Walid Fathy - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Walid Fathy

American-Eurasian Network for Scientific Information, 2013

Background: Hyperlipidaemia is one of the most important conditions to cause atherosclerosis. Ath... more Background: Hyperlipidaemia is one of the most important conditions to cause atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD has become the epidemic of modern civilization in which Hyperlipidaemia predominantly contributes to its pathogenesis. There are certain atherogenic ratios that are strongly predictive of CAD. Three important atherogenic ratios are Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), Castelli's Risk Index I & II (CRI-I &CRI-II). We studied the significance of these atherogenic ratios in a case study having hyperlipidaemia by giving Ayurvedic drug Sookshma eladi choornam. Methods: A 53-year-old patient presented with tiredness, shortness of breath on exertion, heaviness of the body parts for the past 4 months. Management was done on OPD based treatment. The patient was administered 3 grams of Sookshma eladi choornam orally with go ghrita as anupana. Result: There was a marked reduction in symptoms like tiredness, heaviness and shortness of breath with three months of treatment. The lipid values after three months of treatment and follow up of one month showed a marked reduction in TC(Total Cholesterol), TG(Triglyceride), LDL-C(Low density lipoprotein-Cholesterol) and increase in HDL(High density lipoprotein-Cholesterol). Conclusion: Significant result was observed in both subjective symptoms and in objective parameters after administering Sookshma eladi choornam.

Animals, 2021

Analysis of spatiotemporal partitioning is pivotal to shed light on interspecific coexistence. Mo... more Analysis of spatiotemporal partitioning is pivotal to shed light on interspecific coexistence. Most research effort has involved large-sized carnivores and their prey, whereas little attention has been devoted to lagomorphs. We assessed spatiotemporal overlap among the European brown hare Lepus europaeus and its potential competitors and predators through camera-trapping in an area in Central Italy. We estimated the interspecific patterns of the spatiotemporal activity rhythms of brown hares, its potential predators (the red fox Vulpes vulpes, the pine marten Martes martes, the domestic cat Felis catus, and the domestic dog Canis familiaris), and a competitor, the roe deer Capreolus capreolus. Brown hare activity was studied in natural conditions as well as in a fenced area that excluded terrestrial predators and competitors. Free-ranging hares developed a more nocturnal behavior to avoid diurnal predators (i.e., domestic carnivores and martens). Although high temporal overlap was o...

Food composition of the Red Fox Vulpes vulpes populations in different habitats in Egypt is inves... more Food composition of the Red Fox Vulpes vulpes populations in different habitats in Egypt is investigated based on the analysis of stomach contents. The analysis of 70 stomach contents demonstrates that the food of Red Fox is highly diverse and includes rodents, birds, reptiles, fishes, insects and other arthropods, fruits and other vegetable material. Certain individuals seem to also feed on carrion. Diet composition shows seasonal and geographical variations that are apparently associated with changes in the availability of different food items. The results clearly show that the Red Fox is an opportunistic omnivore, capable of adapting to a great variety of dietary compositions.

Kuwait Journal of Science, 2022

Alien animals cause drastic and negative impacts on biota and ecosystems. The feral donkey Equus ... more Alien animals cause drastic and negative impacts on biota and ecosystems. The feral donkey Equus asinus is an invasive alien species in Saudi Arabia. Damage of farms and plant consumed by feral donkeys were studied in the area between Al-Ula and Al-Wajh governorates in order to spot their harmful effects in this region and to propose possible solutions to the problems they caused. Surveys and direct interviews and conversations with farmers and villagers were the selected methods used to collect information. Prevention, and management actions were suggested to decrease numbers of feral donkeys. A useful investment potential was proposed to get some benefits from them.

This is a comprehensive work introduced by the author dealing with data collected from all geogra... more This is a comprehensive work introduced by the author dealing with data collected from all geographical set of localities of Egypt to review the existence of genus Vulpes in Egypt. The author made in-depth work and evaluated the data published about this genus and he added a new method of comparison between subspecies of them depending on morphological, cranial and dental measurements from side and habitat, feeding habits, distribution and ecological and biogeographical barriers from other side. The author reached to new findings in this present work and made an identification key with full description for the new discovered subspecies. This work is considered as a guide and a good reference for all mammalogists who want to study foxes in Egypt and hence North Africa at all.

The crested porcupine Hystrix cristata is the biggest rodent in Libya. It has a high value from t... more The crested porcupine Hystrix cristata is the biggest rodent in Libya. It has a high value from the faunistic point. It is known in Libya from only one specimen killed in a suburb of Tripoli in 1962. With aids of an animal dealer in Misurata, this work will provide information on the morphology,feeding habits,habitat, cranial and dental characters of this animal.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Paracetamol is responsible for acute liver failure in humans and experimental animals when taken ... more Paracetamol is responsible for acute liver failure in humans and experimental animals when taken at high doses and transformed into a reactive metabolite by the liver cytochrome P450. On the other hand, nutmeg is rich with many phytochemical ingredients that are known for their ability to inhibit cytochrome P450. Hence, the present experiment was aimed at studying the hepatoprotective effect of Myristica fragrans (nutmeg), kernel extract (MFKE) in respect to paracetamol (acetaminophen; N-acetyl-p-amino-phenol (APAP))-induced hepatotoxicity in rats, focusing on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities. Liver toxicity was induced in rats by a single oral administration of APAP (2 g/kg). To evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of MFKE against this APAP-induced hepatotoxicity, rats were pre-treated with either oral administration of MFKE at 300 mg/kg daily for seven days or silymarin at 50 mg/kg as a standard hepatoprotective agent. APAP intoxication caused a dr...

Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences

This study investigated the susceptibility of female C57Bl/6 and Swiss Albino mice to oxidative s... more This study investigated the susceptibility of female C57Bl/6 and Swiss Albino mice to oxidative stress and neurotransmitters activity induced by Plasmodium berghei. On day 9 p.i. with P. berghei infected erythrocytes, the mice reduced in weight. This weight loss was markedly higher in SW mice and reached about À14%. Also, the infection was able to cause oxidative damage to the brain tissue. Catalase activity as well as glutathione, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels were different in the two mice strains. Moreover, the brain content of neurotransmitters, epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin in mice brain was higher in SW mice than B6 mice. We concluded that, the strain of mice is one factor that could alter the response of mice to P. berghei infection.

Journal of Applied Sciences Research

The food composition and feeding ecology of the Egyptian Mongoose Herpestes ichneumon populations... more The food composition and feeding ecology of the Egyptian Mongoose Herpestes ichneumon populations inhabiting different localities of Egypt was studied using stomach contents analysis between February 2008 and June 2010. Laboratory analysis of twelve mongoose stomach contents showed that the food of the Egyptian Mongoose is highly diverse and includes mammals, birds, reptiles, fishes, insects (mainly of order Coleoptera), fruits and other vegetable materials. Diet composition shows seasonal and geographical variations that are apparently associated with changes in the availability of different food items.

Authorea, 2022

Due to the urbanization and human invasion of the natural environments, a great deal of changes h... more Due to the urbanization and human invasion of the natural environments, a great deal of changes have occurred on the food composition and feeding ecology of several animals especially those are sharing humans their habitats in fields, wadis and gardens. The Desert Hedgehogs Paraechinus aethiopicus populations inhabiting different localities in Saudi Arabia were studied by using stomach contents analysis between February 2015 and October 2019. Precise analysis of 55 stomach contents of hedgehogs showed that the food of The Desert Hedgehogs Paraechinus aethiopicus is highly diverse and highly influenced with effect of humans on the environment includes cooked rice, insects, plant materials, egg shells, worms, garbage and remains of mammals and birds. Diet composition showed seasonal variations that are apparently associated with changes in the availability of different food items. The present results clearly showed that The Desert Hedgehogs Paraechinus aethiopicus is a generalist animal, capable of adapting to a great variety of dietary compositions in the study sites.

Open Journal of Ecology, 2021

The Golden Jackal (Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758), which belongs to the Canidae family, is an oppor... more The Golden Jackal (Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758), which belongs to the Canidae family, is an opportunist carnivore in the Gaza Strip (365 square kilometers). The current study aims at giving notes on the occurrence and some ecological aspects of the species in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. The study, which lasted 14 years (2007-2020), is descriptive and cumulative in its style. It was based on frequent field visits, direct observations and meetings and discussions with wildlife hunters, farmers and other stakeholders. The findings of the study show that Gazans are familiar with the Golden Jackal to the extent that a Gazan family holds the Arabic name of the animal, which is “Wawi ”. The Golden Jackal was sometimes encountered and hunted in the eastern parts of the Gaza Strip, which are characterized by the presence of wilderness areas, intensive agriculture, poultry pens and solid waste landfills. Like other a few mammalian faunas, the adult Golden Jackals enter the Gaza Strip through gaps in or burrows beneath the metal borders separating the Gaza Strip from the rest of the Palestinian Territories and Egypt. Gaza zoos were found to harbor tens of Golden Jackals trapped or hunted by clever wildlife hunters using different means such as wire cages known locally as “maltash ” and foothold traps with metal jaws that may cause lesions to the trapped animals. Poisoning and shooting were also common methods used to control the jackals and other carnivores causing harm to agriculture and livestock. The animal was known among the Gazans as an omnivore, feeding on wild and domestic animals in addition to plant materials, garbage and carrions. In conclusion, the study recommends the need to raise ecological awareness to preserve the Golden jackal and to adopt safe control measures for jackals and other carnivores, including the construction of protective fences for agricultural fields and animal pens.

Animals, 2021

Analysis of spatiotemporal partitioning is pivotal to shed light on interspecific coexistence. Mo... more Analysis of spatiotemporal partitioning is pivotal to shed light on interspecific coexistence. Most research effort has involved large-sized carnivores and their prey, whereas little attention has been devoted to lagomorphs. We assessed spatiotemporal overlap among the European brown hare Lepus europaeus and its potential competitors and predators through camera-trapping in an area in Central Italy. We estimated the interspecific patterns of the spatiotemporal activity rhythms of brown hares, its potential predators (the red fox Vulpes vulpes, the pine marten Martes martes, the domestic cat Felis catus, and the domestic dog Canis familiaris), and a competitor, the roe deer Capreolus capreolus. Brown hare activity was studied in natural conditions as well as in a fenced area that excluded terrestrial predators and competitors. Free-ranging hares developed a more nocturnal behavior to avoid diurnal predators (i.e., domestic carnivores and martens). Although high temporal overlap was observed between free-ranging brown hares and both red foxes (82%) and roe deer (81%), hares avoided fox by being more active on darkest nights, as well as avoided roe deer through spatial partitioning. We suggest that hares may adapt their spatiotemporal behavior to avoid potential predators and competitors.

Open Journal of Ecology, 2021

The Golden Jackal (Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758), which belongs to the Canidae family, is an oppor... more The Golden Jackal (Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758), which belongs to the Canidae family, is an opportunist carnivore in the Gaza Strip (365 square kilometers). The current study aims at giving notes on the occurrence and some ecological aspects of the species in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. The study, which lasted 14 years (2007-2020), is descriptive and cumulative in its style. It was based on frequent field visits, direct observations and meetings and discussions with wildlife hunters, farmers and other stakeholders. The findings of the study show that Gazans are familiar with the Golden Jackal to the extent that a Gazan family holds the Arabic name of the animal, which is “Wawi ”. The Golden Jackal was sometimes encountered and hunted in the eastern
parts of the Gaza Strip, which are characterized by the presence of wilderness areas, intensive agriculture, poultry pens and solid waste landfills. Like other a few mammalian faunas, the adult Golden Jackals enter the Gaza Strip through gaps in or burrows beneath the metal borders separating the Gaza Strip from the rest of the Palestinian Territories and Egypt. Gaza zoos were found to harbor tens of Golden Jackals trapped or hunted by clever wildlife hunters using different means such as wire cages known locally as “maltash ” and foothold traps with metal jaws that may cause lesions to the trapped animals.
Poisoning and shooting were also common methods used to control
the jackals and other carnivores causing harm to agriculture and livestock. The animal was known among the Gazans as an omnivore, feeding on wild and domestic animals in addition to plant materials, garbage and carrions. In conclusion, the study recommends the need to raise ecological awareness to preserve the Golden jackal and to adopt safe control measures for jackals and other carnivores, including the construction of protective fences for agricultural fields and animal pens.

Indian Journal of Natural Sciences, 2019

New information about the Rock Hyrax Procavia capensis jayakari in the North Western parts of Kin... more New information about the Rock Hyrax Procavia capensis jayakari in the North Western parts of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was recorded. The way of how this subspecies formed and where did it originate from are the main two questions to be answered in this work. Ecology, habitat, feeding habits, behavior and cranial features were the basic tools used to shed the spot light on this animal and to add recent information about it and its existence.

Journal of Zoology, 2019

The genus Hystrix includes eight species of porcupines distributed in Eurasia and Africa, across ... more The genus Hystrix includes eight species of porcupines distributed in Eurasia and Africa, across a broad latitudinal gradient. Our aim was to assess whether porcupine skulls: (1) allow for a reliable interspecific distinction; (2) change in size proportionally with body size; (3) follow the Bergmann’s rule. We measured 235 Hystrix skulls from museums and private collections. We tested for differences in skull size and we assessed whether variability in skull shape allows species recognition
through a multivariate approach. All Hystrix species considered could be
reliably identified by skull shape. Skull size was correlated with body size and species differed in skull shape and size, with skulls of Hystrix javanica and Hystrix africaeaustralis being respectively the smallest and the largest ones. Within Hystrix cristata, the Mediterranean and the sub-Saharan clades differed for both skull size and shape. Using skull size, we could distinguish among African, mainland Italian and Sicilian populations. Skull size of this species decreased in size for increasing
latitude values, contrary to prediction by the Bergmann’s rule. Such latitudinal pattern may depend on the adaption of H. cristata to Equatorial African conditions, where the species evolved. In Italy (where H. cristata was introduced in the VI Century AD) and in North Africa, a smaller body size may be due to the local climate, or to a ‘founder effect’.

Food composition of the Red Fox Vulpes vulpes populations in different habitats in Egypt is inves... more Food composition of the Red Fox Vulpes vulpes populations in different habitats in Egypt is investigated based on the analysis of stomach contents. The analysis of 70 stomach contents demonstrates that the food of Red Fox is highly diverse and includes rodents, birds, reptiles, fishes, insects and other arthropods, fruits and other vegetable material. Certain individuals seem to also feed on carrion. Diet composition shows seasonal and geographical variations that are apparently associated with changes in the availability of different food items. The results clearly show that the Red Fox is an opportunistic omnivore, capable of adapting to a great variety of dietary compositions.

The crested porcupine Hystrix cristata is the biggest rodent in Libya. It has a high value from t... more The crested porcupine Hystrix cristata is the biggest rodent in Libya. It has a high value from the faunistic point. It is known in Libya from only one specimen killed in a suburb of Tripoli in 1962. With aids of an animal dealer in Misurata, this work will provide information on the morphology,feeding habits,habitat, cranial and dental characters of this animal.

Journal of King Saud University - Science, 2010

Insect fauna of Libya is poorly studied. The insect fauna recorded from Misurata, northwestern Li... more Insect fauna of Libya is poorly studied. The insect fauna recorded from Misurata, northwestern Libya is represented by 16 orders, 59 families and 77 genera all are arranged alphabetically. The verification and corrections will be available in a detailed work revising different insect orders and families of Libya. This work is considered the first checklist of insects in Libya at

The food composition and feeding ecology of the Egyptian Mongoose Herpestes ichneumon populations... more The food composition and feeding ecology of the Egyptian Mongoose Herpestes ichneumon populations inhabiting different localities of Egypt was studied using stomach contents analysis between February 2008 and June 2010. Laboratory analysis of twelve mongoose stomach contents showed that the food of the Egyptian Mongoose is highly diverse and includes mammals, birds, reptiles, fishes, insects (mainly of order Coleoptera), fruits and other vegetable materials. Diet composition shows seasonal and geographical variations that are apparently associated with changes in the availability of different food items.

Books by Walid Fathy

American-Eurasian Network for Scientific Information, 2013

Background: Hyperlipidaemia is one of the most important conditions to cause atherosclerosis. Ath... more Background: Hyperlipidaemia is one of the most important conditions to cause atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD has become the epidemic of modern civilization in which Hyperlipidaemia predominantly contributes to its pathogenesis. There are certain atherogenic ratios that are strongly predictive of CAD. Three important atherogenic ratios are Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), Castelli's Risk Index I & II (CRI-I &CRI-II). We studied the significance of these atherogenic ratios in a case study having hyperlipidaemia by giving Ayurvedic drug Sookshma eladi choornam. Methods: A 53-year-old patient presented with tiredness, shortness of breath on exertion, heaviness of the body parts for the past 4 months. Management was done on OPD based treatment. The patient was administered 3 grams of Sookshma eladi choornam orally with go ghrita as anupana. Result: There was a marked reduction in symptoms like tiredness, heaviness and shortness of breath with three months of treatment. The lipid values after three months of treatment and follow up of one month showed a marked reduction in TC(Total Cholesterol), TG(Triglyceride), LDL-C(Low density lipoprotein-Cholesterol) and increase in HDL(High density lipoprotein-Cholesterol). Conclusion: Significant result was observed in both subjective symptoms and in objective parameters after administering Sookshma eladi choornam.

Animals, 2021

Analysis of spatiotemporal partitioning is pivotal to shed light on interspecific coexistence. Mo... more Analysis of spatiotemporal partitioning is pivotal to shed light on interspecific coexistence. Most research effort has involved large-sized carnivores and their prey, whereas little attention has been devoted to lagomorphs. We assessed spatiotemporal overlap among the European brown hare Lepus europaeus and its potential competitors and predators through camera-trapping in an area in Central Italy. We estimated the interspecific patterns of the spatiotemporal activity rhythms of brown hares, its potential predators (the red fox Vulpes vulpes, the pine marten Martes martes, the domestic cat Felis catus, and the domestic dog Canis familiaris), and a competitor, the roe deer Capreolus capreolus. Brown hare activity was studied in natural conditions as well as in a fenced area that excluded terrestrial predators and competitors. Free-ranging hares developed a more nocturnal behavior to avoid diurnal predators (i.e., domestic carnivores and martens). Although high temporal overlap was o...

Food composition of the Red Fox Vulpes vulpes populations in different habitats in Egypt is inves... more Food composition of the Red Fox Vulpes vulpes populations in different habitats in Egypt is investigated based on the analysis of stomach contents. The analysis of 70 stomach contents demonstrates that the food of Red Fox is highly diverse and includes rodents, birds, reptiles, fishes, insects and other arthropods, fruits and other vegetable material. Certain individuals seem to also feed on carrion. Diet composition shows seasonal and geographical variations that are apparently associated with changes in the availability of different food items. The results clearly show that the Red Fox is an opportunistic omnivore, capable of adapting to a great variety of dietary compositions.

Kuwait Journal of Science, 2022

Alien animals cause drastic and negative impacts on biota and ecosystems. The feral donkey Equus ... more Alien animals cause drastic and negative impacts on biota and ecosystems. The feral donkey Equus asinus is an invasive alien species in Saudi Arabia. Damage of farms and plant consumed by feral donkeys were studied in the area between Al-Ula and Al-Wajh governorates in order to spot their harmful effects in this region and to propose possible solutions to the problems they caused. Surveys and direct interviews and conversations with farmers and villagers were the selected methods used to collect information. Prevention, and management actions were suggested to decrease numbers of feral donkeys. A useful investment potential was proposed to get some benefits from them.

This is a comprehensive work introduced by the author dealing with data collected from all geogra... more This is a comprehensive work introduced by the author dealing with data collected from all geographical set of localities of Egypt to review the existence of genus Vulpes in Egypt. The author made in-depth work and evaluated the data published about this genus and he added a new method of comparison between subspecies of them depending on morphological, cranial and dental measurements from side and habitat, feeding habits, distribution and ecological and biogeographical barriers from other side. The author reached to new findings in this present work and made an identification key with full description for the new discovered subspecies. This work is considered as a guide and a good reference for all mammalogists who want to study foxes in Egypt and hence North Africa at all.

The crested porcupine Hystrix cristata is the biggest rodent in Libya. It has a high value from t... more The crested porcupine Hystrix cristata is the biggest rodent in Libya. It has a high value from the faunistic point. It is known in Libya from only one specimen killed in a suburb of Tripoli in 1962. With aids of an animal dealer in Misurata, this work will provide information on the morphology,feeding habits,habitat, cranial and dental characters of this animal.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Paracetamol is responsible for acute liver failure in humans and experimental animals when taken ... more Paracetamol is responsible for acute liver failure in humans and experimental animals when taken at high doses and transformed into a reactive metabolite by the liver cytochrome P450. On the other hand, nutmeg is rich with many phytochemical ingredients that are known for their ability to inhibit cytochrome P450. Hence, the present experiment was aimed at studying the hepatoprotective effect of Myristica fragrans (nutmeg), kernel extract (MFKE) in respect to paracetamol (acetaminophen; N-acetyl-p-amino-phenol (APAP))-induced hepatotoxicity in rats, focusing on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities. Liver toxicity was induced in rats by a single oral administration of APAP (2 g/kg). To evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of MFKE against this APAP-induced hepatotoxicity, rats were pre-treated with either oral administration of MFKE at 300 mg/kg daily for seven days or silymarin at 50 mg/kg as a standard hepatoprotective agent. APAP intoxication caused a dr...

Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences

This study investigated the susceptibility of female C57Bl/6 and Swiss Albino mice to oxidative s... more This study investigated the susceptibility of female C57Bl/6 and Swiss Albino mice to oxidative stress and neurotransmitters activity induced by Plasmodium berghei. On day 9 p.i. with P. berghei infected erythrocytes, the mice reduced in weight. This weight loss was markedly higher in SW mice and reached about À14%. Also, the infection was able to cause oxidative damage to the brain tissue. Catalase activity as well as glutathione, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels were different in the two mice strains. Moreover, the brain content of neurotransmitters, epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin in mice brain was higher in SW mice than B6 mice. We concluded that, the strain of mice is one factor that could alter the response of mice to P. berghei infection.

Journal of Applied Sciences Research

The food composition and feeding ecology of the Egyptian Mongoose Herpestes ichneumon populations... more The food composition and feeding ecology of the Egyptian Mongoose Herpestes ichneumon populations inhabiting different localities of Egypt was studied using stomach contents analysis between February 2008 and June 2010. Laboratory analysis of twelve mongoose stomach contents showed that the food of the Egyptian Mongoose is highly diverse and includes mammals, birds, reptiles, fishes, insects (mainly of order Coleoptera), fruits and other vegetable materials. Diet composition shows seasonal and geographical variations that are apparently associated with changes in the availability of different food items.

Authorea, 2022

Due to the urbanization and human invasion of the natural environments, a great deal of changes h... more Due to the urbanization and human invasion of the natural environments, a great deal of changes have occurred on the food composition and feeding ecology of several animals especially those are sharing humans their habitats in fields, wadis and gardens. The Desert Hedgehogs Paraechinus aethiopicus populations inhabiting different localities in Saudi Arabia were studied by using stomach contents analysis between February 2015 and October 2019. Precise analysis of 55 stomach contents of hedgehogs showed that the food of The Desert Hedgehogs Paraechinus aethiopicus is highly diverse and highly influenced with effect of humans on the environment includes cooked rice, insects, plant materials, egg shells, worms, garbage and remains of mammals and birds. Diet composition showed seasonal variations that are apparently associated with changes in the availability of different food items. The present results clearly showed that The Desert Hedgehogs Paraechinus aethiopicus is a generalist animal, capable of adapting to a great variety of dietary compositions in the study sites.

Open Journal of Ecology, 2021

The Golden Jackal (Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758), which belongs to the Canidae family, is an oppor... more The Golden Jackal (Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758), which belongs to the Canidae family, is an opportunist carnivore in the Gaza Strip (365 square kilometers). The current study aims at giving notes on the occurrence and some ecological aspects of the species in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. The study, which lasted 14 years (2007-2020), is descriptive and cumulative in its style. It was based on frequent field visits, direct observations and meetings and discussions with wildlife hunters, farmers and other stakeholders. The findings of the study show that Gazans are familiar with the Golden Jackal to the extent that a Gazan family holds the Arabic name of the animal, which is “Wawi ”. The Golden Jackal was sometimes encountered and hunted in the eastern parts of the Gaza Strip, which are characterized by the presence of wilderness areas, intensive agriculture, poultry pens and solid waste landfills. Like other a few mammalian faunas, the adult Golden Jackals enter the Gaza Strip through gaps in or burrows beneath the metal borders separating the Gaza Strip from the rest of the Palestinian Territories and Egypt. Gaza zoos were found to harbor tens of Golden Jackals trapped or hunted by clever wildlife hunters using different means such as wire cages known locally as “maltash ” and foothold traps with metal jaws that may cause lesions to the trapped animals. Poisoning and shooting were also common methods used to control the jackals and other carnivores causing harm to agriculture and livestock. The animal was known among the Gazans as an omnivore, feeding on wild and domestic animals in addition to plant materials, garbage and carrions. In conclusion, the study recommends the need to raise ecological awareness to preserve the Golden jackal and to adopt safe control measures for jackals and other carnivores, including the construction of protective fences for agricultural fields and animal pens.

Animals, 2021

Analysis of spatiotemporal partitioning is pivotal to shed light on interspecific coexistence. Mo... more Analysis of spatiotemporal partitioning is pivotal to shed light on interspecific coexistence. Most research effort has involved large-sized carnivores and their prey, whereas little attention has been devoted to lagomorphs. We assessed spatiotemporal overlap among the European brown hare Lepus europaeus and its potential competitors and predators through camera-trapping in an area in Central Italy. We estimated the interspecific patterns of the spatiotemporal activity rhythms of brown hares, its potential predators (the red fox Vulpes vulpes, the pine marten Martes martes, the domestic cat Felis catus, and the domestic dog Canis familiaris), and a competitor, the roe deer Capreolus capreolus. Brown hare activity was studied in natural conditions as well as in a fenced area that excluded terrestrial predators and competitors. Free-ranging hares developed a more nocturnal behavior to avoid diurnal predators (i.e., domestic carnivores and martens). Although high temporal overlap was observed between free-ranging brown hares and both red foxes (82%) and roe deer (81%), hares avoided fox by being more active on darkest nights, as well as avoided roe deer through spatial partitioning. We suggest that hares may adapt their spatiotemporal behavior to avoid potential predators and competitors.

Open Journal of Ecology, 2021

The Golden Jackal (Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758), which belongs to the Canidae family, is an oppor... more The Golden Jackal (Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758), which belongs to the Canidae family, is an opportunist carnivore in the Gaza Strip (365 square kilometers). The current study aims at giving notes on the occurrence and some ecological aspects of the species in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. The study, which lasted 14 years (2007-2020), is descriptive and cumulative in its style. It was based on frequent field visits, direct observations and meetings and discussions with wildlife hunters, farmers and other stakeholders. The findings of the study show that Gazans are familiar with the Golden Jackal to the extent that a Gazan family holds the Arabic name of the animal, which is “Wawi ”. The Golden Jackal was sometimes encountered and hunted in the eastern
parts of the Gaza Strip, which are characterized by the presence of wilderness areas, intensive agriculture, poultry pens and solid waste landfills. Like other a few mammalian faunas, the adult Golden Jackals enter the Gaza Strip through gaps in or burrows beneath the metal borders separating the Gaza Strip from the rest of the Palestinian Territories and Egypt. Gaza zoos were found to harbor tens of Golden Jackals trapped or hunted by clever wildlife hunters using different means such as wire cages known locally as “maltash ” and foothold traps with metal jaws that may cause lesions to the trapped animals.
Poisoning and shooting were also common methods used to control
the jackals and other carnivores causing harm to agriculture and livestock. The animal was known among the Gazans as an omnivore, feeding on wild and domestic animals in addition to plant materials, garbage and carrions. In conclusion, the study recommends the need to raise ecological awareness to preserve the Golden jackal and to adopt safe control measures for jackals and other carnivores, including the construction of protective fences for agricultural fields and animal pens.

Indian Journal of Natural Sciences, 2019

New information about the Rock Hyrax Procavia capensis jayakari in the North Western parts of Kin... more New information about the Rock Hyrax Procavia capensis jayakari in the North Western parts of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was recorded. The way of how this subspecies formed and where did it originate from are the main two questions to be answered in this work. Ecology, habitat, feeding habits, behavior and cranial features were the basic tools used to shed the spot light on this animal and to add recent information about it and its existence.

Journal of Zoology, 2019

The genus Hystrix includes eight species of porcupines distributed in Eurasia and Africa, across ... more The genus Hystrix includes eight species of porcupines distributed in Eurasia and Africa, across a broad latitudinal gradient. Our aim was to assess whether porcupine skulls: (1) allow for a reliable interspecific distinction; (2) change in size proportionally with body size; (3) follow the Bergmann’s rule. We measured 235 Hystrix skulls from museums and private collections. We tested for differences in skull size and we assessed whether variability in skull shape allows species recognition
through a multivariate approach. All Hystrix species considered could be
reliably identified by skull shape. Skull size was correlated with body size and species differed in skull shape and size, with skulls of Hystrix javanica and Hystrix africaeaustralis being respectively the smallest and the largest ones. Within Hystrix cristata, the Mediterranean and the sub-Saharan clades differed for both skull size and shape. Using skull size, we could distinguish among African, mainland Italian and Sicilian populations. Skull size of this species decreased in size for increasing
latitude values, contrary to prediction by the Bergmann’s rule. Such latitudinal pattern may depend on the adaption of H. cristata to Equatorial African conditions, where the species evolved. In Italy (where H. cristata was introduced in the VI Century AD) and in North Africa, a smaller body size may be due to the local climate, or to a ‘founder effect’.

Food composition of the Red Fox Vulpes vulpes populations in different habitats in Egypt is inves... more Food composition of the Red Fox Vulpes vulpes populations in different habitats in Egypt is investigated based on the analysis of stomach contents. The analysis of 70 stomach contents demonstrates that the food of Red Fox is highly diverse and includes rodents, birds, reptiles, fishes, insects and other arthropods, fruits and other vegetable material. Certain individuals seem to also feed on carrion. Diet composition shows seasonal and geographical variations that are apparently associated with changes in the availability of different food items. The results clearly show that the Red Fox is an opportunistic omnivore, capable of adapting to a great variety of dietary compositions.

The crested porcupine Hystrix cristata is the biggest rodent in Libya. It has a high value from t... more The crested porcupine Hystrix cristata is the biggest rodent in Libya. It has a high value from the faunistic point. It is known in Libya from only one specimen killed in a suburb of Tripoli in 1962. With aids of an animal dealer in Misurata, this work will provide information on the morphology,feeding habits,habitat, cranial and dental characters of this animal.

Journal of King Saud University - Science, 2010

Insect fauna of Libya is poorly studied. The insect fauna recorded from Misurata, northwestern Li... more Insect fauna of Libya is poorly studied. The insect fauna recorded from Misurata, northwestern Libya is represented by 16 orders, 59 families and 77 genera all are arranged alphabetically. The verification and corrections will be available in a detailed work revising different insect orders and families of Libya. This work is considered the first checklist of insects in Libya at

The food composition and feeding ecology of the Egyptian Mongoose Herpestes ichneumon populations... more The food composition and feeding ecology of the Egyptian Mongoose Herpestes ichneumon populations inhabiting different localities of Egypt was studied using stomach contents analysis between February 2008 and June 2010. Laboratory analysis of twelve mongoose stomach contents showed that the food of the Egyptian Mongoose is highly diverse and includes mammals, birds, reptiles, fishes, insects (mainly of order Coleoptera), fruits and other vegetable materials. Diet composition shows seasonal and geographical variations that are apparently associated with changes in the availability of different food items.