Notes on Some Palestinian Bird Fauna Existing in the

Abstract

The geography, topography and climatic variations of Palestine form a suitable environment for the occurrence of wildlife; particularly bird fauna. After the Israeli evacuation from the Gaza Strip in late 2005, many zoological gardens have been established. Birds acquired by the zoological gardens in the Gaza Strip were surveyed using special bird guidebooks throughout frequent visits between October, 2007 and September, 2010. A total number of 56 bird species belonging to 26 families and 16 orders was determined and listed. Aquatic birds comprised 16 (28.6%) of the species encountered, while terrestrial birds comprised 40 (71.4%) species. Although local hunting of birds using different means was the main supplier for Gaza zoological gardens, the import of many large bird species through the earth tunnels joining the Gaza Strip with the Egyptian Territories was also present. The Ostrich Struthio camelus …