Capital

Jerusalem

Official Language

Arabic

Fun Fact

Home to some of the oldest olive trees on the planet, with several ancient groves in the region containing trees believed to be over 3,000 years old

National Animal

Mountain Gazelle

National Bird

Palestine Sunbird

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Animal Laws of Palestine

The Animal Laws of Palestine PDF contains the general animal protection laws and related statutes for Palestine. Uncaged World updates these bi-annually. Always check official sources for the most up-to-date legal status.

Animals of Palestine

Palestine Sunbird

Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Palestine Sunbird is a small, brightly colored bird found in gardens, woodlands, and scrub habitats across the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. Males are recognized by their iridescent metallic blue-green plumage, while females are olive-brown. These energetic birds feed mainly on nectar, insects, and spiders, making them important pollinators. The Palestine Sunbird is the national bird of Israel.

Mountain Gazelle

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

The Mountain Gazelle is a graceful antelope found in the rocky hills, grasslands, and open woodlands of the Middle East. Recognized by its slender build, tan coat, white underparts, and graceful curved horns, it is well adapted to rugged, arid landscapes. Mountain Gazelles feed on grasses, herbs, leaves, and shrubs and can survive with little free water by obtaining moisture from their food. Habitat loss, hunting, and fragmentation have caused declines in parts of their range.

Rüppell's Sand Fox

Conservation Status: Least Concern

Rüppell's Sand Fox is a small desert fox found in the deserts and rocky landscapes of North Africa, the Middle East, and southwestern Asia. It is recognized by its pale sandy coat, large ears, and bushy tail, all of which help it survive in hot, arid environments. Nocturnal and highly adaptable, it feeds on insects, rodents, reptiles, birds, and fruit. Its keen hearing and ability to conserve water make it well suited to life in some of the world's harshest deserts.

Striped Hyena

Conservation Status: Near Threatened

The Striped Hyena is a medium-sized carnivore found in deserts, grasslands, and scrublands across North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. Recognized by its shaggy gray coat, black stripes, and long erect mane, it is primarily a scavenger but also hunts small animals and feeds on fruit. Mostly solitary and active at night, the Striped Hyena plays an important role in keeping ecosystems healthy by consuming carrion and helping reduce the spread of disease.

Rock Hyrax

Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Rock Hyrax is a small, furry mammal found among rocky cliffs and outcrops across Africa and parts of the Middle East. Although it resembles a rodent, it is more closely related to elephants and manatees. Rock Hyraxes feed on grasses, leaves, fruits, and shrubs and live in social colonies, using their excellent climbing ability to escape predators. They spend much of the day basking in the sun and sheltering among rocks.

Mediterranean Spotted Chafer

Not Evaluated

The Mediterranean Spotted Chafer is a colorful flower beetle found in meadows, woodlands, and gardens throughout the Mediterranean region. It is recognized by its metallic green body decorated with distinctive white spots. Adults feed on pollen, nectar, and flower petals, while the larvae develop in decaying wood or rich organic matter. As they visit flowers in search of food, these beetles also contribute to pollination and play an important role in healthy ecosystems.