A Survey and Taxonomic Study of Hemorrhois nummifer in Northwestern Syria: A Case Study from Idlib Governorate

Abstract

— In this study, we conducted a survey of Hemorrhois nummifer in various areas of Idllib Governorate, and its presence was documented during 2025-02026. Sites with diverse environmental conditions were selected such as forestedareas. Agricultural land and mountainous araes with sparse vegetations and fiehd surveys were conducted at arate of two per month, with traps set in the evening and checked during the day. Information was provided on the environmental characteristics of the local sites where this species was documented, morphometric measurements and scale counts were taken, and the relationship between the distribution of this species and the species and the prevailing environmental factors in the study areas was examined. It was found to be abundant in forested areas with shrubby vegetation and rocky geology (Al-Laj- Jabal Al- Muzra, a) and was found in abundance in residential areas abandoned due to the war in several villages of Jabal al- Zawiya  ( Kafer Uwayed, Al-Bara). It was also frequently observed and documented in agricultural land in the Al- Habeet area and in the agricultural land of Saraqib, characterised by annual crops and red clay soil, as well as in the Jisr al- Shughur area with its humid climate (Al- Sukariya). This study indicates the expansion of the geographical rang of this species across the entire province.