The Swans of Dubai: Mute Swan, Trumpeter Swan, Black-necked Swan & Black Swan at Al Qudra Lakes 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 212 – August 2022 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 40 – Number 212 – August 2022

The Swans of Dubai : The Mute Swan (Cygnus olor), the Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator), the Black-necked Swan (Cygnus melancoryphus) and the Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) at Al Qudra Lakes, Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve in Dubai, UAE

‫أنواع طيور التم في بُحيرات القُدرة في محمية المرموم الصحراوية في دُبي‬ By: Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Khalaf-Prinz Sakerfalke von Jaffa

The Mute Swan (Cygnus olor Gmelin, 1789) at Al Qudra Swan and Duck Lake at Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve in Dubai. Photo by Ola Khalaf. 23.09.2016. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1783423765244334&set=a.1414987132088001 Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 212 – August 2022

Abstract Four species of swans are living at Al Qudra Flamingo, Swan and Duck Lakes at Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve in Dubai: the Mute Swan (Cygnus olor Gmelin, 1789), the Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator Richardson, 1832), the Black-necked Swan (Cygnus melancoryphus Molina, 1782) and the Black Swan (Cygnus atratus Latham, 1790).

‫ُملخص‬ ‫تعيش أربعة أنواع من طيور التم في بُحيرات النحام والتم والبط من بُحيرات القُدرة في محمية‬ ‫ والتم‬، ‫ والتم ذو الرقبة السوداء‬، ‫ والتم البواق‬، ‫ التم األخرس‬: ‫المرموم الصحراوية في دُبي‬ . ‫األسود‬

Black-necked Swans (Cygnus melancoryphus Molina, 1782) at Al Qudra Swan & Duck Lake at Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve in Dubai. Photo by Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Khalaf-von Jaffa. 17.12.2016. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10154748492364831&set=pcb.10154748416874831

Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 212 – August 2022

Four species of swans are living at Al Qudra Flamingo, Swan and Duck Lakes at Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve in Dubai: the Mute Swan (Cygnus olor Gmelin, 1789), the Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator Richardson, 1832), the Black-necked Swan (Cygnus melancoryphus Molina, 1782) and the Black Swan (Cygnus atratus Latham, 1790).

Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve is the first unfenced nature conservation reserve in the United Arab Emirates. It is located in the desert area of Saih Al Salam in the Emirate of Dubai and comprises some 10% of the total land area of the emirate, including the extensive man-made desert wetlands, Al Qudra Lakes (Wikipedia). The reserve spans over 40 ha (99 acres) of desert shrub land and 10 km (6.2 mi) of lakes and is home to 26 identified species of reptiles, nine of mammals and 39 species of plants. It provides a sanctuary for 19 animal species considered endangered, as well as flocks of between 300 and 500 flamingos and over 360 other bird species, of which 158 are migratory. Rare species observed at Al Marmoom include the Egyptian Nightjar (Caprimulgus aegyptius) and the Giant Skipper Butterfly (Coeliades anchises jucunda), which is native to the island of Socotra, off Yemen (Wikipedia). Al Marmoom is managed by Dubai Municipality, The formalisation of the reserve has introduced some restrictions to human leisure activity in the area, long a popular visiting place for residents. The move to regulate camping, barbecuing and picnicking was welcomed by the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), an organisation that had organised cleanup campaigns in the area in the past (Wikipedia).

Black Swans (Cygnus atratus Latham, 1790) at Al Qudra Flamingo & Swan Lake, Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve in Dubai. Photo: Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Khalaf-von Jaffa. 17.12.2016. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10154748487789831&set=pcb.10154748416874831 Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 212 – August 2022

The Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator Richardson, 1832) and the Black Swan (Cygnus atratus Latham, 1790) at Al Qudra Swan & Duck Lake, Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve in Dubai. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10158719507884831&set=a.127745184830 Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 212 – August 2022

The Marmoom Biosphere Centre is intended as a facility for studying the sustainable development and management of the reserve, as well as serving as a centre for sustainable ecotourism, and will aim to be the main source of specialized ecosystem management practices in the region (Wikipedia).

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor Gmelin, 1789) The Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) is a species of swan and a member of the waterfowl family Anatidae. It is native to much of Eurosiberia, and (as a rare winter visitor) the far north of Africa. It is an introduced species in North America – home to the largest populations outside of its native range – with additional smaller introductions in Australasia and southern Africa. The name 'mute' derives from it being less vocal than other swan species. Measuring 125 to 170 cm (49 to 67 in) in length, this large swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob atop the beak, which is larger in males (Wikipedia). The mute swan was first formally described by the German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin as Anas olor in 1789, and was transferred by the German naturalist Johann Matthäus Bechstein to the new genus Cygnus in 1803. Both cygnus and olor mean "swan" in Latin; cygnus is a variant form of cycnus, a borrowing from Greek κύκνος kyknos, a word of the same meaning (Wikipedia). Despite its Eurasian origin, its closest relatives are the black swan (Cygnus atratus) of Australia and the black-necked swan (Cygnus melancoryphus) of South America, not the other Northern Hemisphere swans of the genus Cygnus. The species is monotypic, with no living subspecies (Wikipedia).

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator Richardson, 1832) The Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) is a species of swan found in North America. The heaviest living bird native to North America, it is also the largest extant species of waterfowl, with a wingspan of 185 to 250 cm (6 ft 2 in to 8 ft 2 in). It is the American counterpart and a close relative of the whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus) of Eurasia, and even has been considered the same species by some authorities. By 1933, fewer than 70 wild trumpeters were known to exist, and extinction seemed imminent, until aerial surveys discovered a Pacific population of several thousand trumpeters around Alaska's Copper River. Careful reintroductions by wildlife agencies and the Trumpeter Swan Society gradually restored the North American wild population to over 46,000 birds by 2010 (Wikipedia). These birds feed while swimming, sometimes up-ending or dabbling to reach submerged food. The diet is almost entirely aquatic plants. They will eat both the leaves and stems of submerged and emergent vegetation. They will also dig into muddy substrate Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 212 – August 2022

underwater to extract roots and tubers. In winter, they may also eat grasses and grains in fields. They will often feed at night as well as by day. Feeding activity, and the birds' weights, often peaks in the spring as they prepare for the breeding season. The young initially include insects, small fish, fish eggs and small crustaceans in their diet, providing additional protein, and change to a vegetation-based diet over the first few months (Wikipedia).

Three swan species are seen here at Al Qudra Flamingo & Swan Lake at Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve in Dubai : Black Swans (Cygnus atratus Latham, 1790), Black-necked Swans (Cygnus melancoryphus Molina, 1782) and Mute Swans (Cygnus olor Gmelin, 1789). Photo: Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Khalaf-von Jaffa. 17.12.2016. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10154748487809831&set=pcb.10154748416874831

Black-necked Swan (Cygnus melancoryphus Molina, 1782) The Black-necked Swan (Cygnus melancoryphus) is a swan that is the largest waterfowl native to South America. Adults average 102 to 124 cm (40 to 49 in) and weigh 3.5 to 6.7 kg (7.7 to 14.8 lb). The wingspan ranges from 135 to 177 cm (53 to 70 in). The body plumage is white with a black neck and head and greyish bill. It has a red knob near the Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 212 – August 2022

base of the bill and white stripe behind eye. The sexes are similar, with the female slightly smaller. The cygnet has a light grey plumage with black bill and feet. The black-necked swan was formerly placed in monotypic genus, Sthenelides (Wikipedia) The black-necked swan, like its nearest relatives the black swan (Cygnus atratus) and mute swan (Cygnus olor) is relatively silent. Also, unlike most wildfowl, both parents regularly carry the cygnets on their backs. The female lays four to six eggs in a nest of vegetation mound. The diet consists mainly of vegetation, insects and fish spawn (Wikipedia). Widespread and common throughout its habitat, the black-necked swan is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is listed on Appendix II of CITES (Wikipedia).

Black Swan (Cygnus atratus Latham, 1790) The Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) is a large waterbird, a species of swan which breeds mainly in the southeast and southwest regions of Australia. Within Australia, the black swan is nomadic, with erratic migration patterns dependent upon climatic conditions. It is a large bird with mostly black plumage and a red bill. It is a monogamous breeder, with both partners sharing incubation and cygnet-rearing duties (Wikipedia). The black swan was introduced to various countries as an ornamental bird in the 1800s, but has managed to escape and form stable populations. A small population of black swans exists on the River Thames at Marlow, on the Brook running through the small town of Dawlish in Devon (they have become the symbol of the town), near the River Itchen, Hampshire, and the River Tees near Stockton on Tees. Described scientifically by English naturalist John Latham in 1790, the black swan was formerly placed into a monotypic genus, Chenopis. Black swans can be found singly, or in loose companies numbering into the hundreds or even thousands. It is a popular bird in zoological gardens and bird collections, and escapees are sometimes seen outside their natural range (Wikipedia). Black swans are mostly black-feathered birds, with white flight feathers. The bill is bright red, with a pale bar and tip; and legs and feet are greyish-black. Cobs (males) are slightly larger than pens (females), with a longer and straighter bill. Cygnets (immature birds) are a greyish-brown with pale-edged feathers (Wikipedia). Mature black swans measure between 110 and 142 centimetres (43 and 56 in) in length and weigh 3.7–9 kilograms (8.2–19.8 lb). Their wing span is between 1.6 and 2 metres (5.2 and 6.6 ft). The neck is long (relatively the longest neck among the swans) and curved in an "S"-shape (Wikipedia). The black swan utters a musical and far reaching bugle-like sound, called either on the water or in flight, as well as a range of softer crooning notes. It can also whistle, especially when disturbed while breeding and nesting (Wikipedia).

Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 212 – August 2022

When swimming, black swans hold their necks arched or erect and often carry their feathers or wings raised in an aggressive display. In flight, a wedge of black swans will form as a line or a V, with the individual birds flying strongly with undulating long necks, making whistling sounds with their wings and baying, bugling or trumpeting calls (Wikipedia). The black swan is unlike any other Australian bird, although in poor light and at long range it may be confused with a magpie goose (Anseranas semipalmata) in flight. However, the black swan can be distinguished by its much longer neck and slower wing beat (Wikipedia).

References and Internet Websites 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 Ali (1983). The Pine Bunting in Palestine. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. First Year. Number 1. July 1983. pp. 10-13. Al Salimiah, State of Kuwait. (In Arabic). http://issuu.com/drnormanalibassamkhalaf/docs/the_pine_bunting_in_palestine_gazel/1 Khalaf, Norman Ali Bassam (1984). The Palestine Bulbul. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Second Year. Number 5. May 1984. pp. 19-20. Hanweiler, Saarland, Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 212 – August 2022

Federal Republic of Germany. (in Arabic). Khalaf, Norman Ali Bassam (1985). The Arabian Ostrich. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Department of Zoology, University of Durham, Durham, United Kingdom. Volume 3. Number 6. April 1985. pp. 1-7. (in Arabic). Khalaf, Norman Ali Bassam (1986). A List of the Birds of Palestine. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178-6288.Department of Zoology, University of Durham, Durham, United Kingdom. Number 8. Fourth Year. January 1986 AD, Jamada Oula 1406 H. pp. 1-24. (In Arabic and English). Khalaf, Norman Ali Bassam (1987). A Trip to Kuwait Zoo, State of Kuwait. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Rilchingen-Hanweiler, Federal Republic of Germany. Fifth Year, Number 13, Ramadan 1407 AH, April 1987 AD. pp. 1-5. (in Arabic). Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam (1991). A Trip to Zoo Budapest, Hungary. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Bonn-Bad Godesberg, Federal Republic of Germany. Number 21, Ninth Year, January 1991. pp. 1-4. 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 Extinct and Endangered Animals in Palestine. In: Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin Home Page. Extinct and Endangered Animals and Reintroduction. http://gazelle.8m.net/photo3.html Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali (2004). 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. Norman Ali Khalaf, Bonn-Bad Godesberg, Germany. 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 (2005). 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 300-014835-3. Erste Auflage, August 2005: 376 Seiten. Publisher: Norman Ali Khalaf, Rilchingen-Hanweiler, Bundesrepublik Deutschland & Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://dr-norman-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 Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 212 – August 2022

Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali (2005). The Rafah Zoo in the Rafah Refugee Camp, Gaza Strip, Palestine: A Story of Destruction by the Israeli Occupation Army. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 46, Twenty-third Year, October 2005, Ramadan 1426. pp. 1-11. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. (in Arabic). Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam (2005). The Qalqilia Zoo and the Natural History Museum in the City of Qalqilia, West Bank, Occupied Palestine. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 47, Twenty-third Year, November 2005, Shawal 1426. pp. 110. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. (in Arabic). Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam (Member of PALESTA) (2005). Palestinian Scientists and Technologists Abroad (PALESTA). Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 47, Twenty-third Year, November 2005, Shawal 1426. pp. 11-12. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (in Arabic). Khalaf, Norman Ali (2005, 2006, 2007). Chapter 3: Geography, Flora and Fauna. Pages 3239. In: Palestine: A Guide. By Mariam Shahin, Photography by George Azar. Co-Author: 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-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (Gründer) (seit Juni 2007). Yahoo! Deutschland Group: Fauna Palaestina. http://de.groups.yahoo.com/group/Fauna_Palaestina/ 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 9783-00-019568-6. Erste Auflage (First Edition), Juli (July) 2007, 300 pp. Self-Publisher: 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 ‫( حيوانات فلسطين‬The Animals of Palestine). Wikipedia, Al-Mawsu'aAl-Hurra (The Free Encyclopedia). Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178-6288. Number 69, September 2007. Pp. 1-4. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. 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-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2009). Flora and Fauna Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 212 – August 2022

in Palestine. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 91, July 2009, Rajab 1430 AH. pp. 1-31. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://flora-faunapalestine.webs.com/ Khalaf-von Jaffa, Dr. Norman Ali Bassam (2009). 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: 412 Seiten/Pages. Self Publisher: Dr. Norman Ali Bassam Khalaf-von Jaffa, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates & Rilchingen-Hanweiler, Bundesrepublik Deutschland. http://drnorman-ali-khalaf-books.webs.com/faunapalaestinapart1.htm & eBook: https://www.yumpu.com/xx/document/view/59498633/fauna-palaestina-1-bookby-dr-norman-ali-khalaf-2009 Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Zoologist, Ecologist and Geologist: The Scientific References (1980-2009). http://dr-norman-ali-khalafreferences.webs.com/ Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2009). An ancient Arabian Ostrich (Struthio camelus syriacus) egg-shell from the Village of Qidfa, Emirate of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Twenty-seventh Year, Number 96, December 2009, Thu Al Hijja 1430 AH. pp. 1-25. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://arabian-ostrich.webs.com/ Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2009). The RedNecked Ostrich (Struthio camelus camelus Linnaeus, 1758) at Dubai Zoo, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Twentyseventh Year, Number 96, December 2009, Thu Al Hijja 1430 AH. pp. 26-28. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://arabian-ostrich.webs.com/ostrichdubaizoo.htm Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (Photographer) (09 December 2009). Photo: Ancient Arabian Ostrich Egg Shell / Alte arabische Straußeneischale. Emirat Fujairah, V. A. Emirate. Fotocommunity. www.fotocommunity.de/pc/pc/mypics/1213259/display/22065236 Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (Photographer) (15 December 2009). Photo: Ancient Arabian Ostrich Egg Shell, Qidfa Village, Emirate of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. www.fotocommunity.de/pc/pc/mypics/1213259/display/21831255 Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (Fotograf) (04 August 2010). Foto: Nordafrikanische Strauß, Dubai Zoo, Dubai, Vereinigte Arabische Emirate. Fotocommunity. www.fotocommunity.de/pc/pc/mypics/1213259/display/21993963 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: Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 212 – August 2022

https://www.yumpu.com/xx/document/view/59546804/fauna-emiratus-part-1zoological-studies-in-the-united-arab-emirates-between-2004-2009-by-dr-norman-alibassam-khalaf-von-jaffa-2010 Khalaf-von Jaffa, Dr. Norman Ali Bassam (2012). 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. 208 Seiten / Pages (Arabic Part 120 Pages and the English Part 88 Pages). Publisher: Dar Al Jundi Publishing House, Jerusalem, Palestine. http://dr-norman-ali-khalafbooks.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 pages (English Part 350 Pages and the Arabic Part 14 Pages). Publisher: Dar Al Jundi Publishing House, Jerusalem, State of Palestine. http://dr-norman-ali-khalaf-books.webs.com/faunapalaestinapart3.htm Khalaf-von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Bassam (2014). Fauna Palaestina – Part Four. Zoological Studies in Palestine between 1983 – 2014 / Fauna Palaestina – Teil Vier. Zoologische Studien in Palästina zwischen 1983 – 2014. ISBN 978-9950-383-77-7. 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. http://fauna-palaestina-part-1.webs.com/faunapalaestina4.htm Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2014). The Animals living inside and around the Sacred Mosque (Al-Masjid Al-Haram) in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Number 116, August 2014, Shawal 1435 AH. pp. 1-23. Dubai and Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://animals-of-makkah.webs.com/ Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2014). Dinasurat Al Quds (Dinosaurs of Jerusalem). Dialogue with Prof. Dr. Norman Khalaf-von Jaffa. National Geographic Arabiya Magazine (October 2014, Pages 52--53). https://www.flickr.com/photos/50022881@N00/15412670595 Khalaf-von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2015). Dr. Norman Ali Khalaf Award for Biodiversity in Palestine 2012 / 2013: Essay and Photography Contest of the Palestine Sunbird (Cinnyris osea Bonaparte, 1856). Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Number 124, April 2015. pp. 1-21. Dubai and Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://dr-norman-ali-khalafreferences.webs.com/drnormanakhalafaward.htm 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/ Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 212 – August 2022

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/ Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2016). The First Palestinian Wildlife Photography Exhibition in the Gaza Strip in November 2014. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Number 138, June 2016. pp. 1-35. Dubai and Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://dr-norman-ali-khalafreferences.webs.com/gazawildlifephoto2014.htm Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2016). The Presence of the Hoopoe (Upupa epops Linnaeus, 1758) in the Gardens of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Number 139, July 2016. pp. 1-23. Dubai and Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://animals-ofuae.webs.com/ Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2016). The Hoopoe (Upupa epops Linnaeus, 1758) in Palestine. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Number 140, August 2016. pp. 1-21. Dubai and Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://animals-of-palestine-2.webs.com/ Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2016). The Desert Tawny Owl (Strix hadorami Kirwan, Schweizer and Copete, 2015): New Species of Bird Discovered in Palestine. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Number 142, October 2016. pp. 1-13. Dubai and Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://birds-of-palestine.webs.com/desert-tawny-owl Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2016). The Pine Bunting (Emberiza leucocephalos Gmelin, S.G., 1771) in Palestine. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Number 143, November 2016, pp. 1-6. Dubai and Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (In Arabic). http://birds-of-palestine.webs.com/pinebunting 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-of-palestine-arabic Khalaf, Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Bassam (17.12.2016). Scientific Family Trip to study and photograph the birds of Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve in Dubai. https://www.facebook.com/dr.norman.ali.khalaf/posts/10154748416874831 Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2017). Bateleur Eagle (Terathopius ecaudatus Daudin, 1800): A Rare Record in Palestine in 2015 /Der Gaukler (Terathopius ecaudatus) in Palästina / ‫ من الطيور النادرة في‬: ‫العُقاب البهلواني أو العُقاب ال ُمصفق‬ ‫ فلسطين‬. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Number 145, January 2017. pp. 1-22. Dubai and Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. (In English, German and Arabic). http://birds-of-palestine.webs.com/bateleur-eagle Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 212 – August 2022

Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher & Nora Norman Ali Khalaf (Photography) (2017). Greater Flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus Pallas, 1811) at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Number 146, February 2017. pp. 1-25. Dubai & Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://animals-of-uae.webs.com/greater-flamingo Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2017). Melanistic Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus Pallas, 1811) Records from Palestine and Cyprus Between 2013-2015. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Number 147, March 2017. pp. 1-16. Dubai and Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://birds-of-palestine.webs.com/ Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2017). The Senegal Thick-Knee or Stone-Curlew (Burhinus senegalensis Swainson, 1837): New Record for Palestine. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Number 148, April 2017. pp. 1-13. Dubai and Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://animals-ofpalestine-2.webs.com/senegal-thick-knee 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-Prinz Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Sharif Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Mohammad Ahmad Ahmad Mostafa Abdallah Mohammad (January 2020). A Rare Stamp from Palestine: The Rockhopper Penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome) & Gentoo Penguin (Pygoscelis papua) Stamp. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Volume 38, Number 181, January 2020, pp. 1-15. Published by Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Khalaf Department for Environmental Research and Media, National Research Center, University of Palestine, Gaza, State of Palestine. https://palestine-stamps.webs.com/ Khalaf, Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Bassam (23.11.2020). Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) and the Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) at Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve in Dubai. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10158719507884831&set=a.127745184830 Khalaf-Prinz Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Bassam (2022). The Swans of Dubai: The Mute Swan (Cygnus olor), the Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator), the Black-necked Swan (Cygnus melancoryphus) and the Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) at Al Qudra Lakes, Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve in Dubai, UAE. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Volume 40, Number 212, August 2022. pp. 1-15. Publisher: Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Khalaf Department for Environmental Research and media, National Research Center, University of Palestine, Gaza, State of Palestine. (Abstracts in English and Arabic). https://animals-of-lebanon.webs.com/swans-of-dubai Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 212 – August 2022

A selfie by the author, and behind him are his wife Ola Khalaf (sitting on the ground) and daughter Nora Khalaf (standing) during a scientific family trip to study and photograph the birds of Al Qudra Lakes at Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve in Dubai. 17.12.2016. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10154748416794831&set=pcb.10154748416874831

Wikipedia. Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Marmoom_Desert_Conservation_Reserve Wikipedia. Black-necked swan. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-necked_swan Wikipedia. Black swan. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_swan Wikipedia. Mute swan. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mute_swan Wikipedia. Trumpeter swan. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trumpeter_swan

‫هلل رب العالمين‬ ِ ‫والحم ُد‬ Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – ISSN 0178-6288 – Volume 40 – Number 212 – August 2022