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Home , African collared dove, Barbary dove, Columbidae, Domestic pigeon, Eurasian collared dove, European Turtle Dove

30 Jordan Journal of Natural History 6, 2019

Notes on the Pigeons and Doves ( ) Occurring in the Gaza Strip – Palestine

Abdel Fattah N. Abd Rabou1* and Mohammed A. Abd Rabou2

Abstract: are the commonest terrestrial area of about 27,000 km2, 540 avifaunal among the fauna of the Gaza are known to inhabit all types of Strip. Hundreds of species have been landscapes and ecosystems (Perlman and recorded and more records are being added Meyrav, 2009). The strategic geographic continually. Columbids (pigeon and doves), location of Palestine along with its major constitute a prominent component of birds, migration routes contributes to the diversity yet they have never been separately studied of bird fauna (UNEP, 2003). The arid to semi- in the Gaza Strip. The current study aims at arid Gaza Strip, which covers an area of ​​about giving useful notes on the doves and pigeons 365 km2 (1.5% of the total area of ​​Palestine), occurring in the Gaza Strip. Field visits, has a diversity of bird fauna occurring in its observations, photography, and discussions diverse ecosystems and . Hundreds with stakeholders were carried out to reach of bird species have been recorded, and new the goals of the study. Seven species of more records are being added continually pigeons and doves were recorded in the Gaza (Project for the Conservation of Wetland and Strip. The Rock Pigeon ( livia) was Coastal Ecosystems in the Mediterranean found to be the commonest while the African Region – MedWetCoast, 2002; Abd Rabou, Collared Dove ( roseogrisea) 2005; Yassin et al., 2006; Abd Rabou et al., was the rarest. Different colors 2007 and Abd Rabou 2011a and b; 2019a of the (Streptopelia risoria) and b). Urbanization constitutes a major are easily reared and traded in local threat to fauna; particularly and shops. All pigeon and dove species are subject to poaching and for birds, in Palestine and hence the Gaza Strip different purposes including meat and pet (Qumsiyeh et al., 2014). Different groups trade. Finally, the study recommends raising of bird fauna are commonly hunted and ecological awareness among Gazans and trapped for different purposes in the Gaza the implemtation of protection measures in Strip (Abd Rabou 2005 and 2020). In the to sustainably conserve bird fauna in fall season of each year, many Gazans erect the Gaza Strip. fishing nets along the Mediterranean coast in order to catch the Middle Eastern migratory Keywords: Bird fauna, pigeons, doves, Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix), because Streptopelia, hunting, Gaza Strip. of its delicious meat (UNEP, 2003; Abd Rabou et al., 2007 and Abd Rabou, 2011a and Introduction b; 2019a and b and Marwat et al., 2014). Bird fauna are among the best known Columbidae is a worldwide family of creatures characterized by biodiversity birds containing pigeons and doves. It is the around the globe (Pomeroy, 1992 and Bibby only family in the order Columbiformes. It et al., 1998). In Palestine, which has a total is one of the most threatened bird families in the world (Walker, 2007). Pigeons and * Corresponding author: doves primarily feed on , fruits, and [email protected] plants (Gutiérrez‐Galán and Alonso, 2016). 1Department of Biology, Department of Environmental and Eart Sciences, Islamic Univeristy Their nests are commonly built on trees, of Gaza, Gaza Strip, Palestine. ledges, or on the ground, depending on the 2 Department of Information Technology, University species. Several species of pigeons and doves College of Applied Sciences, Gaza Strip, Palestine. are commonly trapped or shot to be used Abdel Fattah N. Abd Rabou and Mohammed A. Abd Rabou 31 as food or items. All members of the university students, and even local people Columbidae family are monogamous in the were good contributors to the success of this sense that one male mates with one female work through their specimen provisions. All and forms a pair bond (Gibbs et al., 2001). local literature concerning bird fauna in the The Rock Pigeon Columba( livia) has been Gaza Strip has been reviewed for the sake domesticated as a food species for hundreds of this study. A variety of local, regional and of years (Shapiro and Domyan, 2013). In the international guide books have been used for Gaza Strip, many studies have been carried the identification of bird species (Baha El Din out to survey the bird fauna of various and Atta, 1990; Disi and Hatoug-Boran, 1990; ecosystems. The arid to semi-arid nature Harrison and Greensmith, 1993; Porter et al., of the Gaza Strip contributed much to the 1996; Shirihai, 1996; Abu Shammalah and occurrence of many pigeon and dove species. Baha El-Din, 1999; and Cottridge and Porter, Hence, the current study aims at giving 2000). valuable notes on the pigeons and doves inhabiting the Gaza Strip, while highlighting all threats facing them as well. Materials and Methods The arid to semi-arid Gaza Strip (365 km2) is a coastal zone lying in the southern part of the Palestinian coast along the eastern shore of the (Figure 1). It has five governorates: North Gaza, Gaza, Middle, Khan Younis, and Rafah. The local average annual rainfall is 300 mm. Sand dunes are the main feature of the western part of the Gaza Strip, while the clay and clayey lands predominate in the eastern part (Euroconsult and IWACO, 1994 and UNEP, 2003). Nowadays, the Gaza Strip has a population of about two million, with the population density reaching 5,500 inhabitants per square kilometer, making the Gaza Strip one of the most densely populated areas in the world (Abd Rabou, 2019b).

Procedures Figure 1. A map showing the geographic location of the Gaza Strip. The current study is descriptive in its style. Since 2002, frequent field visits and Results observations and discussions with local people have been carried out in order to determine The findings of the current study the pigeon and dove species inhabiting the pointed out seven species of pigeons and various ecosystems of the Gaza Strip. During doves occurring in the various environments the field visits, binoculars and digital cameras including captivity places within the limits of were mostly the common tools used for the Gaza Strip (Table 1 and Figure 2). Most observation and documentation purposes. of the pigeons and doves seem to be resident markets, pet shops and zoological and breeding. In general, doves and pigeons gardens (zoos) were commonly visited to are considered to be game birds, while also study their bird content, with particular many species are being hunted and used for emphasis placed on columbids. Bird hunters, food in Palestine. 32 Jordan Journal of Natural History 6, 2019

Table 1. Pigeons and doves of the Gaza Strip

Family Common Name Scientific Name Order Columbiformes Columbidae Rock Pigeon or Dove Columba livia Namaqua Pigeon or Dove Oena capensis Laughing or Palm Dove Streptopelia senegalensis Streptopelia Streptopelia decaocto Streptopelia roseogrisea Ringneck or Barbary Dove Streptopelia risoria

Figure 2. Pigeons and doves of the Gaza Strip: (A) Rock Pigeon (Columba livia), (B) Namaqua Pigeon (Oena capensis), (C) (Streptopelia senegalensis), (D) European Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur), (E) Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto), (F) African Collared Dove (Streptopelia roseogrisea), and (G) Barbary or Ringneck Dove (Streptopelia risoria) Abdel Fattah N. Abd Rabou and Mohammed A. Abd Rabou 33

Many pigeon and dove species were Laughing Dove (Streptopelia or sometimes seen trapped using the same senegalensis Linnaeus, 1766) mist nets used to catch Quails (Coturnix The Laughing (Palm or or coturnix) . The following paragraphs, display Little Brown) Dove is the commonest dove a description of each pigeon and dove species species that is often seen year round in the occurring in the wild and captivity places of Gaza Strip. This resident breeder occurs the Gaza Strip. everywhere locally including the wild, cultivations, rural areas, buildings and areas Rock Pigeon or Dove (Columba livia of human habitation. It is the meekest, most Gmelin, 1789) forgetful, and tamest bird in the Gaza Strip. The is one of the most Pairs or small parties of the species are often commonly seen birds throughout the year seen feeding on the ground or standing on and everywhere in the Gaza Strip. The bird is electricity or telephone wires. The nests of often seen roosting or flying in flocks ranging the species, that usually contain two , are from five to thirty members. The Rock Dove commonly built on trees, shrubs, and even inhabits different places in the Gaza Strip on top of buildings. Similar to other local ranging from terrains to urban, rural, and dove and pigeon species, the eggs, fledgling, agricultural places. Generally speaking, and adults of the Laughing Dove come under the adults and young of Rock Doves, along multiple threats including collection, with their eggs are at risk from and nest destruction and the hunting of their domestic and stray dogs. The various adults for meat. breeds of the (Columba livia domestica), which are commonly reared European Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur by most Gazans and and pet shop owners Linnaeus, 1758) seem to be descended from the Rock Dove. The European Turtle Dove is In the scientific labs of the general biology commonly seen throughout the year in the and vertebrate zoology courses at the biology Gaza Strip. Similar to the Laughing Dove, departments of local universities, live this species is common in cultivated fields specimens of the Rock, Feral, and Domestic with open woods, clumps of trees, parks, and Doves are commonly brought to be used for gardens. The species is commonly recognized dissection classes. by its browner color, and the black-and- -striped patch appearing on the sides Namaqua Pigeon or Dove (Oena capensis of the neck. The upperparts are distinctively Linnaeus, 1766) mottled with and black. The bird The smallest of all dove and pigeon seems to be in decline because of local species occurring in the Gaza Strip is the poaching and shooting by Gazans for meat (Long-tailed or Masked purposes. Dove). This species is characterized by having a very long black tapered tail, which reflects Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia the bird’s common name. The plumage has decaocto Frivaldszky, 1838) grey upperparts and a white belly. Males have a The Eurasian Collared Dove black face, throat, and breast. Despite its rarity, seems to be slightly larger than the afore- it is often encountered singly or in pairs in the mentioned Turtle Dove. The overall color of southern and eastern parts of the Gaza Strip, this bird ranges from grey-buff to pinkish- which are not heavily urbanized. Locally, the grey. On the neck, the species has a black half- bird is frequently kept as a pet in zoos and pet collar edged with white, from which it gets its shops. Local bird hunters and traders claimed name (Figure 2). Collared doves can become that the species can breed freely in captivity. The hand-tame in urban areas. As commonly authors often observes cages containing the bird observed in the Gaza Strip, the species at pet shops and among the traded at Al- often feeds on grains, seeds, and insects Yarmouk Market in the middle of the Gaza City. that are very close to human habitation and 34 Jordan Journal of Natural History 6, 2019 agricultural fields. Similar to other doves, the Discussion species is also subject to hunting for meat The diversity of wild animals; purposes. particularly bird fauna in Palestine; and hence the Gaza Strip, is highly attributed African Collared Dove (Streptopelia to the strategic location of Palestine at the roseogrisea Sundevall, 1857) meeting point of the three continents of Compared to the Eurasian Collared Asia, , and , in addition to the Dove, the African Collared Dove lives more climate, ecosystem and diversities in the wild and apart from human dwellings. (Qumsiyeh, 1996 and UNEP, 2003). Palestine Although both the Eurasian and African constitutes a stopover point for migratory Collared Doves have a black collar on their bird fauna prior to continuing their annual hindneck, the Eurasian Collared Dove are migration from Eurasia to Africa and vice generally darker in color overall (Figure 2). versa (UNEP, 2003). Columbids (order Locally, the two species are considered by Columbiformes) form an important part birdwatchers and even pet animal traders as of bird diversity in the Gaza Strip. The Collared Doves regardless of their specific majority of the seven pigeon and dove characteristics. Regardless of its distribution species encountered throughout the current and spread across Africa, the African Collared study (Table 1 and Figure 2) seem to occur Dove is the rarest dove species recorded in everywhere in the Palestine environment; the Gaza Strip. It is recorded in a very few some of which have been encountered in numbers in the eastern and southern parts the aviaries of pet shops, zoos and animal that are characterized by their aridity, low trade markets. The availability of nesting and residential dwellings, and the spread of breeding sites and feeding habits of pigeons agricultural and grassy lands in addition to and doves enhances their occurrence in large wastelands. In 2014, a pair of the species was populations (Abd Rabou, 2005). The current seen caged for sale at Al-Yarmouk Market in species are said to be occurring in many the middle of the Gaza City. ecosystems in Palestine and its neighboring Barbary or Ringneck Dove (Streptopelia countries to a varying extent (Evans et al., risoria Linnaeus, 1758) 2005; Perlman and Meyrav, 2009; Khalilieh, The Barbary Dove (sometimes known 2016; Al-Oshoush and Al-Zoubi, 2017). No as Ringneck or Ringed Turtle or Ring Dove) red lines concerning the hunting of birds are is a domestic member of the dove family. drawn and respected in the Gaza Strip (Abd Barbary Doves are easily kept and can live Rabou, 2005; 2011a and b; 2019a and b). Even long in captivity, which explains why all local in the Mediterranean European countries, zoos, pet shops, and animal trade markets the illegal killing and taking of birds still have cages of different sizes containing occur in spite of the national legislations various light colors, with or without collars, and international obligations (Brochet et of this domestic species. In fact, the frequent al., 2016). The easy hunting of pigeons and visits to zoos, pet shops, and animal trade doves for different purposes by Gazans may markets demonstrated a mix of the afore- be attributed partially to the feeding habit of mentioned pigeon and dove species along columbids primarily at man-made sites and with the Barbary Dove being caged together. infrequently at natural sites. Though it is doubtful for the species to occur The Rock Pigeon Columba( livia) is or persist for long outside captivity in the the commonest among the pigeon and dove Gaza Strip, a few numbers were encountered species in the Gaza Strip. It is commonly in the wild; particularly in the urbanized recorded in flocks; sometimes containing ecosystems. Many Gazans including various colors. The colored flocks of the birdwatchers ensured such occurrences of Rock Pigeon, seen in the Gaza Strip, indicate the species in many parks and agricultural their content of Feral Pigeons (Columba livia fields as well. domestica Gmelin, 1789), which refer to the Abdel Fattah N. Abd Rabou and Mohammed A. Abd Rabou 35 pigeons that are derived from the Domestic macroura) as an important game bird in the Pigeon (Columba livia domestica) but have USA. The occurrence of the Namaqua Dove returned to the wild. The color of the Rock (Oena capensis) in the Gaza Strip, which is Dove is generally pale grey with two black overcrowded and highly urbanized, seems to bars on each wing, whereas the color of be described as low. Domestic and Feral Pigeons has noticeable This could be attributed to its variations. It is worth mentioning that the preference to more wild habitats in addition wild, feral and domestic pigeons are all the to its new occurrence and probable breeding same species and can readily interbreed. in the Gaza Strip. According to Abd Rabou Feral Pigeons are now largely present (2019b), the species was rarely encountered with naturalized populations of the Rock in Al-Mawasi ecosystem, which is a unique Dove in Lebanon (Ramadan-Jaradi and coastal ecosystem in southern Gaza Strip. Ramadan-Jaradi, 2012) and all over the Most of the observed Namaqua Doves world (Lever, 2005). The occurrence of feral throughout the current study came from populations (sometimes known as Street zoos, pet shops, and animal trade markets. Pigeons in Europe) in and around cities and Similar results were revealed in Lebanon, towns worldwide can be harmful to human where a few individuals of the species were health, agriculture, and properties (Haag- seen in the wild and were thought to be Wackernagel, 1995 and Buijs and Van Wijnen, possible escapees from cages (Ramadan- 2001). Such an occurrence was attributed by Jaradi and Ramadan-Jaradi, 2012). Even in Haag-Wackernagel (1995) to food resources the entities and countries, the and human buildings as key ecological reports dealing with the occurrence and factors. Although the damage of pigeons to breeding biology of the Namaqua Dove agricultural crops have never been realized are new and sometimes not fully clear or estimated in the Gaza Strip, Johnston and (Shirihai and Gellert, 1989; Jennings, 2000; Janiga (1995) attributed the nature of Haraldsson, 2008; Salim, 2008 and Hering et Feral Pigeons worldwide to the characteristics al., 2015). of pigeons, such as being a granivore, having Three out of the four species of the an alimentary storage , high reproductive Streptopelia that occur in the natural, rate, colonial habits and group foraging. A semi-natural and human-made ecosystems of great deal of bird fauna species, including the the Gaza Strip (Table 1) were stated to occur pigeon and dove species of the current study, in the northern governorates of Palestine (i.e. the West Bank) (Khalilieh, 2016). The are hunted in the Gaza Strip for meat, game, exception here is the African Collared rearing, and trade purposes. Dove (Streptopelia roseogrisea) which has The hunting of bird fauna, including some analogous features with the Eurasian above all pigeons and doves, for similar Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) to the purposes is not restricted to the Gaza Strip extent that many Palestinians consider the and was documented in many developing and two species as one species under the name developed countries worldwide (Yom-Tov, of Collared Dove. The rare existence of the 2003; Eid et al., 2011; CABS and LEM, 2013; African Collared Dove in the southern Eid, 2013; Aloufi and Eid, 2014; Brochetet governorates of Palestine (i.e. the Gaza Strip) al., 2016; Eason et al., 2016; Raine et al., 2016 can be attributed to the proximity of the and Eid and Handal, 2018). The Turtle Dove Gaza Strip to and Africa. The African Collared Dove was recorded among the dove (Streptopelia turtur), which is recognized species of the Negev of southern as a globally (Brochet et Palestine. Yosef et al. (2004) pointed out that al., 2016 and Dunn et al., 2017), plays an a few individuals belonging to the African important role as a game bird during the Collared Dove were identified in a big catch of hunting seasons in Greece (Bakaloudis et al., the Eurasian Collared Dove in the Eilat area, 2009). Also, Schulz et al., (2013) confirmed the in the south. The continuous records of doves overharvest of the (Zenaida in the Gaza Strip, which is very populated, 36 Jordan Journal of Natural History 6, 2019 may be attributed to the fact that doves feed References primarily at man-made sites and infrequently at natural sites. Such an explanation coincides Abd Rabou, AN.2005. An ecological survey with the findings of Bergier et al. (1999) and and assessment of Wadi Gaza Nature Browne and Aebischer (2003) concerning the Reserve, Gaza Strip – Palestine, with ecology and foraging of many Streptopelia particular emphasis on wildlife, [Ph.D. spp. in Morocco and Britain respectively. 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