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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 38 – Number 190 – October 2020 Published by Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Khalaf Department for Environmental Research and Media, National Research Center, University of Palestine, Gaza, State of Palestine
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Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 38 – Number 190 – October 2020
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A Historical Record of the Persian Otter (Lutra lutra seistanica Birula, 1912) from Wadi El-Hesi, North of Gaza Strip, State of Palestine ُ الفارس) من وادي تاريخ للقضاعة الفارسية (ثعلب الماء تسجيل ي ي دولة فلسطي، شمال قطاع غزة، ص الح ي By : Sharif Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Mohammad Ahmad Ahmad Mostafa Abdallah Mohammad Khalaf-Prinz Sakerfalke von Jaffa
The skeleton remains in situ of the Persian Otter (Lutra lutra seistanica Birula, 1912) dubbed “Wadi Beastie” from Wadi El-Hesi, North of Gaza Strip, South-west Palestine, which was excavated in summer 1981. Photo credit: Sharon M. Smith. https://public.fotki.com/srstephanie/06_tell_el-hesi/hesi81wadibeastieinsitu.html#media Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 38 – Number 190 – October 2020
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Abstract The skeleton remains of a Persian Otter (Lutra lutra seistanica Birula, 1912) were excavated in summer 1981 from Wadi El-Hesi, North of Gaza Strip, South-west Palestine, dating back several hundred years. This is the only documented record of the otter in the Gaza Strip. Wadi El-Hesi was a perennial stream of the coastal plain with rich biodiversity, and Tell El-Hesi was populated since the Early Bronze Age (ca. 3000-1800 B.C.). World major civilizations were always developed along permanent water. The Israeli occupation diverted the water to the National Water Carrier of Israel. Nowadays, Wadi El-Hesi is dried up in the summers, and is filled with water during rainy winters and springs, when flora and fauna flourishes.
ُملخص العثور على بقايا هيكل عظمي للقُضاعة الفارسية (ثعلب الماء الفارسي) يرجع1981 تم في صيف . جنوب غرب فلسطين، من وادي الحصي في شمال قطاع غزة، عُمرها إلى عدة مئات من السنوات لقد كان وادي. ويُعتبر هذا هو التسجيل ال ُموثق الوحيد لتواجد القُضاعة (ثعلب الماء) في قطاع غزة وكانت منطقة تل، ويتسم بالتنوع البيولوجي الغني، الحصي مجرى مائي دائم في السهل الساحلي ، وكما نعلم. سنة قبل الميالد1800-3000 الحصي مأهولة بالسكان منذ العصر البرونزي ال ُمبكر قبل وقد قام اإلحتالل اإلسرائيلي. فإن الحضارات العالمية الرئيسية تطورت دائما ً قرب مصادر المياه الدائمة فقد أصبح وادي الحصي جافا ً في، أما في أيامنا هذه. بتحويل المياه إلى الناقل القُطري اإلسرائيلي للمياه وتزدهر فيه، بينما يكون مملوءا ً بالمياه خالل فصلي الشتاء ال ُممطر والربيع ال ُمزهر، فصل الصيف . الحياة النباتية والحيوانية حينذاك The skeleton remains of a Persian Otter (Lutra lutra seistanica Birula, 1912) dubbed “Wadi Beastie” were excavated in summer 1981 from Wadi El-Hesi, near the surface at the top of the side balk next to Field I, Area 81 (Sr. Stephanie, 2008), North of Gaza Strip, South-west Palestine, dating back several hundred years. This is the only documented record of the otter in the Gaza Strip. Wadi El-Hesi was a perennial stream of the coastal plain with rich biodiversity, and Tell El-Hesi was populated since the Early Bronze Age (ca. 3000-1800 B.C.). World major civilizations were always developed along permanent water. The Israeli occupation diverted the water to the National Water Carrier of Israel. Nowadays, Wadi El-Hesi is dried up in the summers, and is filled with water during rainy winters and springs, when flora and fauna flourishes. The Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) is the largest Palestinian fresh water mammal. It is a member of the Mustelidae family. Other Mustelidae species in Palestine include marbled polecats (Vormela peregusna), Eurasian badgers (Meles meles), beech martens (Martes foina), honey badgers (Mellivora capensis), and the extinct least weasel (Mustela nivalis) (Khalaf, 1991, 2004, 2005a, 2006d). They are all predators, and have distinctive cylindrical bodies, relatively short legs, and tiny ears. This is part of their adaptation to specific ecological niches: martens live in the Mediterranean scrub forest; polecats and badgers hunt in dense underbrush, and in open country, finding cover in their dens. The otter, however, has a much more limited habitat. It is totally dependent on steadily flowing streams of fresh water, and its entire way of life is shaped accordingly (Yom-Tov, 1986; Khalaf, 1991, 2004, 2005a). Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 38 – Number 190 – October 2020
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The laid out skeleton remains of the Persian Otter (Lutra lutra seistanica Birula, 1912) dubbed “Wadi Beastie” from Wadi El-Hesi, North of Gaza Strip, South-west Palestine, which was excavated in summer 1981. Photo credit: Sharon M. Smith. https://public.fotki.com/srstephanie/06_tell_el-hesi/wadibeastielaidout.html#media
According to Harrison (1968), the Persian subspecies Lutra lutra seistanica lives in Palestine. The subspecies is found near lakes and rivers, and is not uncommon in Palestine; Tristram (1866, 1884) noted it from the shores of Lake Tabariyyah (Lake of Tiberias or Sea of Galilee) “where it has abundant foods.” Aharoni (1930) found it in streams and estuaries in the Jordan Valley and other areas, for example: Al-Nassrah (Nazareth), Ayun Kara (Rishon le Zion), Nahr Rubin (Qumsiyeh, 1996); and a specimen from Tabgha, Tiberias in northern Palestine is in the Berlin Zoological Museum, Germany (Harrison, 1968); it has been noted from the Jordan (Anon, 1946), and a specimen from the mouth of the Jordan, Dead Sea was noted by Ognev (1931). Bodenheimer (1935) stated it was then still quite common on the shores of upper Jordan and in Lake Hula, although scarce on the shores of Lake Tiberias and occurred in the Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 38 – Number 190 – October 2020
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swamp at Birket Ramadan. In 1958, Bodenheimer believed it was increasing due to the many fishponds which had been made in Occupied Palestine and was fairly common along all natural watercourses. However, according to a study by B. Shalmon, S.M. MacDonald, and C.F. Mason, otters were exterminated in the coastal plains and remain only in the Jordan Valley and the Golan Heights (Shalmon et al. 1986, Ilani 1988, Qumsiyeh, 1996). Specimens are in the Tel-Aviv University from Hulata, AlGhazzawiyya (Ma’oz Hayyim), Difneh (Dafna), Ramat Yohanan, Kabara (Ma’yan Zevi) and Umm Juni (Bet Zera) (Harrison, 1968; Khalaf, 1991, 2004, 2005a). Palestine’s otter population depends on year-round sources of fresh water which provide its food. In the nineteenth century, otters flourished in the perennial streams of the coastal plain: Az-Zarqa (At-Timsah) River, Iskandarunah River, and the Al-Awja River, north of Jaffa. The Jordan River and the streams flowing into the Sea of Galilee (Lake Tiberias) and further south towards the Dead Sea were additional otter habitats (Yom-Tov, 1986; Khalaf, 1991, 2004, 2005a). However, these waters have largely been pumped out for irrigation of the Sharon Plain, the Jordan Valley and the Golan Heights. Considerable amounts of water are being tapped at their source – springs and the underground aquifers which feed them. This has sadly diminished the stream flows – and stemmed some altogether (Yom-Tov, 1986; Khalaf, 1991, 2004, 2005a).
Tell and Wadi El-Hesi, North of Gaza Strip, South-west Palestine. The sandy soil is very fertile when water is present. This area was still in the 1980s under Israeli occupation. A nearby Israeli moshav farms some of the area around the Tell; and this picture shows some of the green and rows of their cultivation. Other summers at Hesi it has all been very brown and dried up. It is thought that Hesi was the biblical Gederoth or Gizmo. https://public.fotki.com/srstephanie/06_tell_el-hesi/tellel-hesi.html#media Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 38 – Number 190 – October 2020
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The fertile Wadi El-Hesi and the back side of Tell El-Hesi. https://public.fotki.com/srstephanie/06_tell_el-hesi/blisscut-1.html#media
Since the 1970s, there have been extremely few reports of otters in the coastal rivers south of Akka (Akko). Most streams which still exist on the coastal plain are too polluted nowadays to support the food chain on which the otter depends (Yom-Tov, 1986; Khalaf, 1991, 2004, 2005a). Otters still live along the upper part of the Jordan River. Occasional observations are made in the areas of Tell El-Qadi (Dan), the Beteha Valley, Al-Khunayzir and Al-Zarra'a (Tirat Zevi), and the Beisan (Bet She’an) Valley, and even in one region of the coastal plain, near Akka. Scats and territorial marking stations confirm that otters still inhabit these regions (Yom-Tov, 1986; Khalaf, 1991, 2004, 2005a). The future of Palestine’s otters is far from secure. Construction of reservoirs on the Golan Heights, to catch the surface runoff which supplies perennial springs, is gradually depriving otters of one of their last habitats (Yom-Tov, 1986; Khalaf, 1991, 2004, 2005a). The water level of the Sea of Galilee (Lake Tiberias) is steadily falling, drying out its shores. This poses a problem for the otters living along the streams which flow into the lake. The continued use of pesticides, and the pollution of springs by various man-made wastes, is likely to bring the otter population to extinction (Yom-Tov, 1986; Khalaf, 1991, 2004, 2005a). Palestine’s otter population is estimated at about 100 adult individuals (Yom-Tov, 1986; Khalaf, 1991, 2004, 2005a). Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 38 – Number 190 – October 2020
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This map shows where Wadi and Tell El-Hesi (red highlight) is in relation to Al-Quds (Jerusalem) (green highlight) and other archaeological sites in Palestine. Hesi is geographically in an area known as the Hebron Foothills (Judean Foothills or Plain) which is an area of rolling hills between the Mountains of Al-Quds (Jerusalem) to the east and the Mediterranean to the west. The northern part of Palestine is relatively green and lush while the south is pure desert. Hesi is in the transition area between the two on the northern part of the desert. The base of the tell is a sand dune (the "golden sand" of Hesi) and it has a desert type of climate; very cool at night (ca 4.5-10 C.) and burning hot during the afternoons (ca 32-37.5 C.). https://public.fotki.com/srstephanie/06_tell_el-hesi/majorarchaeological.html#media Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 38 – Number 190 – October 2020
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The common otter is also found in Iraq and Lebanon (Harrison, 1968; Khalaf, 1991, 2004, 2005a), and was recorded till the 1960s from Al-Sukhna area in Al-Zarqa River basin, Al-Zarqa Governorate, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (Murad, 2020). The Persian subspecies Lutra lutra seistanica was described by Birula in 1912 from River Gilmend, Seistan, eastern Persia, Iran (Birula, 1912; Harrison, 1968; Qumsiyeh, 1996). The Otter is much hunted for its valuable fur, and Bodenheimer (1935) stated that over a hundred pelts were obtained each winter from the upper Jordan and Lake Hula, where every boatman could show the holes inhabited by otters. Without doubt the flourishing fish-rearing industry in Occupied Palestine, where many extensive shallow ponds have been made for rearing Carp, has led to an increase in the population of this species, which is predominantly piscivorous, also feeding on frogs, waterfowl, poultry, eggs and small rodents (Harrison, 1968; Khalaf, 1991, 2004, 2005a; Qumsiyeh, 1996). In captivity it is tame and tractable, entirely lacking the spiteful and vicious nature of most Mustelids. According to Ognev (1931) their whistling cry is most often heard during the spring mating season. It will often wander from one watercourse to another in search of food and can be very harmful to fishing grounds, the damage which it causes being somewhat compensated by the value of its pelt (Harrison, 1968; Khalaf, 1991, 2004, 2005a).
Normally, the area around Wadi and Tell El-Hesi is very dried up in the summers (except where irrigated for farming). However, in wet winters and springs, there will be still water in the Wadi around the back side of the Tell. With the water, the reeds grew very tall as shown in this picture from Wadi El-Hesi. https://public.fotki.com/srstephanie/06_tell_el-hesi/hesivaleriefargobyw.html#media Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 38 – Number 190 – October 2020
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Acknowledgement صور القُضاعة ُ ُ شكر خاص لل ُمخرج والناقد الفني جهاد الشرقاوي إلشارته لي ل I would like to thank my friend, the Palestinian Art Director at Palestine TV Jeehad Sharkawi for his big interest for Gaza Wildlife, and for giving me the hint for the Gazan otter pictures in one of the archaeological websites.
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Biological Society, Kuwait University, State of Kuwait. pp. 4-5. (in Arabic). Khalaf, Norman (1982). A’maar Al-Haywanat (Animal Ages). Al-Biology Bulletin. Number 18, Third Year, First Semester, Saturday 6.11.1982. Biological Society, Kuwait University, State of Kuwait. pp. 7. (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 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 Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 38 – Number 190 – October 2020
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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 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). 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 Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 38 – Number 190 – October 2020
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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 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). 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 (2006e). 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 (2006f). 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). 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. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 38 – Number 190 – October 2020
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ISBN 978-3-00-019568-6. Erste Auflage (First Edition), Juli (July) 2007, 300 pp. SelfPublisher: Norman Ali Khalaf, Rilchingen-Hanweiler, Deutschland & Sharjah, United 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 (Gründer) (seit September 2007). Yahoo! Deutschland Group: Fauna Arabica. http://de.groups.yahoo.com/group/Fauna_Arabica/ 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 (2009). 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 (2009). 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, Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 38 – Number 190 – October 2020
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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 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-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 (2013). 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-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, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2014). Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 38 – Number 190 – October 2020
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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-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, Sharif Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Mohammad Ahmad Ahmad Mostafa Abdallah Mohammad (Abu Nora) (2018). The Family of Sharif Hajji Taher 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 Khalaf-Prinz Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Sharif Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Mohammad Ahmad Ahmad Mostafa Abdallah Mohammad (August 2020). The Weasel Project: Scientific Research on captive weasels (Mustela nivalis, Linnaeus 1766) in the Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 38 – Number 190 – October 2020
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Department of Zoology, University of Durham, Durham, England, during the Academic Year 1984-1985 (Part One). Supervisor: Dr. Nigel Dunstone. Scientific 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-Prinz Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Sharif Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Mohammad Ahmad Ahmad Mostafa Abdallah Mohammad (September 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 (October 2020). A Historical Record of the Persian Otter (Lutra lutra seistanica Birula, 1912) from Wadi ElHesi, 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 Murad, Sultan (2020). The Otter (Lutra lutra) from Al-Sukhna area in Al-Zarqa River basin, Al-Zarqa Governorate, Jordan. Facebook Page: Wildlife in Jordan. Comment by Sultan Murad. 03 May 2020. https://www.facebook.com/WildlifeofJordan/posts/2859471714101816 Ognev, S.I. (1931). Mammals of Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Volume 2. Carnivora, Fissipedia. Moscow. Perdue, Leo; Lawrence Toombs and Gary Johnson (Editors) (1987). Archaeology and Biblical Interpretation: Essays in Memory of D Glenn Rose. Published by John Knox Press in 1987. Qumsiyeh, Mazin B. (1996). Mammals of the Holy Land. Texas Tech University Press. pps. 389. Sanden-Guja, W.v. (1956). Der geheimnisvolle Fischotter. Beitr. Naturk. Niedersachsens 1956 Suppl: 85-88. Saving Israel's Otters. https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/saving-israels-otters/ Schrenk, L.v. (1859). Reisen und Forschungen im Amur-Lande. 1:43. St. Petersburg. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 38 – Number 190 – October 2020
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Shalmon, B.; S.M. MacDonald, C.F. Mason (1986). Lutra lutra. Oryx, 20: 233-236. Shpigel, Noa (May 2020). Feared to Be Nearly Extinct, Otters Could Be Making a Comeback in Israel. Haaretz. 28 May 2020. https://www.haaretz.com/israelnews/.premium.MAGAZINE-feared-to-be-nearly-extinct-otters-could-be-making-acomeback-in-israel-1.8879246?fbclid=IwAR3V3W5nMj_KMSJNa4PdiqxIHO4y0aHB9mLx0CgpjlwwPHnxTf9_zcFS8c Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (June 2020). Are Israel’s otters making a comeback?. Facebook. 03 June 2020. https://www.facebook.com/SPNI.EN/posts/3197480016969646 Sr. Stephanie (June 2001). Tell el-Hesi. Pictures from Archaeological excavations in Israel/Palestine at Tell el-Hesi. Summers of 1979 and 1981. Fotki. https://public.fotki.com/srstephanie/06_tell_el-hesi/tshirtlogo.html#media Sr. Stephanie (June 2001). Wadi Beastie Laid Out. Fotki. https://public.fotki.com/srstephanie/06_tell_el-hesi/wadibeastielaidout.html#media Sr. Stephanie (October 2008). Hesi 81 - Wadi Beastie in situ. Fotki. https://public.fotki.com/srstephanie/06_tell_el-hesi/hesi81wadibeastieinsitu.html 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. Eurasian otter. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_otter Wikipedia. Fischotter. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fischotter Wikipedia. National Water Carrier of Israel. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Water_Carrier_of_Israel Yom-Tov, Yoram (1986). Otters between Extinction and Survival. Israel – Land and Nature. Volume 11, no. 4, Summer 1986, pps. 167-169.
A Persian Otter (Lutra lutra seistanica Birula, 1912) in Palestine. Photo: Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel. https://www.facebook.com/SPNI.EN/posts/3197480016969646 Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 38 – Number 190 – October 2020