Whales from the Gaza Strip, Sea of Gaza, State of Palestine

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Whales from the Gaza Strip, Sea of Gaza, State of Palestine

‫ دولة فلسطين‬، ‫ بحر غزة‬، ‫الحيتان في قطاع غزة‬ By: Sharif Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Mohammad Ahmad Ahmad Mostafa Abdallah Mohammad Khalaf-Prinz Sakerfalke von Jaffa

A Baleen Whale stranding on Al-Nusairat Refugee Camp Beach or Al Zwaydeh Beach, near Wadi Gaza, middle Gaza Strip in 1986 or May 1987. Its length was between 17-23 meters. It was thought the Whale was hit by Israeli Military Ships after mistaking it for a submarine. https://www.facebook.com/gazainthepast/photos/a.491766974224080/1583095781757855/?ty pe=3&theater Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 180 – December 2019

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There was a lot of Whale strandings and sightings from the Gaza Strip, State of Palestine, in the last 33 years.

In the 1980s, two Whale strandings were recorded on the Gaza Beach (Abd Rabou, 2019). The strandings occurred probably in 1986 or May 1987 & 1989.

In 1986 or May 1987, a Whale stranded on Al-Nusairat Refugee Camp Beach or Al Zwaydeh Beach, near Wadi Gaza, middle Gaza Strip (see photos in page 1 & 8). It was thought the Whale was hit by Israeli Military Ships after mistaking it for a submarine. It was a Baleen Whale with a length between 17-23 meters.

In 1992 or 1994, a Whale stranded on Deir Al-Balah Beach, middle Gaza Strip, State of Palestine (Haidarah, 2019). Its species identification was not known.

A whale stranding occurred in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza Strip. It was brought to AlWehdat Football Club in Al-Amal suburb. Afterwards, the decomposed body was burnt (Abed Elhadi, 2018). Species identification is not known. Year is unknown.

On 3.06.2009, a circa 8-meter long Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus Linnaeus, 1758) (‫ )الحوت ذو الزعنفة‬stranding was recorded from the Rafah Beach, southern Gaza Strip, State of Palestine. Many Gazans reported that the Fin Whale was hit by Israeli military ships after mistaking it for a submarine. The identification of the Fin Whale was done by Biologist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdel Fattah Abd Rabou from the Islamic University of Gaza (Dunya Al-Watan, 2014).

A Whale swimming between fishing boats in the Sea of Gaza. The photo is taken from a video.

11/12.04.2019.

In the night of 11/12.04.2019, tens of Gazan fishermen saw a whale swimming in the Sea of Gaza between their fishing boats and nets, following probably fish (Al-Jamal, 2019). The fishermen noticed the whale blow spout (Al-Jamal, 2019). A video was taken Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 180 – December 2019

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and published widely in the social media and press (see photos in pages 2,3,4,5). It was probably a Fin Whale (Abd Rabou, 2019).

The Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus), also known as finback whale or common rorqual and formerly known as herring whale or razorback whale, is a marine mammal belonging to the parvorder of baleen whales. It is the second-largest species on Earth after the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus). The largest fin whale reportedly grow to 27.3 m (89.6 ft) long with a maximum confirmed length of 25.9 m (85 ft), a maximum recorded weight of nearly 74 tonnes (73 long tons; 82 short tons), and a maximum estimated weight of around 114 tonnes (112 long tons; 126 short tons). American naturalist Roy Chapman Andrews called the fin whale “the greyhound of the sea ... for its beautiful, slender body is built like a racing yacht and the animal can surpass the speed of the fastest ocean steamship” (Wikipedia).

Above photos: A Whale swimming between fishing boats in the Sea of Gaza. The photos are taken from a video. 11/12.04.2019.

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Above photos: A Whale swimming between fishing boats in the Sea of Gaza. The photos are taken from a video. 11/12.04.2019.

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Above photos: A Whale swimming between fishing boats in the Sea of Gaza. The photos are taken from a video. 11/12.04.2019.

Fin Whales in the Mediterranean Sea Satellite tracking revealed that those fin whales found in Pelagos Sanctuary (Ligurian Sea Cetacean Sanctuary), migrate southward to off Tunisia, Malta, Pantelleria, and Sicily, and also possibly winter off coastal southern Italy, Sardinia, within the Strait of Messina, Aeolian Islands, and off Catalonia, Cabrera Archipelago, Libya, Kerkennah Islands, Tuscan Archipelago, Ischia and adjacent gulfs (e.g. Naples and Pozzuoli), winter feeding ground of Lampedusa, and whales may recolonize out of the Ligurian Sea to other areas such as in Ionian and in Adriatic Sea. Biology of the species along southern and southeastern parts of the basin such as off Libya, Algeria, and northern Egypt, is unclear due to lacks of scientific approaches although whales have been confirmed off the furthermost of the basin such as along in shore waters of Levantine Sea including Gaza Sea (Palestine), Israel, Lebanon, and Cyprus. Documented records Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 180 – December 2019

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within Turkish waters have been in very small numbers; one sighting off Antalya in 1994 and five documented strandings as of 2016 (Wikipedia: Fin Whale).

Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) migrate every year along the Catalan coast, across the Balearic Sea (north-western Mediterranean basin). Despite being previously unknown by the scientific community, sightings are common in the Garraf area (between Barcelona and Tarragona) wherein local fishermen have reported to have seen them for decades. However, fin whales’ migration movements within the Mediterranean are still poorly understood (Edmaktub: The Fin Whale Project).

Fin Whale. https://www.alwatanvoice.com/6rabic/news/2014/03/30/515158.html

In November 2008, I wrote an article entitled: “Cetacea Palaestina: The Whales and Dolphins in Palestinian Waters. Cetacean Species Guide for Palestine”.

I wrote: “Cetacea Palaestina: Applies to species, individuals of which have either been sighted offshore or have beached in an apparently good nutritional status (Khalaf, November 2008).

Cetaceans of the Mediterranean continental shelf (presented in descending order of body size): 1. Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus).

2. Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata).

3. Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris).

4. False killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens).

5. Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus).

6. Common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncates).

7. Rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis).

8. Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis).

9. Short-beaked Common dolphin (Delphinus delphis).

10. Striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) (Khalaf, November 2008).

Cetaceans of the Gulf of Aqaba / Eilat (absent from the Mediterranean): 11. Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus).

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12. Arabian Common Dolphin (Delphinus tropicalis).

13. Pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata).

14. Long-snouted spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris)” (Khalaf, November 2008).

Fin Whale. https://www.alwatanvoice.com/7rabic/news/2014/03/30/515158.html

References and Internet Websites ‫ قسم البحار باإلسالمية يتمكن من تحديد هوية حوت‬: ‫ عالم الحيوان‬. )30.03.2014( )Dunya Al-Watanِ( ‫دنيا الوطن‬ . ‫ صور وفيديو‬.. 2009 ‫لفظته مياه البحر على شواطئ رفح في‬ https://www.alwatanvoice.com/arabic/news/2014/03/30/515158.html ‫ حوت كبير يتجول بين مراكب الصيادين في المياه‬. )12.04.2019( )Abdel Fattah Abd Rabou( ‫ عبدالفتاح عبد ربه‬.‫د‬ . ‫ فيسبوك‬. ‫البحرية لقطاع غزة‬ https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2342964162392162&set=a.718008228221105&type =3&theater ‫ تعليق في‬. ‫ على شاطئ دير البلح‬1994 ‫ حوت ظهر عام‬. )12.04.2019( )Abu Fares Haidarah( ‫أبو فارس حيدره‬ . ‫ عبدالفتاح عبد ربه‬.‫فيسبوك د‬

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https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2342964162392162&set=a.718008228221105&type =3&theater . ‫ األيام‬. ‫ حوت يتجول بين مراكب الصيادين قبالة شاطئ غزة‬. )14.04.2019( )Mohammad Al-Jamal( ‫محمد الجمل‬ https://www.al-ayyam.ps/ar_page.php?id=1332b1dby322089435Y1332b1db . ‫ فيديو‬. ‫ حوت كبير يظهر على شواطئ غزة‬: ‫ شاهد‬. )12.04.2019( ‫وكالة سوا اإلخبارية‬ ‫غزة‬-‫شواطئ‬-‫على‬-‫يظهر‬-‫كبير‬-‫حوت‬-‫شاهد‬/https://palsawa.com/post/200279 . ‫ فيسبوك‬. ‫ صورة أول حوت يزور قطاع غزة‬. )26.10.2017( ‫غزة أيام زمان‬ https://www.facebook.com/gazainthepast/photos/a.491766974224080/1583095781757855/?type =3&theater . ‫ تعليق في فيسبوك غزة أيام زمان‬. ‫ في غزة قبل وادي غزة‬1987/5 ‫ الحوت طلع في شهر‬. )2017( ‫سمير سبع‬ https://www.facebook.com/gazainthepast/photos/a.491766974224080/1583095781757855/?type =3&theater

A boy posing infront of a stranded Baleen Whale on Al-Nusairat Refugee Camp Beach, near Wadi Gaza, in 1986 or May 1987, while many Gazans are standing on and around the whales’ body. Its length was between 17-23 meters. https://www.facebook.com/138612196309415/photos/a.138637106306924/454161681421130/? type=3&theater Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 180 – December 2019

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Khalaf, Norman Ali Bassam (Gründer) (seit Juni 2001). Wale und Delphine Club Yahoo Group. https://de.groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Wale_und_Delphine/info Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali (2004). Gazelle: Das PalästinensischeBiologische 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 (2004). Die Wal Sonderausstellung "Delphinidae Delphionidae" und "Kleinwale in Nord- und Ostsee" im Museum Alexander Koenig in Bonn, Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. BonnBad Godesberg, Federal Republic of Germany. Number 35, Twenty-second Year, September 2004. pp. 1.

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The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Number 37, Twentythird Year, January 2005. pp. 1-3.

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Number 38, Twenty-third Year, February 2005. pp. 9-13.

Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali (2005). Jaffa (Yaffa): The History of an Old Palestinian Arab City on the Mediterranean Sea. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin.

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Number 39, Twenty-third Year, March 2005. pp. 7-8.

Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali (2005). The Andromeda Sea Monster of Jaffa. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Number 39, Twentythird Year, March 2005. pp. 8.

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 3-00-014835-3. 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 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 (2006). A Bryde’s Whale (Balaenoptera edeni) Stranding on Al Mamzar Beach, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 50. February 2006. pp. 1-5. https://de.groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Quastenflosser/conversations/messages/ 22 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, Juli 2006, 484 pp. Publisher: Norman Ali Khalaf, Rilchingen-Hanweiler, Deutschland & Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://dr-norman-ali-khalafbooks.webs.com/mammaliaarabica.htm & eBook (PDF): https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4YzoDUtvuaZeTFCV0ZzWGhTYTg/view?usp=sh aring 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 978-3-00-019568-6. Erste Auflage (First Edition), Juli (July) 2007, 300 pp. SelfPublisher: Norman Ali Khalaf, Rilchingen-Hanweiler, Deutschland & Sharjah, United Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 180 – December 2019

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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 (Fauna of Palestine). In: Wikipedia-Arabic, Al-Mawsu'a Al-Hurra (The Free Encyclopedia). Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. 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 (2008). Cetacea Palaestina: The Whales and Dolphins in Palestinian Waters. Cetacean Species Guide for Palestine. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 83, November 2008, Thu Al-Qi’ada 1429 AH. pp. 1-14. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://cetaceapalaestina.webs.com/& https://de.groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Wale_und_Delphine/conversations/mess ages/329 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 & Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 180 – December 2019

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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-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2012). Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus Lilljeborg, 1861) sighted off the Mediterranean Coast of Palestine.

Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 100, January 2012. pp. 1-6. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://de.groups.yahoo.com/group/Fauna_Palaestina/message/90 & http://de.groups.yahoo.com/group/Wale_und_Delphine/message/344 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 Seiten / Pages (English / German Part 350 Pages and the Arabic Part 14 Pages). Publisher: Dar Al Jundi Publishing House, Jerusalem, Palestine. http://dr-norman-ali-khalafbooks.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. ISBN978-9950-383-77-7. 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. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2014).

Dinasurat Al Quds (Dinosaurs of Jerusalem). Dialogue with Prof. Dr. Norman Khalafvon Jaffa. National Geographic Arabiya Magazine (October 2014, Pages 52--53). https://www.flickr.com/photos/50022881@N00/15412670595 Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2014). A Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) Stranding on Failaka Island, State of Kuwait. Gazelle - The Palestinian Biological Bulletin (ISSN 0178-6288). Number 119. November 2014. pp. 1-13.

Dubai and Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://animals-of-kuwait.webs.com/ 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.

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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-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2015). The 24meters Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) Skeleton at the Educational Science Museum in Kuwait City, State of Kuwait. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 6288. Number 128, August 2015, pp. 1-18. Dubai and Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://animals-of-kuwait.webs.com/blue-whale-skeleton Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2015). The Umm Al-Maradem Island Whale Skeleton at the Educational Science Museum in Kuwait City, State of Kuwait. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 6288. Number 130, October 2015, pp. 1-18. Dubai and Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://animals-of-kuwait.webs.com/umm-al-maradem-whale Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2016). A Scientific Visit to Wadi El-Hitan (Whales Valley), Al-Fayyum, Al-Sahraa Al-Gharbiah (Western Desert), Egypt. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin (ISSN 0178 – 6288).

Number 134, February 2016, pp. 1-44. Sharjah and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. http://cetacea.webs.com/wadi-el-hitan Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2016). Whale Bone Remains at the Diving Village, Heritage Village, Dubai, United Arab Emirates and a Note on the Whales and Dolphins in the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin (ISSN 0178 – 6288). Number 141, September 2016, pp.

1-19. Sharjah and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. http://cetacea.webs.com/whale-bonesdubai 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-ofpalestine-arabic Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Mohammad Ahmad Mostafa (2017). Whale vertebra from a stranded Whale in 1965 on the beach of Qidfa Village, Emirate of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Number 153, September 2017, pp. 1-6. Dubai and Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://cetacea.webs.com/whale-vertebrae-qidfa-uae Khalaf-von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam (September 2017). YouTube : Whale Skeletons at Muscat Natural History Museum, Oman. https://youtu.be/O_fSJdG0dfc Khalaf, Norman Ali (17.10.2017). First record of a mother Arabian Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae indica) with juvenile in the Sea of Dubai-Jumeirah. Photos taken from a video published by UAE Dolphin Project. Facebook.

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https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10155685010874831&id=560519830&hc_ location=ufi Khalaf-Prinz Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Mohammad Ahmad Mostafa (November 2017). First Sighting Record of the Arabian Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae indica Gervais, 1883) in the Sea of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Arabian Gulf. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Number 155, November 2017, pp. 16-50. Published by Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Khalaf Department for Environmental Research and Media, National Research Center, University of Palestine, Gaza, State of Palestine. http://marine-life-uae2.webs.com/arabian-humpback-whale Khalaf, Norman Ali (22.11.2017). Whale Vertebra at Fujairah Museum. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/dr.norman.ali.khalaf/media_set?set=a.10155793851074831 .1073742049.560519830&type=3&pnref=story Khalaf-Prinz Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Mohammad Ahmad Mostafa (2018). Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus Linnaeus, 1758) Skeleton at the Natural History Museum in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Number 165, September 2018, pp.

1-31. Published by Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Khalaf Department for Environmental Research and Media, National Research Center, University of Palestine, Gaza, State of Palestine.http://cetacea.webs.com/ Khalaf-Prinz Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Mohammad Ahmad Mostafa (2018). A Whale Vertebra at Fujairah Museum, Fujairah City, Emirate of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Number 166, October 2018, pp. 1-11. Published by Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Khalaf Department for Environmental Research and Media, National Research Center, University of Palestine, Gaza, State of Palestine. http://cetacea2.webs.com/whale-vertebra-fujairah 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, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Mohammad Ahmad Mostafa (2018). A 27-meters dead Great Indian Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus indica Blyth, 1859) washes ashore at Khorfakkan Port, Khorfakkan, United Arab Emirates. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Number 167, November 2018, pp. 1-21. Published by Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Khalaf Department for Environmental Research and Media, National Research Center, Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 180 – December 2019

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University of Palestine, Gaza, State of Palestine. http://cetacea-2.webs.com/ Khalaf-Prinz Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Mohammad Ahmad Mostafa (2018). Cetacean Skeletons at the Whale Hall in the Natural History Museum in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Number 168, December 2018, pp. 1-29. Published

by Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Khalaf Department for Environmental Research and Media, National Research Center, University of Palestine, Gaza, State of Palestine. http://cetacea-2.webs.com/cetacean-skeletons-muscat Khalaf-Prinz Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Mohammad Ahmad Mostafa (July 2019). Cetacean Skeletons at the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle (National Museum of Natural History) in Paris, France. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Volume 37, Number 175, July 2019, pp.

1-31. Published by Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Khalaf Department for Environmental Research and Media, National Research Center, University of Palestine, Gaza, State of Palestine. https://cetacea-2.webs.com/cetacean-skeletons-paris Khalaf-Prinz Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Sharif Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Mohammad Ahmad Ahmad Mostafa Abdallah Mohammad (December 2019). Whales from the Gaza Strip, Sea of Gaza, State of Palestine. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Volume 37, Number 180, December 2019, pp. 1-17. Published

by Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Khalaf Department for Environmental Research and Media, National Research Center, University of Palestine, Gaza, State of Palestine. https://cetacea-3.webs.com/

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Linnaeus, Carolus (1758). Systema naturae per regna tria naturae, secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata. Holmiae. (Laurentii Salvii). p. 824.

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Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 180 – December 2019