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Important Bird
Areas (IBA) Programme Identify and conserve all sites of Global, regional and national importance
for birds...
Identification of IBA involves
the study of the Important Bird Sites through:
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Locating the
Site.
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Gathering and
recording the Data on the species in the specific Site.
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The human impact on
the Site.
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The Site's
importance in biodiversity standards.
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The protection
measurements needed.
Important Bird Areas in Palestine (IBA's)
Data is the first of its kind in the country. This data has been updated in accordance to
internationally recognized scientific criteria, through a book produced by PWLS in 1999. This Palestinian IBA book is the first of its kind in
the Middle East. It is also a national strategy for the conservation and
management of birds and their habitats in the country. The results and recommendations in the IBA Program
of Palestine was deduced in coordination and cooperation with the Palestinian Environmental
Authority and it is compatible with the Palestinian Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan for 1998.
In this study13 sites have been identified as important areas for conservation. These areas
include Palestinian Coast, Jerusalem Mountains, Eastern Slopes and the Jordan Valley differing in
climate and bio-geographical location. The areas also vary from semi natural, urban and rural areas.
Many of which is rich agricultural land with high agro-Biodiversity.
Although, the IBA study has defined the areas, threats and importance of their conservation.
Update little measures have been taken in relation to conservation and management of IBA's in
Palestine.
The new political situation has caused massive unsustainable development. This development is
affecting the vitality and serenity of such Important Biodiversity Areas.
IBA's in Palestine are currently undergoing many negative impacts such as ecosystem destruction,
extinction of species and degradation of local and migratory wildlife.
In Agricultural production farmers are using chemical pesticides for pest management. Whereas these
chemicals are not only affecting pests but also useful Biodiversity including birds. Many indigenous
and migratory birds are beneficial for integrated pest management.
It is estimated that around 50% of Palestine birds are important and vital for agricultural pest
management. Although these birds are undergoing many threats and impacts update no real
understanding to their role in integrated pest management is known. Therefore it is needed to update
scientific information, manage, promote and protect these birds. On the other hand some birds are
pasting and are totally depending on agricultural crops due lack of environmental balance. Therefore
it is also needed to manage such birds ecologically.
It is very crucial at this stage to update, monitor and conserve Important Bird Areas in Palestine,
to insure their sustainability and benefit to the local economy of their cultural and natural
values.
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Important Bird Areas in Palestine
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| Area # |
Area |
District |
Criteria |
Ecosystem |
Habitats |
Protected
area |
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| 1 |
Jerusalem City |
Jerusalem |
1,3,6 |
Mediterranean |
Mountain/resident |
No |
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| 2 |
Wadi Al-Qelt |
Jerusalem |
1,3,4,6 |
Irano-Turanean |
Mountain/wadi |
Yes |
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| 3 |
Jerusalem
Wilderness |
Bethlehem |
3 |
Irano-Turanean/Mediterranean |
Mountain/desert |
No |
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Mediterranean |
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| 4 |
Wadi Qadron |
Bethlehem |
1,3,4 |
Irano-Turanean/Mediterranean |
Mountain/Wadi |
No |
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| 5 |
Wadi Al-Makhrour |
Bethlehem |
3,4,6 |
Mediterranean |
Mountain/forests |
No |
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| 6 |
Ein Al-Fashkha |
Jericho |
1,2b,6 |
Tropical |
Wetland |
Yes |
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| 7 |
Jericho |
Jericho |
1,2g,3,4 |
Tropical |
Farming/&resident area |
No |
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| 8 |
Al-Oja |
Jericho |
1.2a,4,6 |
Tropical |
Wadi&Wetland |
No |
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| 9 |
Wadi Gaza |
Gaza |
1,2a,2b,5b |
Mediterranean |
Coastal line,Wetland&Wadi |
No |
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| 10 |
Wadi Al-Qof |
Hebron |
3,4,6 |
Mediterranean |
Quercus forests |
Yes |
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| 11 |
Um Al-Safa |
Ramallah |
3,6 |
Mediterranean |
Quercus forests |
Yes |
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| 12 |
Ein Qinia |
Ramallah |
4 |
Mediterranean |
Springs/forests |
No |
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| 13 |
Um Al-Rihan |
Jenin |
3,6 |
Mediterranean |
Semi-coastal/forests |
Yes |
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