"The Goldfinch (Carduelis Carduelis Linnaeus, 1758) in Palestine: An Appreciated Bird and A Threatened Species"

Abstract

The Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis Linnaeus, 1758), is one of the most prized bird species in Middle East countries due to its brilliant colors and amazing sounds. Goldfinch hunting is a major factor in the decline of its population in Palestine. The current study focuses on the Goldfinch as an appreciated bird and a threatened species in the West Bank and Gaza Strip -Palestine. This five-year study (2018-2022) was based on visits in the field and to animal markets, pet stores and zoos as well as discussions with stakeholders and follow-up on social networking sites and news. The results showed that the Goldfinch (locally known as Turkmen brides) is appreciated by all Palestinians and bred in cages because of its beautiful voices and wonderful colors, and it is possible to crossbred it with a Canary to produce the so-called hybrid mule (known locally as Bandook), a source of income where ordinary wild individuals can reach a price of $45 -$100, and to produce trained individuals known as "language Goldfinches", the price of which can reach $3,000 or more. The methods applied for hunting Goldfinches are nets, mist nets and glue-coated sticks. Many passerine and non-passerine bird species are usually trapped, along with the Goldfinch. Hunting birds in the border areas is fraught with danger due to repeated Israeli attacks on bird hunters, causing them to be killed, injured or arrested. Large numbers of Goldfinches are usually smuggled from Jordan or Egypt to Palestine. Internal smuggling operations were also recorded between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Threats to the Goldfinch in Palestine include urbanization and habitat destruction, poaching, trade in male goldfinches, and weak application of the Palestinian environmental laws and regulations. In conclusion, the strict application of environmental laws, the organization of environmental awareness campaigns directed at wildlife hunters, and the artificial breeding of Goldfinches are all means of preserving biodiversity in Palestine in a sustainable fashion.