Below you can find a complete list of Egyptian animals. We currently track 207 animals in Egypt and are adding more every day!
Egyptian Geography
The fertile Nile Valley bifurcates Egypt between north and south. Other than a few other oases, the majority of the country is a vast desert ringed by the Mediterranean Sea, Gulf of Suez, Gulf of Aqaba, and the Red Sea. However, desert doesn’t necessarily mean barren. Egypt is a transcontinental country, sitting between continents of Asia and Africa. The various environments of Egypt rank it high on the biodiversity spectrum, many different types of animals making their home in this exquisite country.
Egyptian Animals
In prehistoric times, Egypt’s climate was cooler and wetter. At that time, giraffes, hippos, and ostriches roamed the land. The environment has since evolved into dry snd arid, causing those species to relocate both south and west of the country. In fact, very few animals indigenous to Egypt still live there. Native species that remained include the Egyptian weasel, pale gerbil, Mackilligin’s gerbil, Flower’s shrew, and the Nile Delta toad.
Types of animals commonly found in Egypt today include:
- Mammals (ex. Ruppell’s Fox, Lesser Egyptian Jerboa, Spotted Sandgrouse)
- Reptiles (ex. Nile Crocodile, Cobras)
- Birds (ex. Eagles, Owls, Falcons)
- Fish (ex. Lionfish, Tilapia, Carp)
Native Birds
Throughout Egyptian history, and especially in ancient religion, birds have played an important role. Birds were involved in creation myths and many important gods, such as Horus, were thought to appear as different birds, often depicted with hawk or falcon heads. The banks of the Nile River support hundreds of bird species but Egypt holds many other habitats preferable for avian life. About 150 species permanently make their homes in Egypt, mainly waterfowl and songbirds found along the Nile. However, about 280 various avian species migrate through Egypt, as it bridges together Europe, Asia, and Africa, resulting in millions of birds passing through annually. Some of the best birdwatching in Egypt can be done in the following locations:
- Lake Bardawil: Water bird migratory route; Species seen here include herons, ducks, Dunlins, Little Stints, and Avocets.
- Cairo: In the capital, birds such as Cattle Egrets, Senegal Thick-knees, Painted Snipes, and White-breasted Kingfishers.
- Suez: Located at the end of the Sues Canal, Suez is a critical area for bird of prey migration. Mudflats also draw in shorebirds, such as gulls and terns.
- Faiyum Oasis: Once a hunting ground for birds, this oasis is now known for spotting Grebes, ducks, shorebirds, and coots on Lake Qarun.
Traveling throughout Egypt, there are many stops along the way for bird watching, whether it be for seabirds, songbirds, or migratory flocks.
Native Fish
Egypt is not only lined with coasts along the Mediterranean and Red Seas, it also hold one of the largest rivers in the world, the Nile River. These bodies of water are all rich in underwater life, attracting many anglers to the area.
In the Red Sea, Albacore Tuna, Goatfish, Sailfish, Grouper, Wahoo, and Barracuda lure anglers from all of the world to fish for these large, marine trophy species. However, fishermen must be cautious when around these waters as dangerous species swim roam the waters. Some such animals include:
Freshwater fishing is also a popular sport in the Nile River and surrounding lakes in Egypt. Species such as Nile perch, catfish, African tilapia, and tiger fish can also be reeled in. Nile crocodiles can often be seen in these areas, so keep an eye out.
Native Snakes
Snakes are viewed by Egyptians as demons of the Underworld but also as guardians of the King, somewhat juxtaposed. Several venomous snake species reside in Egypt throughout various habitats in the country. Following is a list of the most venomous snakes in the country and where they are located.
- Saharan Horned Viper – survive in extreme, rocky, arid habitats including deserts
- Field’s Horned Viper – distinct neurotoxic effects from venom and no antivenin exists; endemic to Middle Eastern deserts
- Red Spitting Cobra – distinguished by black band around throat; prefers semi-desert and dry savannah; often exhibit cannibalistic behavior; spits venom at predators, causing cytotoxic and neurotoxic effects and massive pain
- Egyptian Cobra – play a large role in Egyptian mythology and was thought to be how Cleopatra met her end; highly adaptable and able to co-exist with humans; cytotoxic and neurotoxic venom leads to complete respiratory failure
However, there are plenty of non-venomous and even beneficial snake species found in Egypt. The Sand boa helps control the rat population in the country, preying on rodents and other small mammals that may spread disease to humans. The African egg-eating snake, while not very beneficial, does not pose a threat to humans.
Endangered Animals in Egypt
According to Egypt Today, 70 species in the country are currently endangered to some degree. The Sinai baton blue butterfly is one of them. Listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, it is one of the world’s smallest butterflies and needs Sinai thyme to survive. Additionally, Sinai batons are notoriously bad flyers and therefore can’t relocate, making it especially vulnerable.
Rhim gazelles are another endangered species in Egypt. Also known as horned gazelles, African sand gazelles, and Loder’s gazelles, the species has adapted to desert life over centuries. However, fewer than 2,500 remain in the wild, as they are falling prey to poachers and habitat loss.
Other Egyptian endangered animals include the dorcas gazelle, barbary sheep, and the African wild ass.
The 5 Most Dangerous Animals in Egypt
Egypt has its fair share of dangerous animals. Some are gigantic, and others can land on your neck without detection; some live on land, and others reside underwater. Whichever the case, when in Egypt, be on alert for dangerous animals.
1. Nile Crocodile
Nile crocodiles can grow five meters long and weigh up to 700 kilograms. The behemoth reptiles can be found in southeast Egypt, native to the country. Crocodile attacks on humans s are infrequent. Out of the attacks that have occurred, only 50 percent prove fatal.
2. Egyptian Cobra
They love to hang around in wet, grassy fields, which is why most Egyptian cobra bites occur in rural areas. Loaded with both cytotoxin and neurotoxin, the snake’s venom is highly lethal and can result in heart failure.
3. Hippopotamus
Hippos have a gentle reputation, but the lumbering, semiaquatic ungulates can be quite dangerous! While they won’t look to you as a meal — since hippos are herbivores — they weigh several tons and can easily crush humans. And yes, hippos have been known to charge when they feel threatened.
4. Mosquito
Sometimes, the most dangerous things come in small packages. Such is the story of the mosquito. The lethal flyer is considered one of the most deadly since they carry fatal diseases and strike without warning.
5. Lionfish
Lionfish are undeniably cool looking — with their artistic mohawk fins and fringe. They’re also exceptionally dangerous! The colorful swimmers carry poisonous loads similar to snake venom. Instead of biting their targets, they inject spiny tentacles to deliver the toxin. Fortunately, lionfish aren’t typically aggressive with humans, but attacks are not out of the question.
National Egyptian Animal
Like the United States, the national animal of Egypt is an eagle — the stepped eagle (Aquila nipalensis). The majestic bird is a collage of brown feathers with a distinct yellow beak. Its vocalization sounds like a barking crow, but stepped eagles are notoriously taciturn and rarely heard.
Zoos in Egypt
Egypt holds several zoos and aquariums. Established in 1891, the Giza Zoo was built by Khedive Ismail, about 180 birds and 78 other animals coming from his own private collection. Intended to be a botanical gardens, the zoo quickly became home to many different species, such as rhinos, giraffes, elephants, racoons, gazelles, etc.
Some other popular tourist destinations for flora and fauna viewing include:
- Hurghada Grand Aquarium
- Aquarium Museum
- Gabalaya Park & Aquarium
Egyptian Animals

Abyssinian
The oldest breed of cat in the world!

American Cockroach
Despite its name, actually originated from Africa and the Middle East

Ant
First evolved 100 million years ago!

Antelope
Renew their horns every year!

Armyworm
They are so named because they "march" in armies of worms from one crop to another in search of food

Banana Spider
People spin clothing and fishing nets out of these spiders’ silk.

Barb
There are over 1768 known species!

Barn Owl
Found everywhere around the world!

Barn Swallow
Older offspring help care for new hatchlings.

Bat
Detects prey using echolocation!

Bed Bugs
Bed bugs feed for 4-12 minutes.

Bee
Rock paintings of bees date back 15,000 years

Beetle
There are more than 350,000 different species

Bichir
The bichir species is more than 400 million years old

Bird
Not all birds are able to fly!

Biscuit Beetle
The biscuit beetle form a symbiotic relationship with yeast

Black Widow Spider
They typically prey on insects!

Brown-banded Cockroach
Females glue egg cases to furniture

Brown Dog Tick
Can live its entire life indoors

Bumblebee
The most common species of bee!

Butterfly
There are thought to be up 17,500 species!

Caecilian
Some species' babies use their hooked or scraper-like teeth to peel off and eat their mother's skin

Camel
Can survive without water for 10 months!

Caracal
Has 20 different muscles in it's ears!

Carpenter Ant
Carpenter ants can lift up to seven times their own weight with their teeth!

Carpet Viper
The Carpet Viper probably bites and kills more people than any other species of snake.

Cat
First domesticated by the Ancient Egyptians!

Caterpillar
The larvae of a moth or butterfly!

Catfish
There are nearly 3,000 different species!

Centipede
There are about 3,000 documented species!

Chameleon
There are more than 160 different species!

Cheetah
The fastest land mammal in the world!

Chicken
First domesticated more than 10,000 years ago!

Cichlid
There are more than 2 000 known species!

Cockroach
Dated to be around 300 million years old!

Codling Moth
Pupae are able to undergo diapause to survive poor fruit yield years and winter.

Common Buzzard
The most common raptor in the UK!

Common Furniture Beetle
The common furniture beetle feeds exclusively on wood

Common House Spider
House spiders have the ability to eat most insects in a home.

Cow
There are nearly 1.5 million worldwide!

Crab
There are 93 different crab groups

Crab Spider
Crab Spiders can mimic ants or bird droppings

Crane
Many are critically endangered species!

Cricket
Male crickets can produce sounds by rubbing their wings together

Crocodile
Have changed little in 200 million years!

Crow
A group of these birds is called a Murder.

Desert Locust
Solitary locusts are grey while gregarious locusts are yellow with stripes.

Devils Coach Horse Beetle
The Devil’s coach horse beetle can emit a noxious substance to deter predators

Dog
First domesticated in South-East Asia!

Dog Tick
Dog ticks feed on dogs and other mammals

Donkey
First domesticated 5,000 years ago!

Dragonfly
It's larvae are carnivorous!

Duck
Rows of tiny plates line their teeth!

Dung Beetle
The dung beetle can push objects many times its own weight

Earthworm
They are hermaphrodites, which means they have male and female organs

Earwig
There are nearly 2,000 different species!

Eel
Eels can be a mere few inches long to 13 feet!

Egyptian Cobra
The Egyptian cobra is one of the largest cobras in Africa.

Egyptian Goose
A duck species that resembles a goose when flying

Egyptian Mau
An ancient breed of domestic cat!

Electric Catfish
The electric catfish can discharge an electric shock up to 450 volts

Elephant
Spends around 22 hours a day eating!

Elephant Shrew
Found exclusively on the African continent!

European Polecat
Its fur changes color in the winter!

European Robin
Male robins are so aggressive and territorial that they will attack their own reflections.

Falcon
The fastest creatures on the planet!

False Cobra
When it feels threatened, it mimics a cobra in an attempt to dissuade a potential attacker.

False Widow Spider
False spiders actually prey on black widow spiders and other hazardous spiders

Fennec Fox
Found in the African Sahara Desert!

Firefly
The firefly produces some of the most efficient light in the world

Flamingo
Sleeps on just one leg!

Flea
Adult fleas can jump up to 7 inches in the air

Fly
There are more than 240,000 different species!

Fox
There are 12 different species in the world!

Frog
There are around 7,000 different species!

Fruit Bat
Among the largest bats in the world

Fruit Fly
Fruit flies are among the most common research animals in the world

Gazelle
Named for the Arabic word for love poems

Gecko
There are thought to be over 2,000 species!

Gerbil
Originally known as the Desert Rat!

German Cockroach
The most common type of urban roach

Glass Lizard
Can grow up to 4ft long!

Glow Worm
Found inhabiting dense woodland and caves!

Gnat
Males form large mating swarms at dusk

Goat
Most closely related to the Sheep!

Golden Oriole
Migrates between Europe and Asia!

Grasshopper
There are 11,000 known species!

Green Bee-Eater
Mainly eats honeybees!

Hamster
Able to run as quickly backwards as forwards!

Hare
Can reach speeds of over 40 mph!

Hawk Moth Caterpillar
Many hawk moth caterpillars eat toxins from plants, but don’t sequester them the way milkweed butterflies do. Most toxins are excreted.

Hedgehog
Thought to be one of the oldest mammals on Earth!

Heron
Inhabits wetlands around the world!

Honey Bee
There are only 8 recognized species!

Hoopoe
Stunning bird with a stinky way to deter predators!

Horse
Has evolved over 50 million years!

Horsefly
Horseflies have been seen performing Immelmann turns, much like fighter jets.

Housefly
The fly has no teeth

Human
Thought to have orignated 200,000 years ago!

Huntsman Spider
Some huntsman spiders have an interesting way of moving around. Some cartwheel while others do handsprings or backflips.

Hyena
There are four different species!

Ibex
Can jump over 6 feet straight up from a standstill

Ibis
Found in swamps, marshes and wetlands!

Insects
There are an estimated 30 million species!

Jacana
The jacana has the ability to swim underwater

Jerboa
Tiny rodent with a kangaroo-like jump!

Jumping Spider
Some can jump 50 times the length of their bodies

Kenyan Sand Boa
A popular pet snake that comes in dozens of morphs!

Kingfisher
Inhabits wetlands and woodlands worldwide!

Ladybug
There are more than 5,000 species worldwide!

Leech
Has 10 pairs of eyes!

Liger
The offspring of a lion and tiger parents!

Lizard
There are around 5,000 different species!

Locust
Each locust can eat its weight in plants each day.

Maggot
Will only live in wet areas

Magpie
They are found across Europe, Asia and Africa!

Mayfly
There are 2,500 known species worldwide!

Mealybug
They have a symbiotic relationship with ants.

Millipede
Some species have a poisonous bite!

Mole
Primarily hunts and feeds on Earthworms!

Mole Cricket
Adult Mole crickets may fly as far as 5 miles during mating season and are active most of the year.

Mongoose
Range in size from just 1 to 3 foot!

Mongrel
Has characteristics of two or more breeds!

Monitor Lizard
Some species are thought to carry a weak venom!

Monkey
There are around 260 known species!

Moorhen
Feeds on aquatic insects and water-spiders!

Mosquito
Only the female mosquito actually sucks blood

Moth
There are 250,000 different species!

Mouse
Found on every continent on Earth!

Mule
The offspring of a horse and donkey parents!

Nightingale
Named more than 1,000 years ago!

Nile Crocodile
When a female Nile crocodile’s hatchlings are in danger, she may hide them in a special pouch inside her throat.

No See Ums
There are more than 5,000 species.

Orb Weaver
Females are about four times the size of males

Ortolan Bunting
The tradition of hiding your face with a napkin or towel while eating this bird was begun by a priest who was a friend of the great French gastronome Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin.

Otter
There are 13 different species worldwide

Owl
The owl can rotate its head some 270 degrees

Parakeet
Monk parakeets are the only parakeets that actually build nests. They’re also the only parakeets to nest in great colonies.

Parrot
Can live for up to 100 years!

Peregrine Falcon
Fastest animal on Earth

Pheasant
Females lay between 8 and 12 eggs per clutch!

Pigeon
They can find their way back to their nests from up to 1300 miles away.

Praying Mantis
The mantis can turn its head 180 degrees.

Puss Moth
Caterpillars squirt formic acid!

Quail
Inhabits woodland and forest areas worldwide!

Rabbit
There are more than 50 different species!

Rat
Omnivores that eat anything!

Red Kite
This bird moves its tail to steer its body like a rudder on a boat.

Red Spitting Cobra
Scientists believe that the red spitting cobra evolved from injecting venom to spitting it in response to the constant threat of early humans

Rhinoceros
It's horns are made from keratin!

River Turtle
Inhabits freshwater habitats around the world!

Robin
There are more than 45 species in Australia alone!

Rock Hyrax
Actually related to Elephants and Manatees!

Rodents
The capybara, the world’s largest rodent, likes to be in and around bodies of water. Because of this, the Catholic Church in South America decided that it was a fish, and people were allowed to eat it during Lent and First Fridays.

Rooster
Will mate with the entire flock!

Sable Ferret
Ferrets were used during the Revolutionary War to keep down the rat population.

Sand Crab
The sand crab burrows beneath the sand with its tail

Scimitar-horned Oryx
Believed to be the inspiration for unicorn myths!

Scorpion
There are around 2,000 known species!

Sea Eagle
The sea eagle tends to mate for life with a single partner

Seahorse
Males give birth to up to 1,000 offspring!

Sheep
Around 35 million in the English countryside!

Shrew
The spinal column of the shrew Scutisorex somereni is so strong and reinforced that it can support the weight of an adult human.

Shrimp
There are 2,000 different species worldwide!

Skink Lizard
Some skinks lay eggs in some habitats while giving birth to skinklets in other habitats.

Slug
They glide around on one foot, which is aided by the slime they produce

Smokybrown Cockroach
Has up to 45 eggs per egg case

Snail
There are nearly 1,000 different species!

Snake
There are around 3,000 known species worldwide

Song Thrush
A male song thrush can have over 100 phrases in his repertoire of songs and can imitate pet birds, telephones and other man-made objects.

Sparrow
There are 140 different species!

Spider Wasp
They prey on spiders to feed their larvae or they parasitize other spider wasps.

Spinosaurus
The Spinosaurus is the biggest carnivorous dinosaur ever discovered!

Spitting Cobra
Spitting cobras are types of cobras that can spit venom at predators and prey.

Squirrel
Small rodents found in woodlands worldwide!

Stick Insect
There are more than 3,000 different species!

Stork
They can’t sing like other birds.

Striped Hyena
The striped hyenas usually mark their territories with the help of the scent gland secretions from their anal pouch.

Swan
Populations have been affected by pollution!

Tarantula Hawk
Tarantula hawks are excellent pollinators, especially for milkweed.

Termite
Their mounds can be up to 9 meters tall!

Thrush
The American robin is called the robin because its red breast reminded European settlers of the robin back in the old country.

Tick
They inject hosts with a chemical that stops them from feeling the pain of the bite

Tiger Beetle
The adult tiger beetle is one of the fastest land insects in the world

Tortoise
Can live until they are more than 150 years old!

Tree Frog
Found in warmer jungles and forests!

Turtles
Some species of aquatic turtles can get up to 70 percent of their oxygen through their butt.

Vinegaroon
Vinegaroons can spray 19 times before the glands are depleted

Vulture
There are 30 different species worldwide!

Wasp
There are around 75,000 recognised species!

Water Buffalo
Has been domesticated for thousands of years!

White Ferret / Albino Ferrets
There are two different types of white ferrets!

Wolf
Thought to date back more than 300,000 years!

Wolf Spider
Carnivorous arachnid that hunts its prey.

Woodlouse
This animal can roll up into a ball

Woodlouse Spider
Unlike most spiders, woodlouse spiders don’t build a web.

Woodpecker
There are 200 different species!

Worm
Doesn’t have eyes.

Zebu
There are around 75 different species!

Zonkey
The offspring of Zebra and Donkey parents!

Zorse
The offspring of a Zebra and Horse parents!
Egyptian Animals List
- Abyssinian
- American Cockroach
- Ant
- Antelope
- Armyworm
- Banana Spider
- Barb
- Barn Owl
- Barn Swallow
- Basilosaurus
- Bat
- Bed Bugs
- Bee
- Beetle
- Bichir
- Bird
- Biscuit Beetle
- Black Widow Spider
- Brahminy Blindsnake
- Brown-banded Cockroach
- Brown Dog Tick
- Bumblebee
- Butterfly
- Caecilian
- Camel
- Caracal
- Carpenter Ant
- Carpet Viper
- Cat
- Caterpillar
- Catfish
- Centipede
- Chameleon
- Cheetah
- Chicken
- Cichlid
- Cockroach
- Codling Moth
- Common Buzzard
- Common Furniture Beetle
- Common House Spider
- Cow
- Crab
- Crab Spider
- Crane
- Cricket
- Crocodile
- Crow
- Cuckoo
- Desert Locust
- Devils Coach Horse Beetle
- Dog
- Dog Tick
- Donkey
- Dormouse
- Dragonfly
- Duck
- Dung Beetle
- Earthworm
- Earwig
- Eel
- Egyptian Cobra
- Egyptian Goose
- Egyptian Mau
- Electric Catfish
- Elephant
- Elephant Shrew
- European Polecat
- European Robin
- Falcon
- False Cobra
- False Widow Spider
- Fennec Fox
- Firefly
- Flamingo
- Flea
- Fly
- Fox
- Frog
- Fruit Bat
- Fruit Fly
- Gazelle
- Gecko
- Gerbil
- German Cockroach
- Glass Lizard
- Glow Worm
- Gnat
- Goat
- Golden Oriole
- Grasshopper
- Green Bee-Eater
- Hamster
- Hare
- Hawk Moth Caterpillar
- Hedgehog
- Heron
- Honey Bee
- Hoopoe
- Horned Viper
- Horse
- Horsefly
- Housefly
- Human
- Huntsman Spider
- Hyena
- Ibex
- Ibis
- Insects
- Jacana
- Jerboa
- Jumping Spider
- Kenyan Sand Boa
- Kingfisher
- Ladybug
- Leech
- Liger
- Lizard
- Locust
- Maggot
- Magpie
- Mayfly
- Mealybug
- Millipede
- Mole
- Mole Cricket
- Mongoose
- Mongrel
- Monitor Lizard
- Monkey
- Moorhen
- Mosquito
- Moth
- Mouse
- Mule
- Nightingale
- Nile Crocodile
- No See Ums
- Orb Weaver
- Ortolan Bunting
- Otter
- Owl
- Parakeet
- Parrot
- Peregrine Falcon
- Pheasant
- Pigeon
- Praying Mantis
- Puss Moth
- Quail
- Rabbit
- Rat
- Red Kite
- Red Spitting Cobra
- Rhinoceros
- River Turtle
- Robin
- Rock Hyrax
- Rodents
- Rooster
- Sable Ferret
- Sand Crab
- Sand Viper
- Scimitar-horned Oryx
- Scorpion
- Sea Eagle
- Seahorse
- Sheep
- Shrew
- Shrimp
- Skink Lizard
- Slug
- Smokybrown Cockroach
- Snail
- Snake
- Song Thrush
- Sparrow
- Spider Wasp
- Spinosaurus
- Spitting Cobra
- Squirrel
- Stick Insect
- Stork
- Striped Hyena
- Swan
- Tarantula Hawk
- Termite
- Thrush
- Tick
- Tiger Beetle
- Tortoise
- Tree Frog
- Turtles
- Vinegaroon
- Vulture
- Wasp
- Water Buffalo
- White Ferret / Albino Ferrets
- Wolf
- Wolf Spider
- Woodlouse
- Woodlouse Spider
- Woodpecker
- Worm
- Zebu
- Zonkey
- Zorse
Egypt FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What rivers are in Egypt.
The 3 major rivers in Egypt are the Nile and its two major distributaries, the Damietta River and the Rosetta River.