Wildlife rewilding Dubai and Abu Dhabi during Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown by Dr. Norman Ali Bassam Khalaf

‫بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيم‬

ISSN 0178-6288 https://issuu.com/dr-normanalibassamkhalaf/docs 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 39 – Number 199 - July 2021 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 – Number 199 – July 2021

Wildlife rewilding Dubai and Abu Dhabi during Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown By: Sharif Prof.Dr.Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Mohammad Ahmad Ahmad Mostafa Abdallah Mohammad Khalaf-Prinz Sakerfalke von Jaffa

ُ ‫ظب خالل منع‬ ‫الحيوانات ر‬ ‫البية تستعيد بيئاتها ف د رب وأبو ر‬ ‫تجول ر‬ 19-‫فبوس كورونا كوفيد‬ ‫البش أثناء جائحة ر‬

ُ ُ ‫ ر‬: ‫بقلم‬ ‫ نورمان (نعمان) عل بسام عل طاهر محمد أحمد‬.‫ د‬.‫الشيف أ‬ ُ ُ ‫العبري‬ ‫أحمد مصطف عبدهللا محمد خلف اليافاوي ر‬

Two Arabian Sand Gazelles (Gazella marica Thomas, 1897) were spotted roaming the streets of the Gardens Area in Jebel Ali, Emirate of Dubai, UAE .. Photo by Mohammed Hussain .. Gulf News, 31.03.2020. https://gulfnews.com/photos/news/uae-gazelles-roam-the-streets-ofdubai-as-people-stay-inside-due-to-coronavirus-pandemic-1.1585665380356?

Abstract The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has infected more than 2.5 million people Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 199 – July 2021

globally. Many cities and countries worldwide are in partial or complete lockdown situation. The slowdown in human activity worldwide resulted in a positive impact on our planet. Nature is improving as a whole, and Wildlife is rewilding in many places. For example, it was observed the return of Arabian Sand Gazelles and Arabian Camels to the city streets of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. And Oman Cownose Rays and Spotted Eagle Rays are seen more often in the Sea of Dubai.

‫ُملخص‬

‫ وقد ُوضعت‬. ‫ مليون شخص على مستوى العالم‬2.5 ‫ أكثر من‬19 - ‫أصابت جائحة فيروس كورونا كوفيد‬ ‫ وقد أدى التباطؤ في‬. ‫الكثير من ال ُمدن والبُلدان في جميع أنحاء العالم في وضع منع تجول جزئي أو كلي‬ ، ‫ إن الطبيعة تتحسن ككل‬. ‫النشاط البشري في جميع أنحاء العالم إلى تأثير إيجابي على كوكب األرض‬ ‫ لوحظ عودة غزالن‬، ‫ فعلى سبيل المثال‬. ‫والحيوانات البرية تستعيد بيئاتها الطبيعية في الكثير من المناطق‬ ‫الرمال العربية (غزال الريم) والجمال العربية إلى شوارع ُدبي وأبوظبي ؛ كما تمت رؤية أسماك الشفنين‬ . ‫النسرية ال ُمنقطة وأسماك الشفنين العُمانية ذات األنوف البقرية بشكل أكثر في بحر دُبي‬ Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, the capital of China's Hubei province, and has since spread globally, resulting in the ongoing 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic (Wikipedia). More than 2.5 Million confirmed cases were registered worldwide, and more than 170,000 died globally in 210 countries and territories, as of 21 April 2020. While negative news is spreading daily, the pandemic is having some unexpected but positive side effects. The slowdown in human activity due to the pandemic has so far been shown to have had a positive impact on the planet (Dockrat, 18.03.2020).

Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 199 – July 2021

Arabian Camels or Dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) roaming the streets of Al Reef 2 residence compound in Al Samha, Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE. Photo from a Facebook video by Alia Akopyan (11.04.2020). https://www.facebook.com/alia.akopyan/videos/931110600635404/UzpfSTU2MDUxOTgzM DoxMDE1ODEwNjg4MTgwNDgzMQ/ Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 199 – July 2021

For example, In Italy as cities are on lockdown, pictures from Venice’s canals showed signs of improvement (Dockrat, 18.03.2020). Usually very murky waters, the canals have become much clearer, to the extent that the fish living inside are now visible. Not only are the fish visible, white swans have now replaced the famous gondolas, floating across the cleaner waters (Dockrat, 18.03.2020). In China, where the first cases of coronavirus were detected, a massive decline in pollution and greenhouse gases has now been recorded. Satellite images on NASA’s website show how the decrease in industrial, business and transportation activity between January and February 2020 has reduced the levels of atmospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO2) first in Wuhan and then across the country. According to China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment ‘good quality, air days’ have increased by 21.5 % in February (Dockrat, 18.03.2020). These improvements in nature, albeit due to human restriction, are inevitably something to take note of. If there is one thing this pandemic has proven it is that human activity is the foremost cause of pollution on earth. This is proof that if we want, the human race can work together towards a sustainable future (Dockrat, 18.03.2020). As cities around the world mandate lockdowns, quarantines and social distancing, social media posts about animals frolicking through deserted cities have enchanted people anxiously seeking silver linings (Singh, 22.03.2020).

As the coronavirus crisis changes the rhythms of urban life, there are some early signs that animals – especially the creatures that lurk in the periphery of big cities and suburbs – are feeling emboldened to explore (Singh, 22.03.2020). In Nara, Japan, Sika Deer wandered through city streets and subway stations. Raccoons were spotted on the beach in an emptied San Felipe, Panama. Turkeys have made a strong showing in Oakland, California. And Boars have been known to descend upon European cities – but Barcelonans on lockdown have marveled at how the wild animals romp through quiet, deserted streets (Singh, 22.03.2020). In the case of Nara Park, where the Sika Deer – which look like Bambi – have grown accustomed to tourists lining up year-round to feed them rice crackers. Now that the park is devoid of human visitors, the deer have begun wandering into the city looking for food. They’ve been spotted crossing city streets and walking through subway stations, snacking on potted plants (Singh, 22.03.2020). In Lopburi, Thailand, the absence of tourists and their tasty snacks left local monkeys brawling over what appeared to be a cup of yogurt (Singh, 22.03.2020). But just as many urban animals have adapted to humans, they’ll find ways to adjust during the quarantine (Singh, 22.03.2020). Nature is maintaining itself, and as they said in Jurassic Park, life tends to find a way. We may not think of our cities as a part of nature, but they are (Singh, 22.03.2020).

Arabian Camel or Dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) roaming the streets of Al Reef 2 residence compound in Al Samha, Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE. Photo from a Facebook video by Alia Akopyan (11.04.2020). https://www.facebook.com/alia.akopyan/videos/931110600635404/UzpfSTU2MDUxOTgzM DoxMDE1ODEwNjg4MTgwNDgzMQ/ Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 199 – July 2021

Wildlife rewilding Dubai and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates In the United Arab Emirates, a group of Arabian Sand Gazelles or Reem Gazelle (Gazella marica Thomas, 1897) were spotted roaming the streets of the Gardens area in Jebel Ali, Emirate of Dubai, as people stayed inside due to coronavirus pandemic (Gulzar, 31.03.2020). The International Union for Conservation of Nature has declared the Reem Gazelle vulnerable. According to the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi, the biggest threats Arabian Sand Gazelles face are uncontrolled hunting and habitat degradation (Gulzar, 31.03.2020).

Oman Cownose Rays (Rhinoptera jayakari Boulenger, 1895) were spotted in Dubai Marina on 29.03.2020. Photo from a Facebook video. The National. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2950950238297533

And in Abu Dhabi, a video on Facebook by Alia Akopyan on 11.04.2020, showed how several Arabian Camels or Dromedary (Camelus dromedarius Linnaeus, 1758) were Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Number 199 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; July 2021

roaming the streets of Al Reef 2 residence compound in Al Samha, Emirate of Abu Dhabi during the coronavirus night lockdown. Historically, camels in the UAE were a dependable source of not only transport but also food and milk. And the Arabs were proud of the number of camels they possessed (Salem, 2010). The population of camels in the UAE in 2003 was estimated at over 178,000, according to the Abu Dhabi Culture and Heritage (Salem, 2010).

Oman Cownose Rays (Rhinoptera jayakari Boulenger, 1895) were spotted in Dubai Marina on 29.03.2020. Photo from a Facebook video. The National. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2950950238297533

Meanwhile, a video of Oman Cownose Rays (Rhinoptera jayakari Boulenger, 1895) has also gone viral. The school of Oman cownose rays has been spotted exploring the shallows of Dubai Marina on 29.03.2020 (The National, 30.03.2020 & The City Vibes UAE, 01.04.2020) and Business Bay, Dubai Water Canal on 04.04.2020 (Azraq ME, 04.04.2020). Cownose rays are a type of stingray and are named after the shape of their head. Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Number 199 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; July 2021

Cownose rays are active swimmers and are rarely found lying motionless. Generally found in shallow marine and brackish coastal waters, cownose rays are also known to form large schools (they have been seen in groups of up to 10,000) and migrate long distances. A group of cownose rays is called a fever (Azraq ME, 04.04.2020). And with fewer crowded people and active boats in Dubai Marina two Spotted Eagle Rays (Aetobatus narinari Euphrasén, 1790) has been spotted floating in the waters of Dubai Marina on 03.04.2020. The Spotted Eagle Rays possess 2-6 venomous spines at the tail base. It lives in the Indian Ocean, Arabian Gulf, Red Sea and other tropical seas; and reaches a length of 5 meters and a wing span of 3 meters, and weighs up to 230 Kg, and lives to a depth of 80 meters. It feeds on small fish, crustaceans and mollusks .. Sharks feeds on them (Khalaf, 29.11.2015).

Oman Cownose Rays (Rhinoptera jayakari Boulenger, 1895) were also spotted in Dubai Water Canal. Facebook. The Mommy Poet (04.04.2020). https://www.facebook.com/TheMommyPoet/photos/a.2252145688389435/2569115996692401 /?type=3&theater

References and Internet Websites Akopyan, Alia (11.04.2020). It time for camels. Facebook Video. https://www.facebook.com/alia.akopyan/videos/931110600635404/UzpfSTU2MDUx OTgzMDoxMDE1ODEwNjg4MTgwNDgzMQ/ Azraq ME (03.04.2020). Eagle Rays spotted at Dubai Marina. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/azraqme/ Azraq ME (04.04.2020). Cownose rays at Business Bay, Dubai. Facebook. Video. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2782860618487453&external_log_id=2d2b9b56 74c280e825d30ad52126898c&q=oman%20cownose%20ray Dockrat, Yaseen (18.03.2020). Is The Coronavirus Lockdown Actually Healing The Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 199 – July 2021

Planet? https://www.gqmiddleeast.com/culture/is-the-coronavirus-lockdownactually-healing-the-planet Gulf News (05.04.2020). Video: Spotted eagle rays seen in Dubai Marina waters. https://gulfnews.com/uae/video-spotted-eagle-rays-seen-in-dubai-marina-waters1.1586077792194?fbclid=IwAR2gkp94AeuRPedTuaOHr3gszigtVZdyFwSM3PlYgXBRkq tQ8TptuMWPSjo Gulzar, Falah (Social Media Reporter) (31.03.2020). UAE: Gazelles roam the streets of Dubai as people stay inside due to coronavirus pandemic. A reader shared pictures of gazelles walking around in The Gardens area, Dubai. Gulf News. https://gulfnews.com/photos/news/uae-gazelles-roam-the-streets-of-dubai-aspeople-stay-inside-due-to-coronavirus-pandemic-1.1585665380356?

Two Spotted Eagle Rays (Aetobatus narinari Euphrasén, 1790) has been spotted floating in the waters of Dubai Marina on 03.04.2020. Gulf News. Image Credit: Azraq ME. https://gulfnews.com/uae/video-spotted-eagle-rays-seen-in-dubai-marina-waters1.1586077792194?fbclid=IwAR2gkp94AeuRPedTuaOHr3gszigtVZdyFwSM3PlYgXBRkqtQ8Tpt uMWPSjo

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. Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 199 – July 2021

Biological Society, Kuwait University, State of Kuwait. pp. 4-5. (In Arabic). Khalaf, N.A.B. (1986). The Schooling of Sumatra Barbs (Barbus tetrazona tetrazona) and Minnows (Phoxinus phoxinus). Dissertation, Master of Science in Ecology, Departments of Zoology and Botany, University of Durham, England. September 1986. pps. 59 + iv. http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/7084/ 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-von Jaffa, Norman Ali B. (1995). Alasmak fi Filistin (Die Fische von Palästina / The Fishes of Palestine). Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 33. Thirteenth Year. December 1995. Bonn, Germany. pp.1-35. (In Arabic). 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, BonnBad 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 Palästina, Arabien und Europa zwischen 1980 - 2005. ISBN 300-014835-3. Erste Auflage / First Edition, August 2005: 376 Seiten / Pages. SelfPublisher: Norman Ali Khalaf, Rilchingen-Hanweiler, Bundesrepublik Deutschland & Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://dr-norman-ali-khalafbooks.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, 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 (2006). Mammalia Palaestina: The Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 199 – July 2021

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. Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali (2006). 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. Norman Ali Khalaf, Rilchingen-Hanweiler, Deutschland & Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. 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

Spotted Eagle Ray (Aetobatus narinari Euphrasén, 1790) has been spotted floating in the waters of Dubai Marina on 03.04.2020. Photo from a video on Instagram. Azraq ME. https://www.instagram.com/azraqme/

Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2007). Haywanat Filistin ‫( حيوانات فلسطين‬Fauna of Palestine). Wikipedia, Al-Mawsu'a Al-Hurra (The Free Encyclopedia). Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 69, Twenty-fifth Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 199 – July 2021

Year, September 2007 CE, Sha’ban 1428 AH. pp. 1-4. (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-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 (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://dr-norman-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 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 (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 Khalaf, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (05.05.2013). Arabian Gazelles at Dubai Desert Conservation. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFt7aoj_1vY&index=8752&list=UUAhlSKB7aAw B6BRlA1miMXQ 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-khalafGazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 199 – July 2021

books.webs.com/faunapalaestinapart3.htm Khalaf, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (23.10.2013). Arabian Gazelle at Dubai Zoo. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8A8SHigyTUA Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2014). The Dorcas Gazelle (Gazella dorcas Linnaeus, 1758). Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Number 110, February 2014, Rabiea Al Thani 1435 AH. p. 1. Dubai and Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Website: http://animals-ofpalestine.webs.com/dorcas-gazelle & https://issuu.com/drnormanalibassamkhalaf/docs/dorcas_gazelle_gazella_dorcas 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-part1.webs.com/faunapalaestina4.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/ 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-Prinz Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam (29.11.2015). Spotted Eagle Ray (Aetobatus narinari) gliding through the sea waters of Dubai Creek, Dubai, UAE. Flickr. https://www.flickr.com/photos/50022881@N00/22773056933/ Khalaf, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (23.12.2015) Arabian Gazelle at Dubai Zoo. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=351YzqsCgHM Khalaf. , Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (13.05.2016). Arabian Gazelles in Lehbab Dubai Desert. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=te_L60VFsAc Khalaf, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (18.08.2016). Prof. Norman Khalaf at Gazelle observation site Seih Al Salam Reserve Dubai UAE. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r58600amk9g&list=UUAhlSKB7aAwB6BRlA1mi MXQ&index=2588 Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (December 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-palestine2.webs.com/fauna-of-palestine-arabic Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Mohammad Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 199 – July 2021

Ahmad Mostafa (July 2017). The Spotted Eagle Ray (Aetobatus narinari Euphrasén, 1790) from Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Umm Al-Rashrash (Eilat), Occupied Palestine. ‫ فلسطين ال ُمحتلة‬، )‫ دولة اإلمارات العربية ال ُمتحدة و أم الرشراش (إيالت‬، ‫ سمك الشفنين النسري ال ُمنقط من دُبي‬. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Number 151, July 2017, pp. 1-19. Dubai and Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://animals-ofuae.webs.com/spotted-eagle-ray 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 (June 2021). Arabian ‫سمك العنفوز العرب ذو ر‬ Yellowbar Angelfish (Pomacanthus maculosus Forsskål, 1775). ‫الشيط‬ ‫ي‬ ‫األصفر‬. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Volume 39, Number 198, June 2021, pp. 1-10. 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 Abstract). https://fishesof-palestine-2.webs.com/pomacanthus-maculosus Khalaf-Prinz Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Sharif Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Mohammad Ahmad Ahmad Mostafa Abdallah Mohammad (July 2021). Wildlife rewilding Dubai and Abu Dhabi during Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Volume 39, Number 199, July 2021, pp. 1-16. 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 Abstract). https://coronavirus-andwildlife.webs.com/ Salem, Fatma (Staff Reporter) (27.03.2010). Camels a key part of UAE's rich heritage. Animals provided transport, food and milk in olden days. Gulf News. https://gulfnews.com/uae/camels-a-key-part-of-uaes-rich-heritage-1.603548 Singh, Maanvi (22.03.2020). Emboldened wild animals venture into locked-down cities worldwide. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/22/animals-cities-coronaviruslockdowns-deer-raccoons The City Vibes UAE (01.04.2020). Gazelles Spotted Freely Roaming Dubai, Cownose Rays Exploring The Shallows Of Dubai Marina. https://www.thecityvibesuae.com/post/gazelles-spotted-freely-roaming-dubaicownose-rays-exploring-the-shallows-of-dubai-marina?fbclid=IwAR26gZGazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 199 – July 2021

kJQy5miSRF7e3FG82Ma1JHHB7nuuAhjy33j64Q_3wFUwRNFszqR The Mommy Poet (04.04.2020). Oman Cownose Rays in Dubai Water Canal. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/TheMommyPoet/photos/a.2252145688389435/256911599 6692401/?type=3&theater The National (30.03.2020). Oman Cownose Rays spotted in Dubai Marina. Facebook. Video. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2950950238297533 Wikipedia. Arabian sand gazelle. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabian_sand_gazelle Wikipedia. Coronavirus disease 2019. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coronavirus_disease_201 Wikipedia. Dromedary. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dromedary Wikipedia. Rhinoptera. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhinoptera Wikipedia. Spotted eagle ray. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spotted_eagle_ray

Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Bassam Khalaf-von Jaffa with his beloved daughter Nora Khalaf wearing the Coronavirus medical mask in Dubai, United Arab Emirates .. 03 April 2020. https://www.flickr.com/photos/50022881@N00/49800554467

‫والحمد هلل رب العالمين‬ Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 199 – July 2021