). Wikipedia. Al-Mawsu’a AlHurra (The Free Encyclopedia). Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 01786288. Volume 25, Number 68, August 2007, Rajab 1428 AH. pp. 1. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. https://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/‫فأر_المنازل_الغزاوي‬ Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2007). Taxon profile: Subspecies Mus musculus gazaensis Khalaf, 2007. BioLib.cz. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178-6288. Volume 25, Number 68, August 2007, Rajab 1428 AH. pp. 4. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. https://www.biolib.cz/en/taxon/id404778/ Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2007). Profil taxonu: Poddruh Mus musculus gazaensis Khalaf, 2007. BioLib.cz. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178-6288. Volume 25, Number 68, August 2007, Rajab 1428 AH. pp. 11. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. https://www.biolib.cz/cz/taxon/id404778/ Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (Gründer) (seit September 2007). Yahoo! Deutschland Group: Fauna Arabica. http://de.groups.yahoo.com/group/Fauna_Arabica/

A coypu (Myocastor coypus) at Marj Ibn ‘Amer, Jenin Governorate, Palestine. Photo: Abdullah Amara. 29.12.2017. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1938154183169752&set=gm.1915827318733483 Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2007). Haywanat Filistin (Fauna of Palestine). In: Wikipedia-Arabic, Al-Mawsu'a Al-Hurra (The Free Encyclopedia). Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 69, September 2007, Sha’ban 1428 AH. pp. 1-4. (Article in Arabic). http://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D8%AD%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%A7 %D8%AA_%D9%81%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%B7%D9%8A%D9%86 Khalaf-von Jaffa, Dr. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2008). The Common Weasel (Mustela nivalis, Linnaeus 1766) in Palestine and the East Mediterranean Region. In: Carnivora Arabica. A Zoological Journey in Palestine, Arabia and Europe between 2005-2008. / Carnivora Arabica. Eine Zoologische Reise in Palästina, Arabien und Europa zwischen 2005-2008. ISBN 978-9948-03-459-9. First Edition: September 2008, Ramadan 1429 AH. pp. 71-78. Self-Publisher: Dr. Norman Ali Khalaf, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates & Rilchingen-Hanweiler, Bundesrepublik Deutschland. http://drnorman-ali-khalaf-books.webs.com/carnivoraarabica.htm & eBook: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/59551346/book-carnivora-arabica-bydr-norman-ali-bassam-khalaf-von-jaffa-2008 Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2008). Carnivora Palaestina: The Carnivores of Palestine / Die Raubtiere Palästinas. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178-6288. Number 82, October 2008, Shawal 1429 AH. pp. 1-25. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. https://de.groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Fauna_Arabica/conversations/messages/ 31 Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2009a). Rodentia Palaestina: The Rodents of Palestine. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178-6288. Volume 27, Number 86, February 2009, Safar 1430 AH. pp. 1-20. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2009b). Flora and Fauna in Palestine. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Number 91, July 2009, Rajab 1430 AH. pp. 1-31. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://flora-fauna-palestine.webs.com/ Khalaf-von Jaffa, Dr. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2009c). The Otter (Lutra lutra) in Palestine. In: Fauna Palaestina – Part One. A Zoological Journey in Palestine, Arabia and Europe between 1983 – 2006 / Fauna Palaestina – Teil Eins. Eine Zoologische Reise in Palästina, Arabien und Europa zwischen 1983 – 2006. ISBN 978-9948-03-865-8. Erste Auflage/First Edition, September 2009. pp. 45-49. Self Publisher: Dr. Norman Ali Bassam Khalaf-von Jaffa, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates & Rilchingen-Hanweiler, Bundesrepublik Deutschland. http://dr-norman-ali-khalafbooks.webs.com/faunapalaestinapart1.htm & eBook: https://www.yumpu.com/xx/document/view/59498633/fauna-palaestina-1-bookby-dr-norman-ali-khalaf-2009 Khalaf-von Jaffa, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2010). Fauna Emiratus - Part One. Zoological Studies in the United Arab Emirates between 2004 - 2009. / Fauna Emiratus – Teil Eins. Zoologische Studien in die Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate zwischen 2004 - 2009. ISBN 978-9948-15-462-4. Erste Auflage/First Edition, November Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

2010: 350 Seiten / Pages. Self Publisher: Dr. Norman Ali Bassam Khalaf-von Jaffa, Dubai and Sharjah, United Arab Emirates & Rilchingen-Hanweiler, Bundesrepublik Deutschland. http://dr-norman-ali-khalaf-books.webs.com/faunaemiratuspart1.htm & eBook: https://www.yumpu.com/xx/document/view/59546804/fauna-emiratuspart-1-zoological-studies-in-the-united-arab-emirates-between-2004-2009-by-drnorman-ali-bassam-khalaf-von-jaffa-2010 Khalaf, Prof. Dr. Norman Ali (13.04.2011). Photo: Feeding the Nutria (Myocastor coypus) carrots at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai Mall, Dubai, UAE. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/dr.norman.ali.khalaf Khalaf-von Jaffa, Dr. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2012). The Common Weasel (Mustela nivalis, Linnaeus 1766) in Palestine and the East Mediterranean Region. In: Fauna Palaestina – Part Two. Zoological Studies in Palestine between 1983 – 2009 / Fauna Palaestina - Teil Zwei. Zoologische Studien in Palästina zwischen 1983 – 2009. ISBN 978-9948-16-667-2. 1. Auflage / First Edition : July 2012, Shaaban 1433 H. pp. 6977. Publisher: Dar Al Jundi Publishing House, Jerusalem, Palestine. http://dr-normanali-khalaf-books.webs.com/faunapalaestinapart2.htm & eBook: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/59602956/fauna-palaestina-part-2book-by-dr-norman-ali-khalaf-von-jaffa-2012 Khalaf-von Jaffa, Dr. Norman Ali Bassam (2013a). Fauna Palaestina – Part Three. Zoological Studies in Palestine between 2005 – 2012/ Fauna Palaestina – Teil Drei. Zoologische Studien in Palästina zwischen 2005 – 2012. ISBN 978-9950-383-35-7. Erste Auflage / First Edition : July 2013, Shaaban 1434 H.364 Seiten / Pages (English / German Part 350 Pages and the Arabic Part 14 Pages). Publisher: Dar Al Jundi Publishing House, Jerusalem, Palestine. http://dr-norman-ali-khalafbooks.webs.com/faunapalaestinapart3.htm & eBook: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/62740914/fauna-palaestina-part-3year-2013-by-dr-norman-ali-bassam-khalaf-von-jaffa-isbn-978-9950-383-35-7 Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2013b). Rodentia Palaestina: The Rodents of Palestine. In: Fauna Palaestina – Part Three. Zoological Studies in Palestine between 2005 – 2012/ Fauna Palaestina – Teil Drei. Zoologische Studien in Palästina zwischen 2005 – 2012. ISBN 978-9950-383-35-7. Erste Auflage/First Edition : July 2013, Shaaban 1434 H. 364 Seiten/Pages (English/German Part 350 Pages and the Arabic Part 14 Pages). Publisher: Dar Al Jundi Publishing House, Jerusalem, Palestine. pp. 177-204. http://dr-norman-ali-khalafbooks.webs.com/faunapalaestinapart3.htm & eBook: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/62740914/fauna-palaestina-part-3year-2013-by-dr-norman-ali-bassam-khalaf-von-jaffa-isbn-978-9950-383-35-7 Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2013c). Mus musculus gazaensis Khalaf, 2007: A New House Mouse Subspecies from the Gaza Strip, Palestine. In: Fauna Palaestina – Part Three. Zoological Studies in Palestine between 2005 – 2012/ Fauna Palaestina – Teil Drei. Zoologische Studien in Palästina zwischen 2005 – 2012. ISBN 978-9950-383-35-7. Erste Auflage/First Edition : July 2013, Shaaban 1434 H. 364 Seiten/Pages (English/German Part 350 Pages and the Arabic Part 14 Pages). Publisher: Dar Al Jundi Publishing House, Jerusalem, Palestine. pp. 206-219. http://dr-normanGazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

ali-khalaf-books.webs.com/faunapalaestinapart3.htm & eBook: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/62740914/fauna-palaestina-part-3year-2013-by-dr-norman-ali-bassam-khalaf-von-jaffa-isbn-978-9950-383-35-7

A Coypu (Myocastor coypus) at Wadi Al-Maqta’, Marj Ibn ‘Amer, Jenin Governorate, Palestine. Photo: Sultan Jenin. 18.11.2016. https://www.facebook.com/SultanJenin19

Khalaf-von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Bassam (2014). Haywan Al-Ghurair (AlGhurairy) Al-Farisi fi Filastin wa Shibeh Al-Jazeera Al-Arabia / The Persian Badger (Meles meles canescens Blanford, 1875) in Palestine and the Arabian Peninsula. In: Fauna Palaestina – Part Four. Zoological Studies in Palestine between 1983 – 2014/ Fauna Palaestina – Teil Vier. Zoologische Studien in Palästina zwischen 1983 – 2014. ISBN978-9950-383-77-7. Erste Auflage / First Edition : July 2014, Ramadan 1435 H. pp. 456 (English part 378 pages and Arabic part 78 pages). Publisher: Dar Al Jundi Publishing House, Al-Quds (Jerusalem), State of Palestine. pp. 16-36. http://faunapalaestina-part-1.webs.com/faunapalaestina4.htm & eBook: https://www.yumpu.com/fr/document/view/62741122/book-fauna-palaestina-4year-2014-by-prof-dr-norman-ali-bassam-khalaf-von-jaffa-isbn-978-9950-383-77-7 Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2014). Mus musculus gazaensis Khalaf, 2007: A New House Mouse Subspecies from the Gaza Strip, Palestine. In: Fauna Palaestina – Part Four. Zoological Studies in Palestine between 1983 – 2014/ Fauna Palaestina – Teil Vier. Zoologische Studien in Palästina zwischen 1983 – 2014. ISBN978-9950-383-77-7. Erste Auflage / First Edition : July 2014, Ramadan 1435 H. pp. 456 (English part 378 pages and Arabic part 78 pages). Publisher: Dar Al Jundi Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

Publishing House, Al-Quds (Jerusalem), State of Palestine. pp. 272-290. http://faunapalaestina-part-1.webs.com/faunapalaestina4.htm & eBook: https://www.yumpu.com/fr/document/view/62741122/book-fauna-palaestina-4year-2014-by-prof-dr-norman-ali-bassam-khalaf-von-jaffa-isbn-978-9950-383-77-7 Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2014). Dinasurat Al Quds (Dinosaurs of Jerusalem). Dialogue with Prof. Dr. Norman Khalafvon Jaffa. National Geographic Arabiya Magazine (October 2014, Pages 52--53). https://www.flickr.com/photos/50022881@N00/15412670595 Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2015). Haywan Al-Ghurair (Al-Ghurairy) Al-Farisi fi Filastin wa Shibeh Al-Jazeera Al-Arabia / The Persian Badger (Meles meles canescens Blanford, 1875) in Palestine and the Arabian Peninsula. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin (ISSN 0178 – 6288). Number 123, March 2015. pp. 1-17. Dubai and Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (in Arabic). Website: http://animals-of-palestine.webs.com/persian-badger Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2015). Plants and Animals unique to Palestine. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Number 125, May 2015. pp. 1-18. Dubai and Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://flora-fauna-palestine-2.webs.com/ Khalaf-von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Bassam (2015). Fauna Palaestina – Part Five. Zoological Studies in Palestine between 1983 – 2016/ Fauna Palaestina – Teil Fünf. Zoologische Studien in Palästina zwischen 1983 – 2016. ISBN 978-9950-383-92-0. Erste Auflage / First Edition : July 2015, Ramadan 1436 H. 448 pp. (English Part 304 Pages and the Arabic Part 144 Pages). Publisher: Dar Al Jundi Publishing House, Al-Quds (Jerusalem), State of Palestine. http://fauna-palaestina-books.webs.com/ & eBook (Google Drive): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1C9Vo6oBn4AAYB7XnpeIGgEXgOBZFzar6/view?us p=sharing Khalaf, Prof. Dr. Norman Ali (17.09.2015). Photo: A Coypu (Myocastor coypus) at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai Mall, Dubai, UAE. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/dr.norman.ali.khalaf Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2016). Haywanat Falastin (Fauna of Palestine) ‫ حيوانات فلسطين‬. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Number 144, December 2016, pp. 1-18. Dubai and Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (In Arabic). http://animals-of-palestine-2.webs.com/fauna-ofpalestine-arabic Khalaf, Prof. Dr. Norman Ali (January 2017). Photo: Oriental small-clawed Otter (Amblonyx cinereus) at Dubai Underwater Zoo, Dubai Mall, Dubai, UAE. Facebook. 06.01.2017. https://www.facebook.com/dr.norman.ali.khalaf/posts/10154811152384831 Khalaf, Prof. Dr. Norman Ali (06.01.2017). Photo: A Coypu (Myocastor coypus) at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai Mall, Dubai, UAE. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/dr.norman.ali.khalaf Khalaf, Sharif Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Mohammad Ahmad Ahmad Mostafa Abdallah Mohammad (Abu Nora) (2018). The Family of Sharif Hajji Taher Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

Mohammad Ahmad Ahmad Mostafa Khalaf (Abu Othman). A Pictorial History Book of a Palestinian Family from Jaffa in the Twentieth Century. ISBN 978-9950-974-40-1. First Edition, October 2018, Safar 1440 Hijri. 120 pp. In Arabic. Publisher: Prof. Dr. Norman Khalaf Department for Environmental Research and media, National Research Center, University of Palestine, Gaza, State of Palestine. https://family-taherkhalaf.webs.com/ & eBook: https://www.yumpu.com/xx/document/view/62242473/book-family-taher-khalaf2018 Khalaf, Norman Ali (17 August 2019). Research on Durham Weasels 1984/85. ‫دراسة حيوان‬ ‫ إبن عرس في دورهام‬. Facebook. Photo Album. https://www.facebook.com/dr.norman.ali.khalaf/media_set?set=a.10157382702789831 &type=3

A Nutria (Myocastor coypus) swimming at Marj Ibn ‘Amer, Jenin Governorate, Palestine. Photo: Sultan Jenin. 01.08.2017. https://www.facebook.com/SultanJenin19

Khalaf-Prinz Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Sharif Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Mohammad Ahmad Ahmad Mostafa Abdallah Mohammad (2020). The Weasel Project: Scientific Research on captive weasels (Mustela nivalis, Linnaeus 1766) in the Department of Zoology, University of Durham, Durham, England, during the Academic Year 1984-1985 (Part One). Supervisor: Dr. Nigel Dunstone. Scientific Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

Research and Data & Scientific Diary. Research Notebook. pp. 1-56. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Volume 38, Number 188, August 2020, pp. 1-56. Published by Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Khalaf Department for Environmental Research and Media, National Research Center, University of Palestine, Gaza, State of Palestine. https://carnivores-of-palestine-2.webs.com/weasels-in-durham & https://issuu.com/dr-norman-alikhalaf/docs/weasel_project_zoology_department_durham_universit Khalaf, Prof. Dr. Norman Ali (29.08.2020). The Coypu, Nutria, Giant Swamp Rat, Beaver Rat or River Rat (Myocastor coypus Molina, 1782) in Palestine. Facebook. (In English & Arabic). https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10158520352894831&set=a.127745184830 Khalaf-Prinz Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Sharif Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Mohammad Ahmad Ahmad Mostafa Abdallah Mohammad (2020). The Weasel Project: Scientific Research on captive weasels (Mustela nivalis, Linnaeus 1766) in the Department of Zoology, University of Durham, Durham, England, during the Academic Year 1984-1985 (Part Two). Documents, Data and Activity Charts & Graphs. Supervisor: Dr. Nigel Dunstone. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Volume 38, Number 189, September 2020, pp. 1-32. Published by Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Khalaf Department for Environmental Research and Media, National Research Center, University of Palestine, Gaza, State of Palestine. https://carnivores-ofpalestine-2.webs.com/weasels-in-durham & https://issuu.com/dr-norman-alikhalaf/docs/weasel_project_2 Khalaf-Prinz Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Sharif Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Mohammad Ahmad Ahmad Mostafa Abdallah Mohammad (2020). A Historical Record of the Persian Otter (Lutra lutra seistanica Birula, 1912) from Wadi El-Hesi, North of Gaza Strip, State of Palestine. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Volume (Band) 38, Number 190, October 2020, Seiten(S) pp. 55-70. Published by Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Khalaf Department for Environmental Research and Media, National Research Center, University of Palestine, Gaza, State of Palestine. (With English and Arabic abstracts). https://animals-of-palestine-3.webs.com/persian-otterin-gaza & https://issuu.com/dr-norman-ali-khalaf/docs/otter_in_gaza_palestine & https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343474785_A_Historical_Record_of_the_P ersian_Otter_Lutra_lutra_seistanica_Birula_1912_from_Wadi_ElHesi_North_of_Gaza_Strip_State_of_Palestine & https://www.academia.edu/43794700/A_Historical_Record_of_the_Persian_Otter_Lut ra_lutra_seistanica_Birula_1912_from_Wadi_El_Hesi_North_of_Gaza_Strip_State_of_P alestine Khalaf-Prinz Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Sharif Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Mohammad Ahmad Ahmad Mostafa Abdallah Mohammad (March 2022). The Persian Otter (Lutra lutra seistanica Birula, 1912) in Palestine. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Volume (Band) 40, Number 207, March 2022, Seiten(S) pp. 122. Published by Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Khalaf Department for Environmental Research and Media, National Research Center, University of Palestine, Gaza, State of Palestine. (With English and Arabic abstracts). https://mammals-of-palestine.webs.com/persianGazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

otter-in-palestine & https://issuu.com/dr-norman-alikhalaf/docs/persian_otter_in_palestine Khalaf-Prinz Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Sharif Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Mohammad Ahmad Ahmad Mostafa Abdallah Mohammad (April 2022). The Coypu, Nutria or the Giant Swamp Rat (Myocastor coypus Molina, 1782) in Palestine. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Volume (Band) 40, Number 208, April 2022, Seiten(S) pp. 1-33. Published by Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Khalaf Department for Environmental Research and Media, National Research Center, University of Palestine, Gaza, State of Palestine. (With English and Arabic abstracts). https://mammals-of-palestine.webs.com/coypu-in-palestine & https://issuu.com/drnorman-ali-khalaf/docs/coypu_nutria_in_palestine

A Nutria (Myocastor coypus) and a Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) at Marj Ibn ‘Amer, Jenin Governorate, Palestine. Photo: Sultan Jenin. 22.10.2018. https://www.facebook.com/SultanJenin19

LeBlanc, Dwight J. (1994). Nutria Prevention and control of wildlife damage. (Eds) Scott E. Hygnstrom Robert M. Timm & Gary E. Larson. http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/nreos/wild/pdf/wildlife/NUTRIA.PDF Mammal Watching. Israel. https://www.mammalwatching.com/places/israel/ Manno, Theodore G. (Author) and Elaine Miller Bond (Foreword) (30.05.2017). Swamp Rat: The Story of Dixie's Nutria Invasion. University Press of Mississippi; Illustrated edition. 272 pp. ISBN-13: 978-1496811943. Marx, J., Mouton, E., Linscombe, G. (2003). Nutria harvest distribution 2002-2003 and a Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

survey of nutria herbivory damage in coastal Louisiana in 2003. Unpublished report by Fur and Refuge Division, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Mendelssohn H. & Y. Yom-Tov (1987). Eds. Vol 7: Mammals. Plants and Animals of the Land of Israel. Ministry of Defence/The Publishing House, Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel. Mendelssohn H. & Y. Yom-Tov (1999a). Fauna Palaestina: Mammalia of Israel. Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, Jerusalem. Mendelssohn H. & Y. Yom-Tov (1999b). A report of Birds and Mammals which have increased their distribution and abundance in Israel due to human activity. Israel Journal of Zoology, 45: 35-47. Moran, S. (2003). Checklist of vertebrate damage to agriculture in Israel, updated for 1993-2001. Phytoparasitica, 31: 109-117. National Biodiversity Data Centre (2017). Coypu Species Alert. Kilkenny, Ireland: Heritage Council. https://www.biodiversityireland.ie/coypu-species-alert/ Newman, Lorne (Israel Guide) (25.07.2017). Photo: A coypu (Myocastor coypus) swimming in Moshava Yesud HaMa'ala in the Hula Valley. https://www.facebook.com/theguideisrael/photos/a.1335413503240962/13354135332 40959 Norris, Anna (09.04.2015). Beautiful species that call the Hula Valley home. https://www.fromthegrapevine.com/nature/beautiful-species-call-hula-valley-home Özkan, Beytullah (1999). Invasive Coypus, Myocastor coypus (Molina, 1782), in the European Part of Turkey. Israel Journal of Zoology. Volume 45, 1999, Issue 2, pp. 289291. Published online 30 April 2013. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00212210.1999.10688999?needAccess =true&journalCode=tiee19 Ognev, S.I. (1931). Mammals of Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Volume 2. Carnivora, Fissipedia. Moscow. Osgood, W. H. (1943). The Mammals of Chile. Field Museum of Natural History, Zoology Series, 30:1-268. Qumsiyeh, Mazin B. (1996). Mammals of the Holy Land. Texas Tech University Press. pps. 389. Reggiani, G., Boitani, L., D'Antoni, S. and De Stefano, R. (1993). Biology and control of the coypu in the mediterranean area. Suppl. Ric. Biol. Selvaggina XXI: 67-100. Reggiani, G., Boitani, L. and De Stefano, R. (1995). Population dynamics and regulation in the coypu Myocastor coypus in central Italy. Ecography 18: 138-146. Rinat, Zafrir (23.05.2018). Kill Those Invaders or Welcome Them? Scientists Split Over Invasive Species. Haaretz. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-kill-orwelcome-those-invaders-scientists-torn-over-invasive-species-1.6112519 Roll, Uri; Tamar Dayan and Daniel Simberloff (2007-2008). Non-indigenous terrestrial vertebrates in Israel and adjacent areas. Biol. Invasions (2008). 10:659-672. Published online: 05.09.2007. https://www.tau.ac.il/lifesci/zoology/members/lewi_files/documents/Roll_BiolInv_ 2008.pdf Sawafta, Fouad (04.10.2018). Photo: A coypu (Myocastor coypus) at Wadi Al-Maqta’, Marj Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

Ibn ‘Amer, Jenin Governorate, Palestine. Facebook. Foud Sawafta. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1864184086998028&set=gm.2106982466284633 Schrenk, L.v. (1859). Reisen und Forschungen im Amur-Lande. 1:43. St. Petersburg. Shaked, Zahi (Israeli Tour Guide) (26.07.2018). YouTube Video: Nutria (Coypu, River rat), at the Jordan river Israel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGltVW--lN0 Shalmon, Benny (no date). Mammals in Israel. https://www.teva.org.il/?CategoryID=949 Silverman, Yossi (20.07.2011). Spotlight on Nature: Coypu the Fuzzy Invader. This is the South American Coypu, what is it doing in the Hula Valley in Northern Israel? http://scoutisrael.com/tag/coypu/ Sultan Jenin (Wildlife Photography) (18.11.2016). Photo: A Coypu (Myocastor coypus) at Wadi Al-Maqta’, Marj Ibn Amer, Jenin Governorate, Palestine. Photo: Sultan Jenin. 18.11.2016. https://www.facebook.com/SultanJenin19 Sultan Jenin (Wildlife Photography) (01.08.2017). Photo: A Nutria (Myocastor coypus) swimming at Marj Ibn Amer, Jenin Governorate, Palestine. https://www.facebook.com/SultanJenin19 Sultan Jenin (Wildlife Photography) (22.10.2018). Photo: A Nutria (Myocastor coypus) and a Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) at Marj Ibn Amer, Jenin Governorate, Palestine. https://www.facebook.com/SultanJenin19

Feeding the Nutria (Myocastor coypus) carrots at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai Mall, Dubai, UAE. Photo: Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Khalaf-von Jaffa. 13.04.2011. https://www.facebook.com/dr.norman.ali.khalaf Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022

Tristram, H.B. (1866). Report on the Mammals of Palestine. Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1866: 84-93. Tristram, H.B. (1884). The Survey of Western Palestine. The Fauna and Flora of Palestine. Committee of the Palestine Exploration Fund, London. 455 pp. (Mammals on pp 1-30). Wikipedia. Coypu. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coypu Wikipedia. Nutria. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nutria Wikipedia. )‫ كيب (حيوان‬. https://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/‫)كيب_(حيوان‬ Willner, G. R., Chapman, J. A. and Pursley, D. (1979). Reproduction, physiological responses, food habits, and abundance of nutria on Maryland marshes. Wildlife Monograph 65: 43. Wilson, D. E., and D. M. Reeder (eds.). (1993). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. 2nd Edition. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, D.C., xviii + 1206 pp. ISBN 1-56098-217-9. https://academic.oup.com/jmammal/articleabstract/75/1/239/860819?redirectedFrom=fulltext Woods, C.A., Contreras, L., Willner-Chapman, G. & Whidden, H.P. (1992). Myocastor coypus. Mammalian Species 398: 1-8. Yom-Tov, Yoram (1986). Otters between Extinction and Survival. Israel – Land and Nature. Volume 11, no. 4, Summer 1986, pps. 167-169.

‫والحم ُد هللِ رب العالمين‬

Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 208 – April 2022