On the occurrence of some carnivores in the Gaza Strip, Palestine (Mammalia: Carnivora)

Abstract

There have been a few studies of the mammals of the Gaza Strip (ABD RABOU 2005, YASSIN et al. 2006, ABD RABOU et al. 2007), but as important changes have occurred recently, the status especially of large mammals deserves special attention. Recent changes affecting wildlife in the 365 square kilometere Gaza Strip include its fragmentation by Israeli settlements until the second half of 2005, and the fact that it is now totally fenced. This situation restricts the movement of wildlife, especially large mammals. After the Israeli evacuation of the colonies in Gaza, local hunting was re-established in different parts of the Gaza Strip. Furthermore, the establishment of local zoological gardens in the Gaza governorates encouraged wildlife trading. This paper updates the status of carnivores in the eastern part of the Gaza Strip. The results are based on frequent field visits, which were carried out in the eastern parts of the …