The avifauna of the near-border areas along the Jordan River and at the southern and northern tips of the Dead Sea were studied during a survey from mid-July to early August 2005. Around 15% of the breeding species within the study area do not breed anywhere else in Jordan. These include Black Francolin Francolinus francolinus, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus, Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis, Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos, Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus and Dead Sea Sparrow Passer moabiticus. Large and continuous colonies of the Dead Sea Sparrow and a high frequency of Blue-cheeked Bee-eater were found along the flood plains adjacent to the lower and central Jordan River. Range extensions of Namaqua Dove Oena capensis, Little Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis and Arabian Babbler Turdoides squamiceps, in addition to an invasion of Indian Silverbill Lonchura [Eudice] malabarica were evident during this survey. The low-lying habitat patches of the study area, many of which have previously been fragmented by agricultural projects, include salt marshes, Tamarix scrub and riparian-type habitats along the banks of the Jordan River. Further habitat destruction and fragmentation is expected in the near future, if action is not taken to protect the remnant natural habitats, particularly along the floodplains of the Jordan River.

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Hemidactylus turcicus turcicus (LINNAEUS, 1758) has been traditionally believed to be the only Jordanian taxon of the genus Hemidactylus OKEN, 1817. It has been considered as a very common reptile species distributed widely in all main ecozones of Jordan (e.g. DISI 1996; DISI & AMR 1998; DISI et al. 1999, 2001, 2004). However, the situation seems to be more complex. Using mitochondrial DNA sequences, CARRANZA & ARNOLD (2006) found 4.4 % genetic divergence between their specimens from Dair al Khaf (32°19’N, 36°53’E; northern Jordan) and Wadi al Burbeytah (30°59’N, 35°42’E; central part of western Jordan) and all other investigated samples of H. t. turcicus which covered an essential part of the range of this form. This finding indicates, that the taxonomic status of the Jordanian form of H. turcicus is not clear enough.

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A total of 63 species of butterflies are recorded from the different ecological zones in Jordan as a result of the examination of more than 3350 specimens in the collection of the University of Jordan Insects Museum and the Natural History Museum at Yarmuk University. These specimens were collected from different parts of Jordan from 1974 to 1999. Colotis danae and Anthocharis gruneri (Pieridae) are recorded for the first time. Collecting sites, seasonal occurrence and available biological or ecological notes are given for each species. An updated list of the butterflies of Jordan is given based on this study and previous records, bringing the total to 91 species and subspecies.

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In the course of the faunistic inventory in Wadi Ramm Protected Area, a total of 34 species of reptiles representing nine families (Gekkonidae, Chamaeleonidae, Agamidae, Lacertidae, Scincidae, Varanidae, Leptotyphlopidae, Colubridae, and Viperidae) were recorded from different habitats in Wadi Ramm and its closest vicinity. Three species (Lacerta cf. kulzeri, Chamaeleo chamaeleon, and Ablepharus rueppellii) are considered to represent relicts from earlier, more humid periods. Habitat preferences for collected species are included.

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In Jordan, the Striped Hyaena, Hyaena hyaena, occurs throughout the country in all zoogeographical regions, without a special preference of habitat types and altitudes. The habitats for this disliked animal must comprise safe refuges. The diet consists mainly of remains of camels, donkeys and horses, but include also remains of cows, dogs, foxes, domestic goats, sheep, Groited Ghazelles (Gazella subgutturosa), and Nubian Ibex (Ibex nubiana). Human interaction and threats affecting the current populations of H. hyaena are also discussed.

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The Persian Squirrel, Sciurus anomalus syriacus, (Guldenstadt, 1785) is the only species of the family Sciuridae in Jordan and it is listed locally as an endangered species (Amr, 2000). The presence of the squirrel was confirmed based on finding freshly consumed cones within the forests; it was located in Ajloun Forest Reserve, Raimoon, between Sakeb and Anjara.

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The current status and distribution of Blanford's Fox, Vulpes cana, in Jordan is reviewed based on recent field observations and specimen collections. New distribution records along with morphometric data are given.

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Following the Arabian Oryx's (Oryx leucoryx) extinction in the wild in 1972, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan began a reintroduction program in 1978 with 11 founding animals, after reaching a total of 31 in 1983. Most of the herd was released from the captive breeding pens into the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, part of which was fenced for the sake of the Oryx. In 1990, the herd size allowed the management of the reserve to prepare for releasing the Oryx in the wild. However, Bedouin families fleeing the Gulf War brought 1.6 million sheep, goats, camels, and donkeys into Jordan. These livestock have overgrazed the potential Oryx habitat, making reintroduction impossible. The UN Compensation mission awarded Jordan the cost of environmental damages resulting from the war, designating part of the award for renewal of the captive breeding and reintroduction program.

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