Taxidermied Indian Crested Porcupine & Crested Porcupine in the Museums of Jerusalem, Palestine by Dr-Norman Khalaf

The taxidermied Indian Crested Porcupine (Hystrix indica Kerr, 1792) and the Crested Porcupine (Hystrix cristata Linnaeus, 1758) in the Museums of the Holy City of Al-Quds (Jerusalem), Occupied Palestine ‫ فلسطين ال ُمحتلة‬، ‫النيص أو الشيهم في متاحف القدس الشريف‬ By: Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa I visited the Paulus-Haus Museum – Deutscher Verein vom Heiligen Lande in Al-Quds (Jerusalem), Occupied Palestine on Wednesday 23 July 2014. I saw the exhibited Ernst Schmitz collection of taxidermied animals including the Indian Crested Porcupine (Hystrix indica Kerr, 1792).

Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Khalaf-von Jaffa infront of the Paulus-Haus Deutscher Verein vom Heiligen Lande in the old city of Al-Quds (Jerusalem), Occupied Palestine on 23.07.2014. https://www.flickr.com/photos/50022881@N00/15554801065/ Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Number 135 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; March 2016

The taxidermied Indian Crested Porcupine (Hystrix indica Kerr, 1792) at the Paulus-Haus Museum – Deutscher Verein vom Heiligen Lande in Al-Quds (Jerusalem), Occupied Palestine. Photo: Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Khalaf-von Jaffa. 23.07.2014. https://www.flickr.com/photos/50022881@N00/14936456323/ The next day, on Thursday 24 July 2014, I visited accompanied with the researcher Mr. Daoud Al-Hali the Terra Sancta College – Terra Sancta Secondary Boys School in Al-Quds (Jerusalem), Occupied Palestine, and visited the Natural Sciences Museum which exhibit many taxidermied animal specimens including the Crested Porcupine (Hystrix cristata Linnaeus, 1758). On Sunday 27 July 2014, I visited accompanied with the researcher Mr. Daoud Al-Hali the Natural History Museum in Al-Baq’a Suburb, West Jerusalem, Occupied Palestine. It exhibited many taxidermied Palestinian animal specimens including the Indian Crested Porcupine (Hystrix indica Kerr, 1792).

Indian Crested Porcupine (Hystrix indica Kerr, 1792) Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Rodentia Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 135 – March 2016

Family: Hystricidae Genus: Hystrix Subgenus: Hystrix Species: Hystrix indica Kerr, 1792

Description The Indian Crested Porcupine (Hystrix indica), or Indian Porcupine, is a member of the Old World porcupines. An adaptable rodent, the Indian porcupines are found throughout southern Asia and the Middle East. They are tolerant of several different habitats such as mountains, tropical and subtropical grasslands, scrublands, and forests (Yerevan Zoo). Indian porcupines are large rodents with a head-body length of 70-90 cm and a body weight of 11-18 kg. They have a short tail measuring 8-10 cm. The quills of porcupines are brown or black in colour, with alternating bands of white. Spines Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 135 – March 2016

vary in length, with the neck and shoulder quills being the longest, measuring 15 to 30 cm. The tail is covered with shorter spines that appear white in color. Among these, are longer, hollow, rattling quills. When irritated or alarmed, the Indian porcupine raises its quills and rattles the hollow spines on its tail. If the disturbance continues, the species launches a backward attack and hits its rear against the offending animal. This action drives the spines deep into the enemy, often leading to severe injury or death. The majority of the damage is done by the short quills that are hidden beneath the longer, thinner spines on the tail and back. Quite often, these quills become dislodged and remain in the victim (Yerevan Zoo).

The taxidermied Indian Crested Porcupine (Hystrix indica Kerr, 1792) at the Paulus-Haus Museum – Deutscher Verein vom Heiligen Lande in Al-Quds (Jerusalem), Occupied Palestine. Photo: Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Khalaf-von Jaffa. 23.07.2014. https://www.flickr.com/photos/50022881@N00/14936605363/ Indian Crested Porcupines live in pairs or small family groups but usually forage alone. They are nocturnal, seeking shelter in caves, between rocks, or in burrows during the day. Burrows are usually self-constructed, consisting of a long entrance tunnel, multiple exits and a large inner chamber. As nocturnal animals their sense of smell and hearing are highly developed whereas their sense of Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 135 – March 2016

sight is limited. They are reputed to be quite intelligent animals, as evidenced by their uncanny ability to avoid traps. They normally live about ten years in the wild, and average twenty years in captivity, which they seem to tolerate well. How do Indian Porcupines mate? Very carefully; but they mate only with one partner as they form monogamous couples, which is very rare among mammals. After a gestation period of about 90 – 105 days the female gives birth to a litter of 2-4 young, which are born with their eyes open, and the body is covered by short soft quills. There may be up to 2 liters per year (Yerevan Zoo). Indian porcupines have a voracious appetite for human-grown crops, thus they are considered a major threat to agriculture. They eat human-grown crops of almost all kinds, in addition to wild vegetation, carrion, small bugs and mammals, and bones or antlers. Except when parents are teaching their young to forage, the search for food is usually solitary. They seem to prefer wandering along roads or tracks, and have been observed traveling more than nine miles in a single nighttime foraging trip (Yerevan Zoo).

A selfie photo with the taxidermied Indian Crested Porcupine (Hystrix indica Kerr, 1792) at the Paulus-Haus Museum – Deutscher Verein vom Heiligen Lande in Al-Quds, Occupied Palestine. Selfie-Photo: Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Khalafvon Jaffa. 23.07.2014. https://www.flickr.com/photos/50022881@N00/15371044357/ Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 135 – March 2016

Wissenschaft und Forschung im Heiligen Land. Paulus-Haus Museum – Deutscher Verein vom Heiligen Lande in Al-Quds (Jerusalem), Occupied Palestine. Photo: Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Khalaf-von Jaffa. 23.07.2014. Above: https://www.flickr.com/photos/50022881@N00/14936379194/ Below: https://www.flickr.com/photos/50022881@N00/15370536029/ Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 135 – March 2016

The Indian Crested Porcupine’s extensive burrowing is damaging in gardens and other landscaped areas, because of this and their fondness for human-grown crops, they are hunted as a pest species. Additionally, porcupines are hunted in many countries for their meat, which is considered a delicacy, and for their quills, which many cultures use for decoration and religious symbols. Often infested with fleas and ticks, porcupines sometimes carry serious bacterial infections and run-ins with porcupines can cause serious illness and injuries to domestic animals and humans Yerevan Zoo). Conservationists have also documented that many tigers and leopards have become man-eaters after having fought and been injured by porcupines, which indicates their ferocity and their lack of predators. One such example was the Leopard of Gummalapur, which when examined, was shown to have two porcupine quills lodged in its right forefoot (Yerevan Zoo).

Short facts of the Indian Crested Porcupine: Range and Habitat The Indian Porcupine is recorded in Turkey and the eastern Mediterranean through southwest and central Asia (including Afghanistan and Turkmenistan) to Pakistan, India, Nepal, China and Sri Lanka. In the Himalayan Mountains they reach altitudes of up to 2400 meters (Gurung and Singh 1996). Countries: Native: Afghanistan; Armenia; Azerbaijan; China; Georgia; India; Iran; Iraq; Jordan; Kazakhstan; Nepal; Pakistan; Palestine; Saudi Arabia; Sri Lanka; Turkey; Turkmenistan; Yemen. Presence uncertain: Kyrgyzstan; Tajikistan; Uzbekistan. Population: Indian porcupines are fairly common in its native habitats. They are populous enough to be considered a pest. Population Trend: Stable. Habitat and Ecology: This species has a broad habitat tolerance, occupying rocky hillsides, tropical and temperate shrubland, grasslands, forests, arable land, plantations, and gardens. Systems: Terrestrial. Major Threats: Porcupines are considered agricultural pests by locals who trap and use them for food. Conservation Actions: The species is found in protected areas. No specific measures are in place or needed (Yerevan Zoo).

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Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Khalaf-von Jaffa is standing near the taxidermied animals (Mediterranean Monk Seal, Indian Crested Porcupine and the Bearded Vulture) at the Paulus-Haus Museum in Al-Quds (Jerusalem), Occupied Palestine. 23.07.2014. https://www.flickr.com/photos/50022881@N00/15400713061/ Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Number 135 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; March 2016

The Natural Sciences Museum sign at the Terra Sancta College – Terra Sancta Secondary Boys School in Al-Quds (Jerusalem), Occupied Palestine. Photo: Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Khalaf-von Jaffa. 24.07.2014. https://www.flickr.com/photos/50022881@N00/14937294074/

The taxidermied Crested Porcupine (Hystrix cristata Linnaeus, 1758) at the Terra Sancta College Natural Sciences Museum in Al-Quds (Jerusalem), Occupied Palestine. Photo: Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Khalaf-von Jaffa. 24.07.2014. https://www.flickr.com/photos/50022881@N00/15372470540/ Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 135 – March 2016

Indian Crested Porcupine in Palestine What they eat Preferred habitat Status Recommended place to see

Roots, Vegetables. Open country, Cultivated farm land, Orchards. Fairly common resident in north and central Palestine, Scare at south Palestine where it follows Human farm lands. The Porcupine is nocturnal and is best seen during night drive at the Occupied Golan Heights (Tatzpit).

Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Khalaf-von Jaffa presented his newest book “Fauna Palaestina – Part Four” to the Vice Director of the Terra Sancta College – Terra Sancta Secondary Boys School in Jerusalem Mr. Yousef Nasrawi. The Researcher Mr. Daoud Al-Hali is standing to the right of the Author. 24.07.2014. https://www.flickr.com/photos/50022881@N00/15560973775/

Indian Crested Porcupine Study in the Naqab Desert, Palestine In a study done by Saltz and Alkon (1989) the nocturnal activity of six Indian crested porcupines (Hystrix indica), inhabiting two nearby dens in the Naqab (Negev) desert highlands of southern Palestine, was monitored for nine months Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 135 – March 2016

by radio location telemetry. From movement simulation of 1121 relocations (187 ± 56 per animal) on a grid representation of the 20 km2 study area, mean home ranges (i.e. 90% domains) were 1–5 ± 0–4 km2 and the animals moved 2.8 ± 0.7 km per night. Spatial activity differed by main foraging habitat which, in turn, corresponded to den affiliation. Porcupines that foraged regularly on crops had narrow domains with bimodal activity centres near the den and in potato fields; and their movements were relatively stable across seasons. Animals dependent on natural forage had larger and seasonally variable domains, and more diffuse dispersions with a single activity centre near the den. Home range overlap was greater among crop foragers, and all porcupines remained closer to dens during moonlit periods. It was concluded that crested porcupine dispersion patterns are flexible, and strongly linked to forage availability. The array of analytical procedures used in this study is recommended for future studies of animal spatial activity (Saltz and Alkon, 1989).

Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Khalaf-von Jaffa infront of the Terra Sancta College – Terra Sancta Secondary Boys School in in Al-Quds (Jerusalem), Occupied Palestine. Photo: Mr. Daoud Al-Hali. 24.07.2014. https://www.flickr.com/photos/50022881@N00/15561842912/ Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 135 – March 2016

Crested Porcupine (Hystrix cristata Linnaeus, 1758) The Crested Porcupine (Hystrix cristata Linnaeus, 1758) is a species of rodent in the Hystricidae family. It is extant in mainland Italy, Sicily, North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa (Wikipedia).

Physical Attributes Hystrix cristata is part of the family Hystricidae. The more common name for this species is the Crested Porcupine. The adult Crested Porcupine has an average head and body length of about 60 to 83 cm (24 to 33 in) long, discounting the tail, and weighs from 13 to 27 kg (29 to 60 lb) (Wikipedia).

The Natural History Museum sign in Al-Baq’a Suburb, West Jerusalem, Occupied Palestine. Photo: Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Khalaf-von Jaffa. 27.07.2014. https://www.flickr.com/photos/50022881@N00/15374678029/ Almost the entire body is covered with bristles which are either dark brown or black and rather coarse. This mammal is recognizable by the quills that run along the head, nape, and back that can be raised into a crest. Hence the name crested porcupine. There are also some sturdier quills which are about 35 cm (14 in) in length and run along the sides and back half of the body. These sturdier quills Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 135 – March 2016

are used, for the most part, for defense and are usually marked with light and dark bands which alternate; these are not firmly attached. This porcupine has a shorter tail which has rattle quills at the end. The rattle quills broaden at the terminal end and the broad portion is hollow with thin walls. When these quills are vibrated they produce a hiss-like rattle (Wikipedia). The front feet of the crested porcupine have four developed and clawed digits with a regressed thumb, the rear feet have five. The paws have naked and padded soles and have a plantigrade gait. The ears are external and both the eyes and ears are very small with long vibrissae on its head. The skull is specific in many ways, first the infraorbital foramen is greatly enlarged so that portions of the masseter extend through it and attach from the frontal side surface of the snout. Second the angular process is inflected on the lower jaw, thirdly the nasal cavity is enlarged. Prominent pockets create enlarged areas of attachment for chewing muscles. Collar bones are very much reduced, and there are one incisor, one premolar and three molars (Wikipedia).

The taxidermied Indian Crested Porcupine (Hystrix indica Kerr, 1792) at the Natural History

Museum in Al-Baq’a Suburb, West Jerusalem, Occupied Palestine. Photo: Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Khalaf-von Jaffa. 27.07.2014. https://www.flickr.com/photos/50022881@N00/15561354015/ Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 135 – March 2016

Food and Digestion The crested porcupine is for the most part herbivorous, eating roots, bulbs, crops. But occasionally they do consume insects, small vertebrates and carrion. In order to ingest calcium and sharpen incisors they often gnaw on bones. These animals often travel long distances looking for food. They have high crowned teeth that grind plant cells which are digested in the stomach and the undigested fibers are retained in an enlarged appendix and anterior large intestine where they are broken down by microorganisms (Wikipedia).

Reproduction Most of what is known about reproduction in the crested porcupine comes from individuals in captivity. Usually female crested porcupines have one litter every year. One or two very well developed young are born in a chamber within the burrow that is usually lined with grass, but only after a 66 day gestation period, on average. The young weigh about 1000 g at birth, which is about five percent of the mother’s weight. They leave the den after one week. At this time the spines begin to harden. Crested porcupines reach adult weight at one to two years and are often sexually mature just before then (Wikipedia).

Behaviour The crested porcupine is a terrestrial mammal; they very seldom climb trees, but can swim. They are nocturnal and monogamous. The crested porcupine takes care of the young for a long time and small family groups consist of the adult pair and young of various ages. In defense, when disturbed, they raise and fan their quills to make themselves look bigger. If continually bothered, the crested porcupine will stamp its feet, whirr the quills, and charge the disturber back end first trying to stab the enemy with the thicker, shorter quills. These attacks are known to have killed lions, leopards, hyenas, and even humans (Wikipedia). Crested porcupines have been known to collect thousands of bones that they find at night. They are mostly nocturnal, and they may wander upon the skeletons of many animals. These include prehistoric animals, such as Deinotherium. They will collect these bones, and store them in an underground chamber, or cave. Sometimes humans dig up these bones; it is an amazing find for paleontologists and archaeologists (Wikipedia).

Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Khalaf-von Jaffa presented his newest book “Fauna Palaestina – Part Four” to a Natural History Museum Official in Al-Baq’a Suburb, West Jerusalem, Occupied Palestine. The Researcher Mr. Daoud Al-Hali is standing to the left of the Author. Photo: Nora Norman Ali Khalaf. 27.07.2014. https://www.flickr.com/photos/50022881@N00/15537792026/ Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 135 – March 2016

Population There are eight species in the genus Hystrix, only two of which are found outside of Asia. The crested porcupine is widespread in Africa and Italy. Although it is favored in many parts of its range as food, its conservation status is set at least concern (Wikipedia).

Range The crested porcupine is found in Italy, North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. In the Mediterranean it is known from mainland Italy and the island of Sicily, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia; there are also records from Libya, and along the Egyptian coast. It has been recorded from sea level to 2550 m in Moroccan Anti Atlas. It is sometimes asserted that the porcupine was introduced to Italy by the Romans, but fossil and sub fossil remains suggest it was possibly present in Europe in the Upper Pleistocene (Wikipedia).

Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Khalaf-von Jaffa and his beloved daughter Nora Norman Ali Khalaf and the Researcher Mr. Daoud Al-Hali are standing infront of the Natural History Museum in Al-Baq’a Suburb, West Jerusalem, Occupied Palestine. 27.07.2014. https://www.flickr.com/photos/50022881@N00/14941407763/

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References and Internet Websites Animal Diversity Web. Hystrix indica Indian Crested Porcupine. http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Hystrix_indica/ Grubb, P., Amori, G., de Smet, K. & Bertolino, S. (2008). Hystrix cristata. In: IUCN 2008. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Gurung, K. & R. Singh (1996). Field Guide to the Mammals of the Indian Subcontinent. San Diego: Academic Press. 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 (1982). A’maar Al-Haywanat (Animal Ages). Al-Biology Bulletin. Number 18, Third Year, First Semester, Saturday 6.11.1982. Biological Society, Kuwait University, State of Kuwait. pp. 7. (in Arabic). Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam (1992). An Introduction to the Animal Life in Palestine. Gazelle. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. (ISSN 0178 – 6288). 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 (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 3-00-0141219. Erste Auflage (First Edition), 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/ Khalaf, Norman Ali (Co-Author) (2005, 2006). Chapter 3: Geography, Flora and Fauna. Pages 32-39. in: Palestine: A Guide. By Mariam Shahin, Photography by George Azar. Northampton, Massachusetts: Interlink Publishing Group, 2005, 2006. xi + 471 pages. Appendices to page 500. 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 300-017294-7. Erste Auflage, Juli 2006, 484 pp. Publisher: Norman Ali Khalaf, Rilchingen-Hanweiler, Deutschland & Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://dr-norman-ali-khalaf-books.webs.com/mammaliaarabica.htm Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2007). Haywanat Filistin (Fauna of Palestine). In: Wikipedia-Arabic, Al-Mawsu'a Al-Hurra (The Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 135 – March 2016

Free Encyclopedia). Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin (ISSN 0178 – 6288). 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-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2009). Flora and Fauna in Palestine. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 91, July 2009, Rajab 1430 AH. pp. 1-31. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://florafauna-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-khalafbooks.webs.com/faunapalaestinapart1.htm 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 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 978-9948-16667-2. 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-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 978-9950-38335-7. 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, Al-Quds (Jerusalem), State of Palestine. http://dr-normanali-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 978-9950383-77-7. Erste Auflage / First Edition : July 2014, Ramadan 1435 H. 456 Pages (English Part 378 Pages and the Arabic Part 78 Pages). Publisher: Dar Al Jundi Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 135 – March 2016

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 (2016). A taxidermied Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus Hermann, 1779) in the Ernst Schmitz Collection at the Paulus-Haus Museum – Deutscher Verein vom Heiligen Lande in Al-Quds (Jerusalem), Occupied Palestine. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin (ISSN 0178 – 6288). Number 133, January 2016, pp. 1-29. Sharjah and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. http://marine-lifepalestine.webs.com/mediterranean-monk-seal Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2016). The taxidermied Indian Crested Porcupine (Hystrix indica Kerr, 1792) and the Crested Porcupine (Hystrix cristata Linnaeus, 1758) in the Museums of the Holy City of Al-Quds (Jerusalem), Occupied Palestine. The Palestinian Biological Bulletin (ISSN 0178 – 6288). Number 135, March 2016, pp. 1-20. Sharjah and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. http://mammals-ofpalestine.webs.com/crested-porcupine Safari West. Indian Crested porcupine. http://www.safariwest.com/animal/indian-crested-porcupine/ Saltz, D. and P. U. Alkon (1989).On the spatial behaviour of Indian crested porcupines (Hystrix indica). Journal of Zoology. Volume 217, Issue 2, pages 255– 266, February 1989. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.14697998.1989.tb02486.x/abstract Seasonal Energy Requirements and Water Intakes of Indian Crested Porcupines (Hystrix indica) in Captivity. http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/1380887?uid=3737432&uid=2&uid=4& sid=21104824240327 Tatzpit. Indian Crested Porcupine (Hystrix indica). http://www.tatzpit.com/site/en/pages/inPage.asp?catID=532&subID=547&su bsubID=1117 Wikipedia. Crested Porcupine. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crested_porcupine Wikipedia. Indian Crested Porcupine. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_crested_porcupine Yerevan Zoo. . Indian Crested Porcupine (Hystrix indica). http://www.yerevanzoo.am/index.php?id=83&L=0&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D =301&cHash=a7a3712839c69c3eeaa4ae20c508eebd

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