Diversity of Life
Packed into Palestine's small area are snow-covered mountains, parched deserts, fertile fields, lush woodlands and long stretches of sand dunes. No less than four different geographical zones are included in Palestine, and the country’s climate ranges from semi-arid to temperate to subtropical.
All of this makes Palestine home to a stunning variety of plants and animals. Some 47,000 living species have been identified in Palestine, with another 4,000 assumed to exist. There are 116 species of mammals native to Palestine, 511 kinds of birds, 97 types of reptiles and seven types of amphibians. Some 2,780 types of plants grow countrywide, from Alpine flowers on northern mountain slopes to bright red coral peonies and desert papyrus reeds in the south.
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The Jird
The Jird is a robust rat-like gerbil. It is also known as the sand Rat, though its habitat ranges from the desert and steppe land to agricultural terrain. Its soft fur extends along its tail, which has a tuft on its tip.
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The Dhabb
The frequently seen Small-scaled Dhabb is almost entirely vegetarian when adult. It is valued as food by the Bedouins.
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Wiegmann's Skink
Common in the moisture areas is the Wiegmann's Skink. Its favoured habitats include gardens and plantations.
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Hemprich's Sand Skink
The Hemprich's Sand Skink is largely a nocturnal creature, spending the daytime in its burrow.
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Sand Cat
An inhabitant of arid terrain, the Sand Cat can survive on very little water. Its hairy feet make gripping easier when moving on soft sand, while its low-lying ears possibly help it to flatten itself when stalking prey.
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Arabian Toad-head Agamid
The male Arabian Toad-head Agamid often curls and waves its tail either when it sights a lizard of the same species or when alarmed.
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Hawksbill Turtle
The Hawksbill Turtle is a marine turtle, and is the source of commercial tortoiseshell.
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