Some of the popular animals native to Egypt are camels, crocodiles, and ostriches. But there are many other animals that make their home in this North African country. In this list, we’ll explore 10 animals native to Egypt.
1. The Nile Crocodile
The Nile crocodile is a large crocodilian that is native to Africa. It is found throughout the Nile River basin in Egypt, as well as in parts of Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The Nile crocodile is the largest crocodilian in Africa, with males reaching lengths of up to 14 feet (4.3 meters).
2. The Egyptian Mongoose
The Egyptian mongoose is a small meat-eating mammal whose main range covers Africa and the Mediterranean Basin. In Egypt it occurs along the Nile Valley and across the northern coast into Sinai. The species also has a population on the Iberian Peninsula whose origin is debated (probably introduced by Romans or during the medieval period). The Egyptian mongoose usually weighs 1.7 to 4 kilograms (3.7 to 8.8 pounds) and has a body up to about 60 centimeters (2 feet) long. The IUCN Red List lists it as Least Concern.
3. The Dromedary Camel
The dromedary camel is a large, even-toed ungulate that is native to the dry deserts of North Africa. It is mostly found in the Sahara Desert. The dromedary camel can go without water for long periods of time and survive on very little food.
4. The Nubian Ibex
The Nubian ibex is a type of wild goat that lives in the arid mountains of north-east Africa and the Middle East. In Egypt it survives in two main pockets: the Eastern Desert east of the Nile and the high peaks of South Sinai, with strongholds in the St Katherine and Taba protected areas. It is also found in Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, Palestine, and Oman. The Nubian ibex is a large animal, weighing up to 50 kilograms (110 pounds), and was assessed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List in 2020 with fewer than 10,000 mature individuals remaining.
5. The Egyptian Weasel
The Egyptian weasel is a small mammal endemic to northern Egypt, where it ranges from Alexandria east to Port Said and south through the Nile Delta to roughly Beni Suef. It is a member of the mustelid family, which includes otters, badgers, and wolverines. Males typically weigh 60 to 130 grams (about 2 to 4.5 ounces) with a head-and-body length of 36 to 43 centimeters (14 to 17 inches); females are noticeably smaller at 45 to 60 grams and 33 to 39 centimeters. The IUCN Red List rates the species as Least Concern.
6. The Barbary Sheep
The Barbary sheep is a goat-like animal that is native to the rocky mountains of North Africa. It is also found in parts of Egypt. The Barbary sheep typically weigh between 66 and 320 pounds (30 and 145 kilograms) and can be 3 feet tall.
7. The Dorcas Gazelle
The Dorcas gazelle is a small gazelle that is native to North Africa and the Middle East. It is mostly found in multiple environments like grasslands, steppes, wadis, and deserts. It typically weighs between 33 and 44 pounds (15 and 20 kilograms).
8. The Red Fox
The red fox is a medium-sized fox that is native to Europe, Asia, North America, and North Africa. It can also be found in Egypt. The red fox has a red coat, black legs, and a white belly. It typically weighs between 5 and 31 pounds (2.2 and 14.3 kilograms).
9. The Rock Hyrax
The rock hyrax is a small mammal that is found in Africa and the Middle East. It is closely related to the elephant. The rock hyrax typically weighs 8.8 pounds (4 kilograms) and has a body that is up to 20 inches long (50 centimeters).
10 .The Rüppell’s Fox
The Rüppell’s fox is a small fox that lives in the deserts of North Africa. The fox has a sandy brown coat with ticks of white on its body and beige legs. It typically weighs 3.7 pounds (1.7 kilograms).
Conclusion
In this list, we’ve explored 10 animals that are native to Egypt. These animals come from a variety of taxonomic groups and include mammals, reptiles, birds, and even small mammals. If you’re ever in Egypt, be sure to keep an eye out for these amazing creatures!
Nile Crocodile Image by: Leigh Bedford, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Egyptian Weasel Image by: Joprato, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Rüppell’s Fox Image by: Theklan, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
