Syria is an ethnically and religiously diverse country that’s situated between the eastern Mediterranean coast and the borders of Iraq. For thousands of years, the land fell under the sway of various empires, including Persia, the empire of Alexander, Rome, Byzantium, the Umayyads, Abbasids, the Mongols, Mamluks, Ottomans, and then, after World War I, France. The country finally gained its independence in 1945 as a republic.
Syria’s ecosystem is heavily divided between the east and west. Most of the east is comprised of dry steppes and semi-deserts, while the western part of the country near the sea contains forests, grasslands, mountains, and hills. The Euphrates, which cuts through the east, is the country’s most important river and an excellent source of fresh water and wetland wildlife. In this article, you can learn some of the most remarkable facts about Syria’s animals.
The Official National Animal of Syria
Syria’s national coat of arms is adorned with a hawk. Birds of prey have traditionally been a symbol of strength and a source of entertainment and sport throughout the entire region.
Where to Find the Top Wild Animals in Syria
For adventurous travelers, Syria has several wildlife preserves to explore, including the Dahr Alksair Forest to the west of Homs and the Mount Qasioun area of the capital, Damascus. Sabkhat al-Jabbul (the country’s largest natural lake) and Lake Assad (an artificial lake) can be found directly east of Aleppo. They are immense sources of wildlife biodiversity. Unfortunately, as a result of the country’s civil war, which began in 2011, it has been difficult to reach some parts of Syria.
The Most Dangerous Animals in Syria Today
Syria is home to several venomous animals that can cause harm to people who wander too close. Fortunately, most of these species live out in the desert or steppe regions where they’re less likely to be encountered by people. Here are a few facts about the most dangerous animals.
- Deathstalker – As the name implies, the deathstalker is one of the most dangerous species of scorpions in the world. Its venom is a powerful neurotoxin that causes a severe amount of pain. While healthy adults probably aren’t in life-threatening danger, the old, the young, and the sick have a greater chance of death.
- Levant Viper – Also known as the blunt-nosed viper, this species is actually found across North Africa, the Middle East, and as far as Afghanistan. After a warning hiss, the viper will strike quickly and deliver a toxic substance that can cause significant pain, inflammation, and tissue damage.
- Black Desert Cobra – This species, which might be found in the area bordering Lebanon, has a dangerous toxin that might cause neurological symptoms in anyone whom it bites.
Endangered Animals in Syria
While Syria’s wildlife is not yet in crisis, human activity has put the following species in peril.
- Mountain Gazelle – A unique subspecies of the mountain gazelle is believed to be native to the hillsides and mountains of Syria. Unfortunately, across the entire Middle East, this species is now endangered from habitat loss, hunting, disease, and the fragmentation of the remaining population.
- Mediterranean Monk Seal – Once widespread across the entire Mediterranean, the monk seal is now rarely seen in Syria. Habitat degradation, deliberate killings, and entanglements in nets have all caused numbers to dwindle to under a thousand remaining.
- White-headed Duck – Sporting a white head and a blue or black bill, this duck will sometimes pass through or even stay in Syria for the winter. However, numbers are on the decline from pollution and habitat loss.
- Egyptian Vulture – This scavenging vulture is sometimes found along the Mediterranean coast of Syria, especially as it travels south for the winter. It is endangered from hunting, accidental poisoning, and power lines.
- Steppe Eagle – This is another migratory bird that sometimes passes through or stops in Syria for the winter. However, since its nesting sites are being destroyed at an alarming rate from fires and other disturbances, this species may be in danger of becoming extinct. Human hunting and electrocution are also serious problems.
- Lebanese Thin-toed Gecko – This small lizard is native to Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, but it’s now threatened by habitat loss.
- Angelshark – This unusual-looking shark, which blends in with the sediment to ambush prey, was once common throughout the coastal shores of the Mediterranean. It has been the victim of accidental catches.
Flag of Syria
The Syrian flag is a horizontal tricolor of red, white, and black, with two five-pointed green stars on the white stripe.