The Persian Otter (Lutra lutra seistanica Birula, 1912) 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 207 – March 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 207 – March 2022

The Persian Otter (Lutra lutra seistanica Birula, 1912) in Palestine ُ ‫القضاعة الفارسية (ثعلب الماء الفارس) ف فلسطي‬ By : Sharif Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Mohammad Ahmad Ahmad Mostafa Abdallah Mohammad Khalaf-Prinz Sakerfalke von Jaffa

The Persian Otter (Lutra lutra seistanica Birula, 1912) in Palestine. Photo: Ezra Hadad. 24.12.2014. www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=404245216398834&set=t.100004400761729&type=3

Abstract The Persian Otter (Lutra lutra seistanica Birula, 1912) is the largest Palestinian fresh water mammal. The subspecies was found in the past near all Palestinian lakes and rivers. In the nineteenth and early twentieth century, otters flourished in the perennial streams of the Palestinian coastal plain, the Jordan River and the streams flowing into the Lake Tabariyyah (Lake of Tiberias), Hula Lake, and further south towards the Dead Sea. Genetic studies on four otter sub-populations within Palestine (Lake Tabariyyah, Golan Heights, Wadi Hula and Wadi Ain Jalut) show that the Palestinian otter population differs from European populations, and it belongs to the Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 207 – March 2022

‫‪2‬‬

‫‪Persian subspecies Lutra lutra seistanica. The otter population in Palestine‬‬ ‫‪underwent a dramatic decline since the 1960s due to illegal hunting, road kill, water‬‬ ‫‪pollution, depletion of water sources and the disappearance of wetland habitats.‬‬ ‫‪Recently, the regional status of Palestine’s otters has been categorized as "Critically‬‬ ‫‪Endangered". With less than 100 individuals estimated to be remaining in the wild,‬‬ ‫‪dramatic measures must be taken if otters are to be saved from extinction in‬‬ ‫‪Palestine.‬‬

‫ُملخص‬ ‫تُعتبر القُضاعة الفارسية (ثعلب الماء الفارسي) أكبر ثدييات المياه العذبة الفلسطينية ‪ .‬لقد كانت هذه‬ ‫ساللة تعيش في السابق بالقرب من جميع البُحيرات واألنهار الفلسطينية ‪ .‬وفي القرن التاسع عشر‬ ‫ال ُ‬ ‫وأوائل القرن العشرين ‪ ،‬أزدهرت ثعالب الماء في الجداول الدائمة للسهل الساحلي الفلسطيني ‪ ،‬ونهر‬ ‫األردن ‪ ،‬والجداول التي تصب في بُحيرة طبريا ‪ ،‬وبُحيرة الحولة ‪ ،‬وإلى الجنوب بإتجاه البحر الميت ‪.‬‬ ‫وت ُظهر الدراسات الجينية على أربع مجموعات فرعية للقُضاعة الفلسطينية من بُحيرة طبريا ‪ ،‬و ُمرتفعات‬ ‫الجوالن ‪ ،‬ووادي الحولة ‪ ،‬ووادي عين جالوت ‪ ،‬على أن النوعية الفلسطينية تختلف عن النوعيات‬ ‫ساللة الفارسية لوترا لوترا سايستنيكا ‪ .‬ولقد شهدت أعداد القُضاعة في‬ ‫األوروبية ‪ ،‬وهي تنتمي إلى ال ُ‬ ‫كبيرا منذ ستينيات القرن الماضي بسبب الصيد غير القانوني ‪ ،‬الموت في حوادث الطرق‬ ‫فلسطين إنخفاضًا‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ً‬ ‫‪ ،‬وتلوث المياه ‪ ،‬ونضوب مصادر المياه ‪ ،‬وإختفاء موائل األراضي الرطبة ‪ .‬وحديثا تم تصنيف الوضع‬ ‫اإلقليمي للقًضاعة الفلسطينية على أنه " ُمعرض للخطر بشكل كبير"‪ .‬ومع وجود أقل من ‪ 100‬فرد بشكل‬ ‫تقديري في البرية الفلسطينية ‪ ،‬فإنه يجب إتخاذ تدابير دراماتيكية إلنقاذ القُضاعة من االنقراض ‪.‬‬

‫‪The Persian Otter (Lutra lutra seistanica Birula, 1912) in Palestine. Photo: Ezra Hadad. 05.06.2016.‬‬ ‫‪www.facebook.com/1687156314903611/photos/a.1687161641569745/1724534911165751‬‬ ‫‪Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 207 – March 2022‬‬

Introduction The Persian Otter (Lutra lutra seistanica Birula, 1912) 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 locally extinct least weasel (Mustela nivalis) (Khalaf, 1991, 2004, 2005a, 2006d, 2006e, 2020c). 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, 2020c). An adult otter weighs about nine kilograms. Its body is about 70 centimeters long, and the long tail adds another 45 centimeters. The males are considerably larger than the females (Yom-Tov, 1986; Khalaf, 1991, 2004, 2005a). Otters are superbly fitted for their aquatic environment. The fur is fine-haired and very dense, capable of trapping air bubbles, and thus staying dry under water. The flat head, small ears and lithe body give it good hydrodynamic qualities, and ensure its efficient movement through water. In a stream, the otter is master. Its eyes, nostrils and ears are positioned on the top of the head, and it can see, smell and hear – while swimming. At the base of its “whiskers” there are sensors which warn it of currents and obstacles in the water ahead. This makes it possible for otters to navigate safely in the water at night (Yom-Tov, 1986; Khalaf, 1991, 2004, 2005a). Another feature which helps otters move rapidly in water is the webbing between their toes. They swim with vertical movements of their tail, front legs swept back and downward along the body. The movement resembles that of seals and other marine mammals. For rapid swimming, the webbing of the hind toes is also spread, and leg movements are synchronized. Slow swimming is done with the legs only, which strike the water in succession (Yom-Tov, 1986; Khalaf, 1991, 2004, 2005a). Otters are active mostly at night. Where it feels safe, an otter will also emerge during the day to hunt, or sun itself on the rocks at the water side. Otters are fond of playing in the water, and seem to perform acrobatic feats for sheer pleasure (Yom-Tov, 1986; Khalaf, 1991, 2004, 2005a). The otter prefers to rest in its comfortable den, dug into the stream bank. The den opens above ground at one end, and under water at the other. Otters are thus able to slip undetected into their alternative water world where they have fewer enemies. An otter can stay submerged for six to eight minutes (Yom-Tov, 1986; Khalaf, 1991, 2004, 2005a). Otters are territorial mammals. In Europe, male otters were observed to control a stream-side strip up to ten kilometers long. This territory can include as many as three females with cubs. The male identifies the limits of his territory by marking hard objects Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 207 – March 2022

such as rocks and tree trunk along the area’s periphery with secretions from his anal glands (Yom-Tov, 1986; Khalaf, 1991, 2004, 2005a). Otter diet includes fish, small birds, mammals, many invertebrates and even insects. Like other predators, they also eat vegetarian food on occasion (Yom-Tov, 1986; Khalaf, 1991, 2004, 2005a). Otters breed any time of year, and generally produce one litter a year. The cubs stay with their mothers until they are nine months old. Sexual maturity is reached at the age of one year. Otters can live twelve to fifteen years in the wild. In captivity, they have been known to live as long as 21 years (Yom-Tov, 1986; Khalaf, 1991, 2004, 2005a). 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, 2020c).

The Persian Otter (Lutra lutra seistanica Birula, 1912) in Palestine. Photo: Ezra Hadad. 09.06.2016. www.facebook.com/1687156314903611/photos/a.1687161641569745/1726406984311877 Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 207 – March 2022

Distribution in Palestine According to Harrison (1968), the Persian subspecies Lutra lutra seistanica (Birula, 1912) lives in Palestine. The subspecies was found in the past near all lakes and rivers, and was 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 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, 2020c).

The Persian Otter (Lutra lutra seistanica Birula, 1912) in Palestine. Photo: Ezra Hadad. 16.06.2018. www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=2086943448258227&id=1687156314903611 Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 207 – March 2022

Palestine’s otter population depends on year-round sources of fresh water which provide its food. In the nineteenth and early twentieth century, otters flourished in all perennial streams of the Palestinian coastal plain, from the north to the south, in Nahr Al-Na’ameen River (Nahal Na’aman), Nahr Saffuriya River (Nahal Zippori), Nahr ElMaqta’ River (Nahal HaKishon), near Haifa, Nahr Az-Zarqa or At-Timsah River (Nahal Taninim), Nahr Al-Mufjir or Al-Akhdar River (Nahal Hadera), Nahr Iskandarunah River (Nahal Alexander), Nahr Al-Auja River (Nahal HaYarkon), north of Jaffa, Nahr El-Barideh River or Wadi Musrara (Nahal Ayalon), discharging into the Al-Auja River, Nahr Rubin River or Wadi Es-Saraar (Nahal Sorek), Wadi Al-Qabiba (inland section) and Wadi Suqreer (Ashdod section) (Nahal Lakhish), and from Wadi El-Hesi, Liwaa’ Gaza (Gaza District), southern coastal plain, south-west Palestine, where skeleton remains were excavated in summer 1981 (Khalaf, 2020c). The presence of the otter in the past was also possible from the far south of the Palestinian coastal plain in Wadi Gaza (Nahal HaBesor), Gaza Strip. Additional otter habitats were the Jordan River and the streams flowing into the Sea of Galilee (Lake Tiberias) and further south towards the Dead Sea (Yom-Tov, 1986; Khalaf, 1991, 2004, 2005a, 2020c). 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, 2020c). Since the 1970s, there have been extremely few reports of otters in the coastal rivers south of Akka (Akko or Acre). 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, 2020c). 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 (Beit She’an) Valley, and even in one region of the Palestinian coastal plain, near Akka. Scats and territorial marking stations confirm that otters still inhabit these regions (Yom-Tov, 1986; Khalaf, 1991, 2004, 2005a, 2020c). Hadad (2018) mention its recent presence from the German Colony Emek Refaim, a neighborhood in Al-Quds (Jerusalem), Zebulon territory (southern end of the Galilee), Beisan (Beit She’an) Valley and Ain Jalut (Harod) Valley. 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 Liwaa’ Gaza (Gaza District), South-west Palestine, dating back several hundred years. This is the only documented record of the otter in the Gaza District. Wadi El-Hesi was a perennial stream of the southern Palestinian 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 (Khalaf, 2020c). Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 207 – March 2022

The skeleton remains in situ of the Persian Otter (Lutra lutra seistanica Birula, 1912) dubbed “Wadi Beastie” from Wadi El-Hesi, North of Liwaa’ Gaza (Gaza District), 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

The common otter is also found in Iraq and Lebanon (Harrison, 1968; Khalaf, 1991, 2004, 2005a, 2020c), and was recorded till the 1960s from Al-Sukhna area in Al-Zarqa River basin, Al-Zarqa Governorate, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (Murad, 2020; Khalaf, 2020c). 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; Khalaf, 2020c).

Situation in Palestine The Palestinian native Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) population underwent a dramatic decline since the 1960s due to illegal hunting, road kill, water pollution, depletion of water sources and the disappearance of wetland habitats. Recently, the regional status Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 207 – March 2022

of Palestine’s otters has been categorized as "Critically Endangered". With less than 100 individuals estimated to be remaining in the wild, dramatic measures must be taken if otters are to be saved from extinction in Palestine (The Tisch Family Zoological Gardens). Genetic studies on four otter sub-populations within Palestine [Lake Tabariyyah, Golan Heights, Wadi (Valley) Hula and Wadi Ain Jalot (Harod)] show that the Palestinian otter population differs from European populations (The Tisch Family Zoological Gardens), and it belongs to the Persian subspecies Lutra lutra seistanica (Harrison, 1968; Khalaf, 1991, 2004, 2005a, 2020c).

The laid out skeleton remains of the Persian Otter (Lutra lutra seistanica Birula, 1912) dubbed “Wadi Beastie” from Wadi El-Hesi, North of Liwaa’ Gaza (Gaza District), 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

Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 207 – March 2022

A comparison of the 2012 population survey with that undertaken in 2009 indicates the decline of Palestine's otter population in the Beisan (Beit She'an) Valley and the disappearance of the species in most other freshwater habitats in Palestine. Comprehensive research is needed to evaluate the colonization-extinction processes of the local otter population, and their probability of survival in different areas, as well as an evaluation of suitable habitats for re-introductions in the future (The Tisch Family Zoological Gardens). 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, 2020c). 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, 2020c). Palestine’s otter population is estimated at about 100 adult individuals (Yom-Tov, 1986; Khalaf, 1991, 2004, 2005a, 2020c). 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, 2020c; Qumsiyeh, 1996). The Tisch Family Zoological Gardens (the Biblical Zoo) in Al-Quds (Jerusalem) have adopted the otter as a flagship species to raise awareness of the preservation of Palestine's wetlands. They are working together with the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, and together have established a breeding enclosure with a view to reintroducing the offspring into the wild. River otters play an important role in the aquatic ecosystem because, through predation, they help control the populations of other species. They are also a key indicator of the health of the ecosystem - if the otter population is declining it means the ecosystem is not healthy. A flourishing river otter population will positively impact the overall health of Palestine's aquatic habitats (The Tisch Family Zoological Gardens).

Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 207 – March 2022

An Israeli stamp issued on 05.12.2007, showing the wildlife in Hula Nature Reserve, north Occupied Palestine. Stamp showing: Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra), Common Catfish (Clarias gariepinus), Common Cranes (Grus grus) and the evergreen Hairy Willow Herb (Epilobium hirsutum) with pink flowers. On the tab: African Darter (Anhinga rufa) which become extinct locally when the Hula Lake was drained, and the Water Vole (Arvicola terrestris) which become also extinct when the Hula was drained. https://colnect.com/en/stamps/stamp/209083Eurasian_Otter_Lutra_lutra_Catfish_Cranes_Willow_Herb-Nature_Reserves-Israel Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 207 – March 2022

The old habitat of the Gaza Otter: Wadi El-Hesi stream, Liwaa’ Gaza (Gaza District), south-west Occupied Palestine. Photo by: Mansour Jafar Aldiqs. 17.07.2016. www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=268570833520788&set=a.128186804225859&type=3

References and Internet Websites Abd Rabou, Abdel Fattah N. (2005). An ecological survey and assessment of Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve, Gaza Strip–Palestine, with particular emphasis on wildlife. Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis. https://iugspace.iugaza.edu.ps/handle/20.500.12358/26223?locale-attribute=en Abd Rabou, Abdel Fattah N. (2009). On the occurrence of some carnivores in the Gaza Strip, Palestine (Mammalia: Carnivora). Zoology in the Middle East. Vol. 46, 1: 109-112. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09397140.2009.10638336?journalCode =tzme20 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, Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 207 – March 2022

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 Anon (1946). The Schmitz Collection of Mammals. Bull. Jerusalem Nat. Club 23: 1-2. Birula (1912). Lutra lutra seistanica Birula, Ann. Mus. Zool. Acad. Sci. St. Petersb. 17: 274. 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. Bonaparte, C.L. Prince (1858). Catalogue des Mammiferes et des Oiseaux observes en Algerie par le Capitaine Loche : 10 Paris. 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. 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. Hadad, Ezra (24.12.2014). Photo: Otter (Lutra lutra). Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=404245216398834&set=t.100004400761729 &type=3 Hadad, Ezra (05.06.2016). Photo: Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra). Facebook: Mammals of Israel. https://www.facebook.com/1687156314903611/photos/a.1687161641569745/17245349 11165751 Hadad, Ezra (09.06.2016). Photo: Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra). Facebook: Mammals of Israel. https://www.facebook.com/1687156314903611/photos/a.1687161641569745/17264069 84311877 Hadad, Ezra (16.06.2018). Photo: Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra). Facebook: Mammals of Israel. https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=2086943448258227&id=168715 6314903611 Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 207 – March 2022

Tell and Wadi El-Hesi, Liwaa’ Gaza (Gaza District), south-west Occupied Palestine: The old habitat of the Gaza Otter. Photo by: Mansour Jafar Aldiqs. 15.09.2017. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1539158576144034&set=pb.100001497194174.2207520000..&type=3

Harris, C.J. (1968). Otters: A Study of the Recent Lutrinae. Weidenfeld and Nicolson. London. pps. 397. Harrison, D.L. (1968). The Mammals of Arabia. Volume II. Carnivora, Hyracoidea, Artiodactyla. Ernest Benn Ltd., London, xiv + 193-381 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. 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). Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 207 – March 2022

Oriental small-clawed Otters (Amblonyx cinereus) at Dubai Underwater Zoo, Dubai Mall, Dubai, UAE ... Photo by Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Khalaf-von Jaffa ... 05.01.2017. https://www.facebook.com/dr.norman.ali.khalaf/posts/10154811152384831

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. Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 207 – March 2022

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 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-theGazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 207 – March 2022

palestinian-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 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. Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 207 – March 2022

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. 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 Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 207 – March 2022

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, 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: Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 207 – March 2022

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). 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 Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 207 – March 2022

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, Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Bassam (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, 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 (2020a). 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 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 (2020b). 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 Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 207 – March 2022

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 (2020c). 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/persianotter-in-palestine & https://issuu.com/dr-norman-alikhalaf/docs/persian_otter_in_paletine 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. Schrenk, L.v. (1859). Reisen und Forschungen im Amur-Lande. 1:43. St. Petersburg. 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/israelGazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 207 – March 2022

news/.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 Tell El-Hesi. )‫ (الشاهين السويركي‬. )1948 ‫ تل الحسي (أرض الحسي‬. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/moor1962 The Tisch Family Zoological Gardens, the Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem. Saving Israel's Otters. GlobalGiving. https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/saving-israels-otters/ 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 40 – Number 207 – March 2022