On the ecology of the Caspian Turtle Mauremys caspica in Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve, Gaza Strip, Palestine

Abdel Fattah N. Abd Rabou Department of Biology, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza Strip, Palestine E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Reptiles are common biodiversity elements in the various Palestinian ecosystems. They comprise such principal categories like lizards, snakes and turtles (tortoises, terrapins and sea turtles). The Caspian Turtle Mauremys caspica inhabits all types of fresh to brackish perennial water bodies of Palestine. The wetland ecosystem of Wadi Gaza is a keystone resource of many wildlife species including the Caspian Turtle. The escalating deterioration of the wetland ecosystem of Wadi Gaza accelerated the conduction of the current study which aims at investigating some ecological aspects associated with the Caspian Turtle in Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve. Frequent field visits and multiple meetings and discussions with local people were good tools for the conduction of the current study.

The findings showed that the Caspian Turtle occurs in the western aquatic to semi-aquatic portion of Wadi Gaza which extends from the Salah Eddin bridge to the Mediterranean. The species was found to thrive in the shallow and highly polluted standing and slow-flowing sewage lagoons and canals in Wadi Gaza. The absence of suitable perennial water bodies in the eastern part of wadi Gaza seems to limit the distribution of the species eastward. The majority of local people were aware about the occurrence of the species in Wadi Gaza and they did not see it elsewhere in the Gaza Strip. The main threats facing the existence of the species in Wadi Gaza as noted by the author or claimed by the local people were (1) the current massive destruction, alteration or burial of the wetland ecosystem of wadi Gaza, (2) the ongoing poaching, netting and killing of the species by children for unclear reasons, (3) turtle collection for use as a pet or zoo animal, (4) reed-harvesting practices, and (5) road kills of the species while crossing roads separating water ponds. The impacts of water pollution on the Caspian Turtle needs more research. The author recommends rehabilitating and improving the total environment of Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve in a sustainable fashion. The enforcement of environmental laws concerning the protection of wildlife species in the Gaza Strip in general and the Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve in particular is of an utmost priority to the Palestinians.

Key Words: Caspian Turtle, Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve, Wetlands, Sewage, Gaza Strip.