The Gaza Strip (365 km²) is an arid to semi-arid coastal zone lying in the southern part of the Palestinian coast along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea ( 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 [64] . Nowadays, the Gaza Strip has a population of about 2.4 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. A lot of Gazans (people inhabiting the Gaza Strip) have been engaged in the hunting of various wildlife species including reptiles, in order to rear, preserve or sell them to local zoos and/or pet shops.

Frequent visits were carried out to the zoos of the Gaza Strip during a ten-year study, extending from 2010 to 2019, in order to record the caged and/or preserved Palestinian reptilian fauna species. It is worth mentioning that all Gaza zoos were host to both live and preserved reptilian specimens ( Figure 2 and Figure 3 ). Wet and dry preservations were present. Formalin preserved specimens were found put in bottles varying in shape, color and size. Most of the preservation vessels were cola bottles. With the exception of Nile Crocodiles, all caged and preserved reptilian species were poorly dealt with at Gaza zoos ( Figure 4 ). Observations and interviews with zoo keepers and wildlife hunters were conducted as well. Wildlife hunters were very supportive in the sense that they provided the author with specimens and photos that enriched the current work. During zoo visits, digital cameras were commonly used for observations and documentation. Identification of reptilian species was made easy using published keys and guidebooks [2] - [5] [65] - [67] .

This order was represented by one species only as follows:

Nile Crocodile Crocodylus niloticus (Laurenti, 1768)

Although the Nile Crocodile is a reptile that lives in the Nile River and some African rivers, it is a Palestinian reptile that became extinct in the early twentieth century. In Gaza zoos, the Nile Crocodile is exceptional in that it is smuggled into the Gaza Strip from Egypt through underground tunnels that connect the Gaza Strip to Egyptian territory. All other zoo reptiles are hunted or trapped locally. Up to 22 Nile crocodiles were found at Gaza zoos during the succeeding stages of the current study. The specimens were found to be between 70 and 170 cm long. All the zoo crocodiles were found inhabiting small artificial freshwater pools of varying sizes inside tightly closed wire cages ( Figure 6 ).

This order was represented by four turtle species living in the various aquatic and terrestrial habitats of the Gaza Strip as follows:

Loggerhead Sea Turtle Caretta caretta (Linnaeus, 1758):

The Loggerhead Sea Turtle is one of seven or eight sea turtles known worldwide. It is commonly known as its shell is typically reddish brown. There were doubts about having the females of Loggerheads coming ashore to lay eggs. The local threats to all sea turtles included loss of nesting habitat due to coastal developments and human disturbances (such as coastal lighting and construction developments). In addition, young and adult Loggerheads and other sea turtles such as the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) were known to be incidentally caught in local fishing trawls. Although the release of caught specimens to seawater has been recorded in the Gaza Strip, the slaughtering of other specimens for feeding purposes was recorded as well. As many as eight live and mummified specimens were encountered at Gaza zoos. Sea turtles were commonly seen put in small freshwater ponds in some zoos, while they were put in water fountains existing in other zoos. These inappropriate refuges for sea turtles in zoos make it difficult for them to survive long. The inevitable death of these sea turtles means throwing them or embalming them to stay tilted for periods in front of zoo visitors. On one occasion, the Loggerhead Sea Turtle and the Green Sea Turtle were seen together in a very small pond in a zoo lying in Gaza City ( Figure 7(B) ).

Green Sea Turtle Chelonia mydas (Linnaeus, 1758)

The Green Sea Turtle is the only species in the genus Chelonia. The color of the carapace of this species is olive to black. The common name comes as a reflection of the usually green fat found beneath its carapace. The Green Sea Turtle is mostly herbivorous in the sense that it feeds mostly on different species of seagrasses. Slaughtering of the species for feeding purposes was recorded locally. As many as four live and mummified specimens were encountered at Gaza zoos. On one occasion, the Green Sea Turtle and the Loggerhead Sea Turtle were seen together in a very small pond in a zoo lying in Gaza City ( Figure 7(A) ).

Caspian Terrapin Mauremys caspica (Valenciennes, 1833)

The Caspian Turtle or Terrapin inhabits all types of fresh to brackish perennial water bodies of Palestine; Wadi Gaza and its wetlands are keystone resources of the species in the Gaza Strip. The species thrives in the shallow and highly polluted standing and slow-flowing sewage lagoons and canals in Wadi Gaza. During the study period, five live specimens and another four mummified ones were found at Gaza zoos. The live specimens were found to be put within very small freshwater ponds or sometimes in plastic containers filled with water ( Figure 7(C) & Figure 7(D) ).

Spur-thighed Tortoise Testudo graeca (Linnaeus, 1758)

The Spur-thighed Tortoise (Greece or Greek Turtle) inhabits all types of terrestrial and agricultural habitats of the Gaza Strip. This turtle species is commonly hunted and traded as a pet animal in the Gaza Strip. Local welfare concerns exist with this trade, as the juvenile and adult turtles are not properly housed at the Palestinian homes or even caged at Gaza zoos when being sold, leading to a high rate of mortality in captivity. The turtle is herbivorous in the sense that it loves plant materials to feed upon. The findings of the current study show that the Spur-thighed Tortoise is the most common among the Testudines order in being caged at zoos. At least 35 live and mummified specimens were encountered at Gaza zoos ( Figure 4 and Figure 7(E) & Figure 7(F) ). They were commonly caged with other animals including pigeons and doves such as the Rock Pigeon (Columba livia), Laughing Dove (Spilopelia senegalensis), Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur), Ringneck or Barbary Dove (Streptopelia risoria) in addition to the Indian Crested Porcupines (Hystrix indica) and the African Spurred or Sulcata Tortoises (Centrochelys sulcata), which were smuggled from Egypt through the earth tunnels joining the Gaza Strip with the Egyptian Territories. It is worth mentioning that this tortoise is listed as a vulnerable species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) categories.

Squamata is the largest order of class Reptilia, consisting locally of lizards and snakes, which are collectively known as scaled reptiles or squamates. A total number of 24 species (6 lizards and 18 snakes) was encountered at Gaza zoos as follows:

Desert Monitor Varanus griseus (Daudin, 1768)

The Desert Monitor is the biggest lizard species living in the Gaza Strip. It is called locally as “Warral”. It inhabits different wild and agricultural habitats including the sand dune lying in the western belt of the Gaza Strip. It conceals itself among various vegetation types. The animal seems to feed on toads, lizards, snakes, birds and mammals in addition to the eggs of many wild and domesticated animals as claimed by local farmers. The Desert Monitor falls under an actual threat because of habitat destruction, hunting and intentional killing by farmers and local people. Some Gazans claimed that they usually kill the species because of its fearful size and expected predation on poultries and avian eggs. Nearly all Gaza zoos have multiple live as well as mummified specimens of the Desert Monitor ( Figure 8(A) ). Thus, it was considered as the commonest lizard species caged or preserved at Gaza zoos. On one occasion, two neighboring cages were found to harbor separate specimens of the Desert Monitor and the Nile Monitor (Varanus niloticus Linnaeus, 1758), which was smuggled from Egypt to the Gaza Strip through the earth tunnel trade.

Starred or Roughtail Rock Agama Stellagama stellio (Linnaeus, 1758)

The Starred Agama or Roughtail Rock Agama or Sling-tailed Agama (locally known as Hardon) is a lizard that is found everywhere in the Gaza Strip, especially agricultural areas, uninhabited buildings and archaeological areas, which are studded with insects; the main food item of the animal. It was one of the most common lizards in the Gaza Strip. Adults may reach a total length of 30-35 cm. This quite shy animal is normally found basking in rocky and stony habitats. It is often seen to dive into cracks in order to hide from potential predators. As many as eight live specimens were found in various bottles and wire cages with narrow openings at Gaza Zoos. Additional three specimens were found preserved in formalin in rooms or stores inside zoos. Aside from live or preserved specimens, dozens of species were often seen basking on the walls of the zoos themselves ( Figure 8(B) ).

Bosc’s Fringe-toed Lizard Acanthodactylus boskianus (Daudin, 1802)

Like the Starred Agama, the Bosc’s Fringe-toed Lizard is one of the commonest diurnal lizards in the Gaza Strip ( Figure 8(C) ). The dorsal surface has five longitudinal dark stripes. It prevails in a diversity of habitats including coastal and cultivated areas, wadis (valleys) in addition to the sand dune ecosystem dominating the western belt of the Gaza Strip. Similar to most lizards, the species is insectivorous. Only two separate specimens were found preserved in formalin at Gaza zoos.

Mediterranean Chameleon Chamaeleo chamaeleon (Linnaeus, 1758)

The Mediterranean or Common Chameleon is insectivorous in the sense that it captures insects by rapid extension of its long tongue. The species is threatened locally by habitat loss due to urban expansion, intentional killing by children for no clear reasons, and illegal collection as a pet animal in the sense that it can be handled and reared indoors. It is a well-known phenomenon among the Gazans that the Chameleon has a variable color depending on the background in addition to temperature and light stimuli. Three live specimens were found climbing natural or artificial plants in small cages inside Gaza zoos. On one occasion, a child was found holding a chameleon and resting it on his leg in front of a crowd of visitors ( Figure 8(D) ). In addition, a formalin-preserved specimen was encountered in a room housing mummified reptiles at a zoo in Gaza City.

Schneider’s or Berber Skink Eumeces schneiderii (Daudin, 1802)

The Schneider’s or Berber Skink, which has a short snout, is a medium-sized lizard reaching a total length of about 40 cm. The lizard is the most beautiful in the Gaza Strip. This animal has a white belly and a beautiful olive-brown back with irregular golden-yellow spots or longitudinal stripes along its scales, which is why it is often hunted locally for the pet trade. Like other lizard species, when this species is threatened, it may drop its tail and grow a new one over time. Although the new tail will work, it will never be the same shape as the original. The Schneider’s Skink is a desert to semi-desert-dwelling animal that feeds mainly on arthropods (insects) and sometimes on small vertebrates such as mice. More than 12 live and preserved specimens were encountered at Gaza zoos. Once, a child was found carrying 3 live specimens of Schneider’s Skink, and was trying to sell them to a zoo owner at very low prices ( Figure 8(E) ).

Ocellated Skink Chalcides ocellatus (Forsskål, 1775)

The Ocellated or Eyed Skink (locally known as Dafan) is a famous lizard that prevails in farmlands and wadis within the Gaza Strip. The researcher encountered dozens of this skink under stones and wooden crusts located near the wastewater treatment plant in Beit Lahia-North Gaza Strip. It is characterized by having a small head, a cylindrical body and a length exceeding 20 cm. It is a typical skink that has smooth, glossy overlapping dorsal scales and relatively small limbs. It feeds on insects, arachnids and small lizards. Five specimens preserved in formalin were found in rooms housing mummified reptiles and birds within Gaza zoos. Some of these preserved specimens were found missing their tails because these lizards have been known to sever their tails if exposed to danger or threat ( Figure 8(F) ).

European Worm or Blind Snake Xerotyphlops vermicularis (Merrem, 1820)

The European Worm or Blind Snake is found year-round in the Gaza Strip. It has a small head, indistinct eyes and a rounded snout. It is a fossorial creature that feeds on insects such as ants in addition to other invertebrates. The specific name vermicularis means worm, because most people think that this snake is a worm. Gazans obtained specimens by searching cracked soils and under stones in agricultural fields and vegetated sandy areas. This species is non-venomous, harmless and incapable of biting. The small size (20 - 30 cm), slender shape and burrowing behavior of this species discourage its presence in Gaza zoos, where only two specimens have been found alive ( Figure 9(A) ) and one mummified.

Sand Boa Eryx jaculus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Generally speaking, boids (family Boidae) have thick bodies that help them suffocate their prey. The Sand Boa has a head that is not distinct from the neck. It can reach a length of 50 cm or more. It is usually found in soft, loose soil by the Gazans. Lizards, rodents, birds, and invertebrates such as insects form the basis of the snake’s diet. This species hunts its prey by squeezing it and is neither poisonous nor harmful to humans, but it will try to escape or bite if restrained. Locally, the Sand Boa is a pet that is sometimes traded in pet shops. In Gaza zoos, two live specimens and one preserved specimen have been recorded. Among these specimens, one was found alive in a small basin containing sand, and in order for some visitors to examine it, zoo workers tried to pull it out of the sand ( Figure 9(B) ).

Syrian Black Snake Dolichophis jugularis (Linnaeus, 1758)

The Syrian Black Snake (locally known as Arbeed) is the most common colubrid snake in Palestine and hence the Gaza Strip. The adults are long, stout and black dorsally. They can reach lengths of more than 200 cm. Immature or young snakes differ from adult snakes in that their colors are lighter. The Syrian Black Snake is found in many environments within the Gaza Strip, especially the agro-ecosystems. This incredibly fast-moving species is sometimes seen in trees and shrubs inside orchards and farms. Most Gazan farmers are aware of the benefits of this species in combating rodents that usually attack agricultural areas and grain crops and cause losses. The snake also feeds on reptiles, amphibians and small birds. The Arbeed (as it is locally called) is non-venomous and harmless, but it is very resistant and bites strongly if restrained. As many as ten live and preserved, adult and juvenile specimens were found in the private zoos scattered within the Gaza Strip ( Figure 9(C) & Figure 9(D) ). The live specimens were found put in wired or glassy cages. On one occasion, eight eggs were found in a cage containing an adult specimen ( Figure 9(E) ).

Schmidt’s Whip Snake or Red-bellied Racer Dolichophis schmidti (Nikolsky, 1909)

Although it is a rare snake species in the Gaza Strip, the Schmidt’s Whip Snake or Red-bellied Racer, which may reach a length of more than 100 cm, occurs in a wide variety of habitats including wadis’ banks, deserts, hillsides, cultivated fields, vegetated areas of eastern Gaza Strip and rural areas such as Beit Lahia in the north of the Gaza Strip. The snake, which has a head that is distinct from neck, feeds on rodents, lizards, snakes, birds, frogs and insects. Local people usually say that this snake is similar to the Syrian Black Snake—Arbeed (Dolichophis jugularis), and therefore it is a genetic mutation from it. They usually called it as a “red Arbeed”. It often inhabits areas similar to those inhabited by the Syrian Black Snake. Similar to the Syrian Black Snake, this species is non-venomous and harmless, but is very resistant and bites forcefully if restrained. Only one live specimen of this species was recorded at Gaza zoos ( Figure 9(F) ). The zoo owner said that he purchased the snake from a hunter and put it in a wire cage.

Coin-marked Snake Hemorrhois nummifer (Reuss, 1834)

The Coin-marked Snake is not venomous and has a dorsal side that is usually covered by a median row of brown circular or oval spots that resemble coins; hence the name of the species. Some Gazans may be confused because the Coin-marked Snake mimics the Palestine Viper (Daboia palaestinae) in its posture as well as the body coloring pattern. In spite of confusion, the Coin-marked Snake is longer and may reach a length of about 100 cm. It feeds on rodents, small birds and reptiles. More than five live specimens of this species were recorded at Gaza zoos ( Figure 9(G) ). On one occasion, this species was found with other species of snakes in the same wire cage ( Figure 2(A) ).

Blotched Diadem or Clifford’s Royal Snake Spalerosophis diadema (Schlegel, 1837)

The Blotched Diadem Snake or Clifford’s Royal Snake or Clifford’s Snake or Camel Snake, which has a very distinct head from the neck, is a large, robust, non-venomous snake that can grow to about 100 cm in length. The dorsal side is covered with large brown spots. It lives in deserts, agricultural and vegetated areas, and feeds on rodents, lizards and small birds. When provoked, it makes a loud hiss. Often, some Gazans and even new snake hunters may mistake this species for the previously mentioned Coin-marked Snake (Hemorrhois nummifer) due to their close resemblance. Only two specimens were found alive at Gaza zoos ( Figure 9(H) ).

Roth’s Dwarf Racer Eirenis rothii (Jan, 1863)

The Roth’s Racer is a small, non-venomous snake that grows to be 25 - 35 cm long. The top of the head and neck are black. The body is brownish-yellow dorsally and white ventrally. The snake feeds on arthropods and small lizards. Only two live specimens were encountered throughout the study period at Gaza zoos ( Figure 9(I) ).

Red Whip Snake or Collared Dwarf Racer Platyceps collaris (Müller, 1878)

The Red Whip Snake is common in the Gaza Strip, and can be easily recognized by the light-dark-edged crossbars that mark its neck. The head cannot be easily distinguished from the neck. It may reach a length of 50 cm or more. This diurnal snake prefers sunny areas with sparse vegetation, and feeds on small lizards common in its habitat. This species is non-venomous and harmless, and when confronted, it quickly flees, often holding its head high. Although there were five preserved samples in the laboratories of the Biology Department at the Islamic University of Gaza, where the researcher works, only three live or preserved samples were encountered at Gaza zoos ( Figure 10(A) ).

Black-headed Ground or Palestine Kukri Snake Rhynchocalamus melanocephalus (Jan, 1862)

The Black-headed Ground Snake, which is known as the Palestine Kukri Snake or Black-headed Dwarf Snake or Palestine Black-headed Snake, is a small, slender and burrowing snake having a total length of 35 - 40 cm. The head is not distinct from the neck. The upper part of the head and neck is black. The back is tan to orange in color, while the belly is pure white. It spends most of its life underground. It feeds on a diversity of invertebrate species, mainly arthropods. It lives in humid areas found around clayey substrates prevailing in the eastern parts of the Gaza Strip. The species is non-venomous and harmless. Snake hunters claimed that they trapped the species of the three wadis: Wadi Gaza, Wadi As-Salqa and Wadi Beit Hanoun, crossing the Gaza Strip. Only one live specimen was encountered and photographed at Gaza zoos ( Figure 10(B) ).

Dice or Water Snake Natrix tessellata (Laurenti, 1768)

This is the only snake species that is associated with freshwater habitats such as Wadi Gaza and its associated ponds and pools having reeds and Tamarisk bushes. The presence of the species in the small wetlands characterizing Al-Mawasi ecosystem, the southern Gaza Strip, needs more research. The Dice Snake is slender and long, reaching a maximum length of more than 80 cm. The head is distinct and elongated. The snake feeds on reptiles and frogs available in or near its freshwater habitats. According to Wadi Gaza inhabitants, the Dice Snake was seen sunbathing on various substrates including the banks of Wadi Gaza and the proximate stones. Only one specimen was seen in the hands of a Gazan snake catcher who tried to sell it to a zoo in Gaza City ( Figure 10(C) ).

Diademed Sand Snake Lytorhynchus diadema (Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854)

The Diademed Sand Snake or the Crowned Leaf-nose Snake is a non-venomous snake of Palestine. It prevails in a wide range of habitats including deserted and coastal areas. The head is distinct and has an enlarged rostral scale (a medium plate on the tip of the snout that borders the mouth opening), and the neck is thin. It feeds on lizards, small rodents and arthropods. It is a rare species, as only one specimen of it was found in captivity inside a cage containing straw at Gaza zoos ( Figure 10(D) ).

Black-headed Cat Snake Telescopus nigriceps (Ahl, 1924)

As the common name implies, the head of an adult Black-headed Cat Snake has blackish coloration. The snake is arboreal, and it comes down to the ground in search of food. It feeds on reptiles, frogs, birds, and small mammals. This species is slightly venomous but harmless, and its bites cause mild pain with slight swelling. Only two live specimens of the snake were encountered at Gaza zoos ( Figure 10(E) ). However, a live specimen was spotted with a well-known snake catcher, a friend of the researcher, in the northern Gaza Strip ( Figure 10(F) ).

False Smooth Snake Macroprotodon cucullatus (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1827)

The False Smooth Snake is a mildly venomous colubrid snake in Palestine. The total length may reach 50 cm or more. The scales of the dorsum are smooth as its common name implies. It is a rare species that inhabits sandy, rocky and vegetated areas, in addition to arable lands in the Gaza Strip. It feeds on reptiles, small mammals and small birds. The snake is not harmful to humans. Only one living specimen of this snake has been found in a wide sand bowl at Gaza zoos ( Figure 10(G) ).

Montpellier Snake Malpolon monspessulanus (Hermann, 1804)

The Montpellier Snake is a mildly venomous rear-fanged colubrid that is common in the Gaza Strip, even in areas occupied by Gazans. It is not dangerous to humans in the sense that the rear fangs of this snake reduce the possibility of injecting venom. It has been said that human poisoning can occur when a finger is inserted into the snake’s mouth. The Montpellier Snake can grow to over 200 cm in length, and has a dangerous and ferocious appearance, which sometimes leads to it being killed by Gazan farmers. It is described as a herpetophagus snake in the sense that it feeds on a variety of reptilian and amphibian species in spite of its probable feeding on small birds and mammals. During a TV interview in 2019, the researcher showed a live adult specimen of this snake to viewers during a TV program talking about the spread of snakes in the Gaza Strip ( Figure 11(A) ). As many as eight live and preserved specimens were encountered at Gaza zoos throughout the study period ( Figure 11(B) ). On one occasion, this species was found with other species of snakes in the same wire cage ( Figure 2(B) ).

Schokari Sand Racer Psammophis schokari (Forskål, 1775)

The Schokari Sand Snake or Afro-Asian or Forskål’s Sand Snake has a cylindrical body with a long tail and head that is elongated and distinct from neck. It is locally called “Abu Al-Siyur” because it has two long lines extending on both sides of its body that resemble belts and tend to be white in color. There are different colors of this snake as shown in Figure 11(C) & Figure 11(D) . This diurnal and non-venomous snake is found in a variety of habitats in the Gaza Strip including wadis (valleys), sand dunes, agricultural and bushy areas and even cemeteries. This graceful, slender snake can move from bush to bush in the heat of the afternoon. It feeds on small reptiles such as lizards. This snake is sometimes sold in pet shops in the Gaza Strip. Four individuals were recorded alive and stuffed at Gaza zoos ( Figure 11(C) & Figure 11(D) ).

Müller’s Ground Viper Micrelaps muelleri (Boettger, 1880)

The Müller’s Ground Viper or Müller’s Two-headed Snake or Müller’s Black-headed Snake is a rare species in the Gaza Strip. It lives in valleys and agricultural areas. The head of this species is very dark, indistinct, slightly flattened, and has small eyes. The body has dark semicircular rings interspersed with lighter bands. Its length may reach 50 cm. This species may be venomous, but because of its small mouth, its bites may not result in poisoning. Only one live specimen was recorded at Gaza zoos ( Figure 11(E) ).

Palestine Saw-scaled Viper or Painted Carpet Viper Echis coloratus (Gunther, 1878)

The Palestine Saw-scaled Viper or Painted Carpet Viper has a head that is very distinct from neck. The dorsum has light blotches with dark borders. The total length may exceed 80 cm. On the side of the body, there is a row of brownish blotches. This nocturnal viper feeds on rodents, lizards, frogs and invertebrates. In spite of its rare occurrence in the Gaza Strip, the Arabian Saw-scaled Viper is the second most dangerous snake after the Palestine Viper (Daboia palaestinae) in Palestine, as it has been attributed to some dangerous bites. It lives in well-vegetated areas and in Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve. Only a formalin-preserved specimen was encountered at Gaza zoos. As zoo workers claimed, the specimen appeared more deformed because it was killed by someone who brought it to the zoo for taxidermy and preservation, so a clear photo from another source was used in Figure 11(F) .

Palestine Viper Daboia palaestinae (Werner, 1938)

The Palestine Viper is an endemic snake species in Palestine. It is characterized by its stout body and its tail that tapers abruptly behind the cloaca. The viper reaches an average length of 70 to 90 cm, and sometimes more. Its head is triangular and distinct from the neck, while the upper part of the body is colored with large dark spots that form a zigzag pattern ( Figure 11(G) & Figure 11(H) ). The Palestine Viper is found everywhere in the Gaza Strip, especially its eastern parts which have different irrigated plantations and animal husbandries. This excellent climber viper feeds on a diversity of vertebrate organisms including rodents, reptiles and small birds perching on trees and shrubs. More than 90% of snake bites in Palestine have been attributed to this viper, and as a result, it was considered by all Palestinian health and environmental parties as the most dangerous snake in Palestine and its neighboring countries. The wide spread of this viper in the different environments of the Gaza Strip reflects the extent of its occurrence among the stuffed animals in the Biology Departments of Palestinian universities in the Gaza Strip (Personal Observations). Most Gaza zoos contained some specimens of the Palestine Viper that were recently caught in sealed containers due to their severe venom, in addition to a large number of taxidermied or stuffed individuals ( Figure 11(G) & Figure 11(H) ). On one occasion, this species was found with other species of snakes in the same wire cage ( Figure 2(C) ).