Information on the environmental and spatial overlap between humans and apex predators can assist in deriving informed repatriation and human-predator coexistence. We used species distribution models to assess the historical (400–499 CE) spatial and environmental niche and overlap between human and Arabian leopard in the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt to better understand potential human-predator conflicts. Further, we assessed the association between the change in precipitation patterns and the change in suitable habitat of leopard and their main prey, Nubian ibex. There was high overlap between humans and leopards in their historical spatial and environmental niche, with roughly 80% of human suitable habitat occurring within the highest leopard habitat suitability. The higher probability of human settlement within 1 km from waterholes likely created the pretext for human-leopard conflicts and hunting of ibex. Leopard habitat suitability was primarily driven by the suitable habitat of its prey, which was shaped by higher precipitation, less extreme temperatures, proximity to waterholes, and increased terrain roughness. The 20th century was the driest during the past 1500 years, which together with other climatic factors, contributed to ibex and leopard distribution shrinking by 20% and 35%, respectively. This climatic change could have further isolated a declining leopard population from the other populations in Arabia and possibly intensified competition with humans over water and prey. It is imperative to derive strategies to increase tolerance of resource overlap during climate change if apex predators are to persist, with the management of native prey and drinking water crucial to minimize human-wildlife conflicts in arid environments.

An individual of spotted hyena Crocuta crocuta was killed by local people in Elba Protected Area, South-East Egypt in winter of 2024. This record constitutes the first record of the species in contemporary Egypt since its extinction over 5,000 years ago. The possibility of increased rainfall and grazing practices creating a corridor for hyena dispersal from neighboring Sudan was investigated. The record is 500 km north of the known range of the spotted hyena.

Studies of the injury and mortality patterns of sea turtles are vital to understanding what is needed for threatened and endangered species to recover. The objective of this research was to use citizen science sourced data to study the anthropogenic and natural causes of mortality and injury to sea turtles in the Egyptian Red Sea. Our results suggest that anthropogenic factors were responsible for the majority of sea turtle mortality and injuries. Fishing was believed to be the major source of mortality, while boat strikes were the major source of injuries in live turtles and the second cause of mortality. Sea turtles near the largest city in our study, Hurghada, had higher boat strike rates, suggesting a coastal urbanization effect. There is intentional hunting and carapace scute harvesting of the hawksbill turtle, in the vicinity of the largest city. Hawksbill turtles appear more vulnerable to coastal urbanization than green turtles, but both species are threatened with anthropogenic effects, especially during the nesting season. No turtles were observed at fish restaurants after 2015, showing the effectiveness of law enforcement and public awareness campaigns. This study represents the first assessment of mortality and injury patterns in sea turtles in the Egyptian Red Sea and provides a baseline to assess future changes in the intensity of anthropogenic disturbances.

Conservation of sea turtles requires identifying vital habitats such as nesting beaches and feeding grounds. Through a citizen science programme that records flipper tags and takes ID photos, we identified a new green turtle migration path between Zabargad Island and Abu Dabbab bay, Egypt. This bay also experienced nesting in 2022, but not in 2021 and 2023. The identification of this migration route supports an earlier assessment that Zabargad is one of the most valuable green turtle rookeries in the Red Sea and that Abu Dabbab bay is an important feeding bay for sea turtles. We also recorded an event in which a tagged green turtle was harvested for consumption, which suggests that females may be vulnerable to this threat during the nesting season. Our data justifies protecting any historic nesting beach in the Red Sea based upon its potential as future nesting activity could be the result of turtles returning from a hatching event 20–30 years ago and nesting beaches may not be used each year.

Objective: The reef flats at the Gulf of Aqaba, Jordan, are exposed to the accelerated development associated with increased interest in recreational marine activities such as diving and snorkeling. The physical damage from net entanglement and overfishing has also affected the coral reef. This research evaluated the effects of aquatic, commercial, and land-based activities on the total coral cover in the Aqaba Marine Park (Now the Aqaba Marine Reserve) and the power station located north of the reserve.Materials and Methods: The line transect method was used to estimate the coral cover, followed by measuring the distance of the 13 diving sites to the different landscape disturbances and applying a linear regression analysis.Results: The results showed no significant relationship between the distance to the nearest human disturbance and the entire coral cover in the depth categories. In addition, there was no significant difference between low and high-frequency diving pressure and the mean coral cover at any depth category and no significant difference in the mean coral cover between low and high-frequency snorkeling sites. Sites with higher fishing activity had significantly lower coral cover than sites with lower fishing activity. However, there was no significant difference in the mean coral cover between sights with higher and lower fishing activity at the 21-30 m depth range.Conclusion: The study illustrated that local marine recreational activities (diving and snorkeling) do not affect the coral cover structure up to 10 meters depths. However, considerable coral degradation was found in high fishing zones less than 10 meters deep, which correlates with illegal fishing activities. We believe illegal fishing has negatively affected the coral cover, and recreational marine activities reduced coral cover, especially in diving areas requiring shore entrance.

We examined the probability of past sea turtle nesting as a function of light intensity and patterns of temporal changes of light along nesting beaches in the Egyptian Red Sea. Beaches had a lower probability of past sea turtle nesting as light intensity increased. Light has been significantly increasing on mainland nesting beaches between 1992 and 2021 except for temporary declines. Island beaches historically had lower light pollution, but there was a sudden increase of light starting in 2014 that continued through 2021, except for the precipitous decline in 2020 during the Covid 19 pandemic. Light pollution on past nesting beaches has now approached levels that may be too polluted and discourage nesting. The impacts of the increased light pollution on nesting density and hatchling survival of hawksbill, Eretmochelys imbricata, and green turtles, Chelonia mydas, is likely negative.

The Black-winged Kite, Elanus caeruleus, is an opportunistic breeding species that is a resident in the Middle East. This study investigates its distribution patterns and breeding behaviour in Palestine based on observations spanning from 2014 to 2022. The species was first recdorded in Palestine in September 2014. Up until 2018, its presence was recorded at only a few specific locations, primarily in the northern Jordan Valley along the Jordanian border, Al Mukata’ valley in Jenin, and the western regions of the central and northern West Bank. However, a noticeable population increase and a remarkable expansion in its geographical range have been observed since then. The first documented breeding observation took place in 2019, and we identified 25 breeding sites. Clutch size varied between two to three eggs per nest, with an average of 2.71±0.49 (n=7). Additionally, instances of double-brooding were noted. Given the opportunistic breeding tendencies, the availability of suitable habitats, and potential food resources, we anticipate a continued expansion of the Black-winged Kite’s distribution in Palestine.

Fishing pressure and other human impacts are increasing throughout much of the Red Sea. We assessed the minimum soak time and status of the coral reef fish community in the Aqaba Marine Park, Jordan prior to its official redesignation as a Marine Reserve in 2020 using baited remote underwater video (BRUV). A total of 86 species from 27 families were recorded in 15 deployments, comprising 60 hours of video. A minimum soak time of 150 minutes was found necessary to sufficiently estimate overall species richness. For richness of commercially valuable families, shorter soak times of 60 minutes were adequate, likely resulting from increased attraction of this largely piscivorous group to the bait plumes. A 30-minute soak time was adequate to assess the maxN of commercially valuable families. Our results indicate that the Aqaba Marine Reserve was overfished prior to its establishment as a reserve, as we recorded no large predators and not a single individual from Carcharhinidae, Haemulidae, Lutjanidae, or Scombridae. Other predator families like Epinephelinae, Lethrinidae, and Carangidae were relatively rare with low maxN. Our results provide a useful point of comparison to assess whether the coral reef fish community will recover as a result of enhanced management action and reduced fishing pressure.

The population status of the IUCN vulnerable Nubian Ibex Capra nubiana is largely unknown in the Middle East because of difficulties conducting intensive surveys. We tested the utility of camera-trapping at permanent water sites to estimate demographics and population trend of the species in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan. We also studied the relationship between precipitation and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index NDVI on water site use by the Nubian Ibex, demographics, and population trend. The Nubian Ibex showed a mean annual productivity of 0.81 neonate/female and an adult female survival of 0.87 which is a lower survival rate than found in other ibex species. The mean potential annual rate of increase of this population (λ=1.14) was similar to those reported from other ibex species and indicated a viable population. The capture rate of camera traps (number of photographed animals/camera day) was found not to be a reliable index to monitor population trends because water site use was related to environmental conditions that could not be standardized or predicted a priori. Quantifying population demographic ratios using camera trapping allowed for monitoring the status of key population parameters and growth potential of Nubian Ibex populations in the Dana Reserve, and likely can be used to monitor population status and facilitate informed management of similar populations in the Middle East.

Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) are globally endangered and very little is known about their population in Egypt’s Red Sea. Abu Dabbab Bay was believed to contain one of the most dense and important green turtle feeding grounds in the Egyptian Red Sea. The results of our surveys suggest that Abu Dabbab Bay is a high density feeding ground with 612±61.9 turtles/km2 and a mean population size of 104±10 turtles. The density and abundance of green turtles in Abu Dabbab bay has at least doubled, depending upon survey month, in a ten year span This increase could be the result of reduced shark populations in the Red Sea, a temporary reduction of tourist numbers from the Covid 19 pandemic, and/or local initiatives by private stakeholders to reduce disturbance. Regular monitoring the is needed to better understand the reasons for future population trends.

Archeological landscapes are important places because they protect areas of historical importance, shape cultural and national identity, are recreational spaces, and vital sources of tourism revenue. Archaeological landscapes have the potential to assist in reptile conservation. The objective of this study was to compare the diurnal reptile richness of an archaeological site to the reptile richness of a nature reserve (treatment control for biodiversity value) and a modern olive grove (treatment control for poor biodiversity value). Our results suggest that archaeological landscapes provide valuable reptile habitat, as our archaeological site supported similar reptile richness as the natural site, with both sites having higher species richness than the modern olive tree farm. The high reptile richness and densities were the result of high potential food availability and habitat mosaic of relatively low tree density and open areas with exposed, tall, rocky ruins. Reptile richness had a negative relationship with tree density. The ruins and high food availability of the archaeological site supported higher densities of saxaphilic lizard species as the density of these species increased as mean maximum rock height and percentage of green ground vegetation cover increased. Promoting the reptile richness of archaeological sites provides another justification for the protection and visitor appreciation for archaeological sites as places of historical, cultural and biodiversity importance. Keywords: Stellagama stellio, Ptyodactylus puiseuxi, reptile richness, rock outcroppings, vegetation greenness indices

We studied the diet and vegetation composition of Egyptian tortoise, Testudo kleinmanni , habitat in North Sinai, Egypt. Dietary data was recorded through direct observations and the vegetation composition was recorded through the use of quadrats and line transects in 66 sampling points (33 in tortoise areas and 33 in non-tortoise areas). Our results showed that vegetation of Egyptian tortoise habitat had high species richness, Simpson’s diversity index, and vegetation cover in contrast to areas without Egyptian tortoises. These tortoises ate thirty four species of plants, a majority of these being perennials, with most feeding observations occurring in spring and winter. The consumption of perennials may enable Egyptian tortoises to find and consume food in an arid environment with low, variable and unpredictable rainfall. The plants most consumed were rare in our vegetation survey, suggesting food preferences. Our study suggests that Egyptian tortoises, which rely on vegetation for food and refugia, may suffer if vegetation cover and richness decrease.

Abstract Documenting patterns of horn growth and horn-age relationships of Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of their natural history, horn development in ibex in general, and future conservation of the species. Our specific objectives included (1) documenting age-horn growth patterns; (2) contrasting horn growth patterns of Nubian ibex with other ibex species; and (3) determining whether horn development accurately reflects age of Nubian ibex in Sinai, Egypt. As expected, all male and female horn measurements had significant relationships with age. Horn growth in males started plateauing at ca. age 7–8, whereas female horn growth started plateauing at ca. age 4–6. The extremely arid environment of Nubian ibex in the Sinai may account for the slowing of horn growth at a younger age than seen in populations of some other ibex species. We found a significant relationship between the number of horn ridges and age, indicating that counting horn ridges provides a viable method of aging males to within ±1 y. Thus counting horn ridges may be a useful and non-invasive method to determine age or age class, which can further our understanding of age structure, the natural history, and management of Nubian ibex populations.

Abstract Dorcas gazelles are believed to use middens to mark their territories and transmit information. Given the commitment to maintaining a midden, it is believed that middens are not placed randomly. We examined how the habitat (tree height and maximum canopy) and anthropogenic disturbance (camel and human presence) influenced the selection of midden sites by Dorcas gazelles in South Sinai, Egypt. Our results showed that Dorcas gazelles did not place middens at larger trees, while favoring relatively smaller trees and shrubs where the anthropogenic disturbance and perceived hunting risk are less. Our results, in light of the previous findings, suggest that selection of midden sites is species context‐dependent behavior. In areas with less anthropogenic disturbance and hunting, Dorcas gazelles have been shown to select the largest trees of the same species as midden sites. In contract, in our study site with high anthropogenic disturbance and no protection from hunting, gazelles did not utilize the presumably optimum landmarks for midden sites. Our study showed that Dorcas gazelles instead utilized smaller trees and some shrubs that are less conspicuous and presumably less effective as advertisement sites, but safer.

Landscape features such as roads, hiking trails, and forest edge are prevalent features of urban forests. These features can negatively influence biodiversity through fragmentation and facilitate the penetration of invasive species, particularly predators such as domestic dogs and cats. This study examined how these landscape features affect the distribution of native and domestic mammals and how domestic species affect the occupancy and activity patterns of native mammals. To this end, we conducted camera trap surveys in forested urban and suburban parks in Indiana and Kentucky, USA, to record the presence of native species (deer, raccoons, coyote, and opossums) and non-native predators (domesticated cats and dogs) in relation to distance to nearest roads, hiking trails, and forest edge. We found negative correlations between proximity to roads, hiking trails, and forest edge and the occupancy of the native species with this effect extending up to 300 m. We also found evidence that the presence of dog and cat was negatively correlated with the occupancy for all native species. We recommend park management consider the impact of roads, hiking trails, and forest edge when designing parks and the enforcement of dog leash regulations for the conservation of large mammals in urban parks.

Studies of feeding grounds are vital to understanding the ecology and conservation issues of sea turtles. The hypersaline, lake Bardawil, of North Sinai has recently been recognized as being a major feeding ground for sea turtles in the Mediterranean Sea. The objective of this research was to examine if the environmental variables (salinity, dissolved oxygen, and depth), distance to nearest Mediterranean inlet, and food availability (zooplankton and phytoplankton density) differed between areas according to species richness (green (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) turtles, single species, no species) and between areas in which loggerhead and green turtles were observed and not observed. Our results highlight the importance of environmental factors determining the distribution of endangered sea turtles as areas with high sea turtle richness had lower salinity, higher dissolved oxygen, were deeper and located closer to the nearest Mediterranean inlet. Our results support the suggestion that since the creation of the man-made inlets from the Mediterranean Sea, the environmental conditions of the hypersaline lake Bardawil have become less severe and more suitable for sea turtles as a feeding ground. The conservation of this biologically valuable lake will require active management to protect it from the increasing anthropogenic threats that will encroach upon the lake in the next decade.

Traditional olive groves and other forms of agriculture are a dominant feature of the Palestinian landscape. However, the biodiversity value of these areas needs to be better understood. This study compares the tree and bird richness of olive groves and field agricultural sites in Beit Sahour of Bethlehem, Palestine. A total of sixteen bird species were recorded, with fourteen species observed in olive groves and¬ six species observed in the field agricultural sites. Olive groves had significantly higher tree and bird richness than field agricultural sites. Our results corroborate other studies that suggest olive groves have biodiversity value as a cultural landscape.

Desert conditions such as high ambient temperatures and scant rainfall result in water being a rare and essential resource for many species, and consequentially artificial water sources are often installed in such environments. Permanent water has the potential to influence multiple aspects of a species' ecology, such as movement, activity, predation and thermoregulation. Given the importance and potential impact of artificial water sources, this study used camera traps to record mammal presence and activity at two artificial water sources in Dana Nature Reserve, Jordan. Seven mammal species, each with distinct activity patterns, were recorded at the water sources, including Nubian ibex, a species of conservation concern. Evidence of temporal resource partitioning was recorded between all species, with the exception of porcupine and striped hyena. Due to the small size of the water sources, temporal partitioning between species may be used as a means of avoiding drinking in close proximity to other species, including potential predators.

This paper summarizes the aggressive interactions observed between Bosc's Monitors (Varanus exanthematicus) over a two year period. A synopsis of male-male and male-female combat and the resource over which the conflict took place is given. In male-male combat, the winner of the agonistic bout was usually the larger of the two males; the subdominant male was subsequently excluded from feeding and basking sites. Male-female combat occurred only when the female resisted a breeding attempt initiated by the male. Our observations document the first recorded instance of female-female combat. The aggressive encounter between females occurred over access to a basking site. In contrast to male-male combat, size did not determine the winner of the female-female bout; rather residency was the most important factor. Although bipedal, or clinch, phase has been observed in all other large monitors for which combat has been described, this phase did not occur in any interactions between the Bosc's Monitors. This lack of a clinch phase may be attributable either to morphological constraints (high snout-vent length:tail length ratio) or to captive conditions. SINCE the early 1900's, varanid combat behaviour has been the focus of many anecdotal and descriptive reports (e.g. Sterling, 1912; Lederer, 1929; Ali, 1944). Only recently have more quantitative approaches been applied to the study of varanid fighting behaviour (Auffenberg, 1981, 1988, 1994; Daltry, 1991). The agonisitc behavior and combat rituals have been examined in a large number of varanid species (see Horn et al., 1994 for a review) and have been shown to occur frequently between males (e.g. Davis et al., 1986; Tsellarius & Tsellarius, 1997). However, female-female agonistic bouts have rarely been described and have only been observed in captive specimens (Auffenberg, 1981; Delean, 1981; Daltry, 1991). Adult male varanids are often larger than females (Auffenberg, 1988). An observer can readily determine the sex of the combatants when two large males are fighting; however, in a fight between two smaller individuals, the combatants could be a small male and a female, two females, or two small males (e.g. Ali, 1944). Hence, for most monitor species, it would be extremely difficult to recognize female-female combat in the wild. It is perhaps not surprising, then, that female-female combat has only been observed in captivity where the sex of the participants is known. This paper describes intraspecific combat behaviour in captive Bosc's Monitors, V exanthematicus, a species that has been little studied in this respect (but see Bayless, 1994), and serves as the first documentation of femalefemale combat in this species. An extensive description of the combat events is given only for the conflict between females. The observations made herein will be discussed in a behavioural