Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin (ISSN 0178 – 6288) . Number 91, July 2009, pp. 1-31. | Page 12

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Marine turtles are much less easy to spot, and sadly, are highly endangered. As in many
Mediterranean countries, the development of Palestine's coastal cities and beaches has
dealt a harsh blow to sea turtles, which lay their eggs on Palestine's beaches.
Conservation efforts are underway in Palestine and Israel to protect this species, with
protected beaches on both the Mediterranean and Red Sea coast (Aila or Eilat).
There are about 40 species of snake in Palestine from tiny, pink, worm-like blind worm
snakes (Leptotyphlops macrorhynchus) which live underground to impressive specimens
such as the desert dwelling Persian horned viper (Pseudocerastes persicus), one of the few
poisonous Palestinian species.
The great majority of Palestine's snakes are harmless to humans, performing a public
service by eating rodents and invertebrates.

The Palestine Viper (Vipera palaestinae).
http://flora-fauna-palestine.webs.com/faunainpalestine.htm
Many biblical verses appear to describe types of snake found in Palestine to this day.
Snakes mentioned by name include desert species such as the black desert cobra
(Walterinnesia aegyptia), Persian horned viper and the Palestine saw-scaled viper (Echis
coloratus), as well as the Palestinian viper (Vipera palaestinae) found in temperate parts of
the country.

Gazelle – Number 91 – July 2009