Egypt

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: