Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin (ISSN 0178 – 6288) . Number 103, July 2013, pp. 1-25. | Page 10

10

Conservation
Garra rufa is a common species with a wide distribution and is not under any specific threat. The Palestinian subspecies Garra rufa wadiqanaa is endemic to Wadi Qana Nature Reserve, State of Palestine. The Nature Reserve is under protection and the subspecies is officially protected. Illegal Israeli settlements and human waste was observed at Wadi Qana Nature Reserve. More attention and protection is needed to protect the flora and fauna of Wadi Qana from any pollution and destruction.

Human Waste at Ain Al Basa Spring, Wadi Qana Nature Reserve, Salfit Governorate, State of Palestine. Photo by: Prof. Dr. Norman Ali Bassam Khalaf-von Jaffa. 08.07.2013. http://www.flickr.com/photos/50022881@N00/9508650378/

Economic Importance
Garra rufa are sometimes referred to as “doctor fish” because they eat away dead skin found on peoples? feet, leaving newer skin exposed. They have been used as a medical treatment for individuals with skin diseases, like psoriasis and neurodermitis.

Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 103 – July 2013