A checklist of Israeli land vertebrates

By: Meiri S., Belmaker A., Berkowic D., Kazes K., Maza E., Bar-Oz G., Dor R.
Published in: Israel Journal of Ecology and Evolution
SDGs : SDG 15  |  Units: Humanities  | Time: 2019 |  Link
Description: Faunal lists are important tools in ecology, biogeography, and conservation planning. Such lists can identify gaps in ou r knowledge of the distribution and taxonomy of regional faunas, and highlight issues needing further study. We present an up to date list of all land vertebrates occurring in Israel. We identify 786 species, of which 551 are birds, 130 are mammals, 97 are reptiles and eight are amphibians. Of these 369 species breed in Israel (including reintroductions), 199 (mostly birds) are regular visitors and 182 are accidental. Fourteen other species are invasive, and 22 species are extinct. We identify issues with the taxonomy and status of several species, and note recent developments in our understanding the Israeli land vertebrate fauna. © 2019 by Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, The Netherlands.