N S W E
Wildlife Expeditions

Wildlife of
Mauritania

Mauritania is most notable for the astonishing birdlife of the Banc d'Arguin-one of the world's great migratory shorebird refuges-set against a backdrop of vast Sahara dunes, Sahel savannas, and a wild Atlantic coast.
67 Species
1,030,700 km² Land Area
Overview

About Mauritania

Mauritania's wildlife identity is defined by extremes: immense arid landscapes where life is finely adapted to heat, wind, and scarce water, and a remarkably productive coastline where desert meets ocean. Across the Sahara and Sahel, visitors encounter a subtle but compelling fauna-fennec foxes, African wildcats, desert-adapted reptiles, and hardy ungulates where grazing and water allow-alongside iconic desert scenery that makes every track, footprint, and fleeting silhouette feel hard-won. This is a country where wildlife viewing is often about reading the land and timing: early-morning movement around wadis, seasonal greening in the Sahel, and the pulse of coastal tides that concentrate birds.

The signature ecosystem is the Atlantic littoral, especially the Banc d'Arguin National Park, a mosaic of mudflats, seagrass beds, sandbanks, and shallow waters that supports immense numbers of wintering and passage migratory birds moving along the East Atlantic Flyway. The park's tidal flats and seagrass meadows fuel huge concentrations of waders, terns, flamingos, and other waterbirds, while offshore waters contribute to a broader marine food web. Inland, Sahelian steppe and shrublands provide habitat for desert-edge species and act as ecological "hinges" between true desert and more productive savanna systems farther south.

In global conservation terms, Mauritania punches above its weight through the international importance of its coastal wetlands and their protection-Banc d'Arguin is widely recognized as a cornerstone site for migratory shorebird conservation. The wildlife experience here is uniquely elemental: vast open skies, dramatic light, and a strong sense of remoteness, with world-class birding at the coast and a chance to appreciate desert biodiversity where survival strategies are as fascinating as the species themselves.

Physical Features

Geography

Mauritania's wildlife distribution follows a strong north-south moisture gradient: hyper-arid Sahara dunes and rocky plateaus in the north support sparse desert-adapted species, while the southern Sahel zone (with seasonal rains) supports more productive savanna/steppe habitats and higher mammal and bird diversity. The Atlantic coastline-especially the Banc d'Arguin and Senegal River delta wetlands-creates a globally important habitat mosaic (tidal flats, seagrass beds, dunes, salt marsh) that concentrates marine life and some of the largest migratory shorebird assemblages in West Africa.

1,030,700 km² Land Area
~29th largest country; about the size of Egypt Size Rank

Key Landscapes

  • Sahara Desert landscapes (sand seas, gravel plains, rocky plateaus) dominating the north and center
  • Sahel transition belt in the south with seasonal grasslands, thorn scrub, and Acacia-dominated savannas
  • Adrar Plateau and associated massifs/plateaus (including the Tagant and Assaba highlands): rocky uplands, escarpments, and dry river valleys that act as localized refuges after rains
  • Hodh basins/plains (Western Hodh and Eastern Hodh): broad sandy plains with seasonal pasture and temporary wetlands after rainfall
  • Senegal River valley and floodplain (southern border): riparian corridors, flood-recession agriculture zones, and wetland habitat crucial for waterbirds and Sahelian fauna
  • Atlantic coastline of dunes, cliffs, and wide intertidal flats; strong upwelling supports marine productivity
  • Banc d'Arguin (Arguin Bank) coastal wetlands/seagrass beds and islands: cornerstone habitat for Palearctic migratory shorebirds and breeding seabirds
  • Diawling area/Senegal River delta wetlands: seasonal inundation, lagoons, and saltmarsh important for waterfowl and fish nurseries

Ecoregions

  • Sahara Desert
  • South Saharan steppe and woodlands
  • Sahelian Acacia savanna
  • Atlantic coastal desert
  • West Sudanian savanna (limited extent in the far south)
  • Guinean mangroves (small, localized presence near the lower Senegal River/delta)
Parks & Reserves

Protected Areas

Mauritania's protected-area network is relatively small on land but highly important globally because it safeguards Atlantic coastal wetlands and the Senegal River delta-two key nodes on the East Atlantic Flyway for migratory birds. Protection is delivered mainly through nationally designated parks (notably Banc d'Arguin and Diawling), plus a set of internationally recognized wetlands (Ramsar sites) that cover lagoons, tidal flats, and inland lakes/reservoirs used by waterbirds; outside these, much of the Sahara-Sahel rangelands have limited formal protection and are managed primarily through customary use and sectoral regulations.

Protected Coverage

Approx. ~2% of Mauritania's land area is under formal protected-area status (estimate; terrestrial coverage is low compared with many countries). Marine/coastal protection is proportionally much higher due to the very large Banc d'Arguin protected seascape.

Notable Parks & Reserves

Banc d'Arguin National Park

National Park; UNESCO World Heritage (natural); Ramsar Wetland of International Importance

One of the most important coastal wetland complexes in the world, with vast intertidal mudflats and seagrass beds supporting huge numbers of Palearctic migratory shorebirds and coastal seabirds. It is also vital for marine biodiversity along the Saharan Atlantic coast.

Greater flamingo
Eurasian spoonbill
Bar-tailed godwit
Red knot
Royal tern
Green sea turtle

Diawling National Park

National Park; Ramsar Wetland of International Importance

A restored wetland mosaic in the lower Senegal River delta that supports large concentrations of waterbirds and provides critical habitat in an otherwise arid Sahelian landscape. Seasonal flooding drives productivity for birds, fish, and wetland-dependent mammals.

Greater flamingo
White pelican
African spoonbill
Glossy ibis
West African manatee
Spotted hyena

Chott Boul (Ramsar Site)

Ramsar Wetland of International Importance

A shallow coastal lagoon/salt-pan system important for wintering and passage shorebirds, especially where undisturbed roosting and feeding areas persist. It complements Banc d'Arguin by providing additional flyway habitat along the Mauritanian coast.

Greater flamingo
Pied avocet
Black-winged stilt
Little tern
Slender-billed gull

Etoile Bay (Ramsar Site)

Ramsar Wetland of International Importance

A coastal bay and wetland complex used by mixed flocks of waders and seabirds, with productive nearshore waters and sheltered roost sites. It is notable as part of the chain of Atlantic stopover habitats for migratory birds.

Grey plover
Sanderling
Common redshank
Lesser black-backed gull
Caspian tern

Lake Aleg (Ramsar Site)

Ramsar Wetland of International Importance

A key inland lake in the Sahel zone that becomes a major refuge for waterbirds in wet years and an important staging site during migration. Its value spikes when surrounding landscapes are dry and wetlands are scarce.

Garganey
Northern pintail
Northern pintail
Black-tailed godwit
Black-winged stilt
Great cormorant

Foum Gleita Reservoir (Ramsar Site)

Ramsar Wetland of International Importance

A large reservoir/wetland that supports waterbirds and other aquatic fauna in southern Mauritania, functioning as a dry-season haven. The mix of open water and vegetated margins increases habitat diversity for birds.

White pelican
African jacana
African jacana
Squacco heron
Osprey
Osprey
Nile crocodile
Nile crocodile

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

  • Banc d'Arguin National Park (natural)
Animals

Wildlife

Mauritania's wildlife is defined by stark ecological contrasts: vast Sahara dunes and rocky massifs (Adrar/Tagant), a Sahelian transition zone in the south, and an exceptionally productive Atlantic coastline. Terrestrial diversity is relatively low in the deep desert but includes highly adapted mammals (gazelles, foxes, hyenas) and a rich reptile assemblage. The country's standout wildlife experience is coastal: the Banc d'Arguin/Arguin Bank region is a globally important wetland complex for Palearctic migratory shorebirds and seabirds, with huge seasonal concentrations that make Mauritania one of West Africa's premier birding destinations. Offshore waters also support marine megafauna, and the Cap Blanc area is famous for its monk seals.

~100-120 species (with many desert-adapted and several Sahelo-Saharan antelopes now very rare) Mammals
~520-600 species (exceptionally strong for migrants and waterbirds along the coast and wetlands) Birds
~75-95 species (notably diverse in Saharan/Sahel habitats) Reptiles
~10-15 species (mostly restricted to the wetter south and temporary Sahelian pools/wadis) Amphibians

Iconic Species

Mediterranean Monk Seal One of the country's signature marine mammals; the Cap Blanc (Nouadhibou Peninsula) area holds one of the last remaining and most important colonies for this globally endangered species.
Greater Flamingo A hallmark of Banc d'Arguin and other coastal lagoons/salt flats; large flocks are a major draw for visitors focused on coastal birdlife.
Great White Pelican Conspicuous in coastal wetlands and nearshore waters; often seen in impressive groups in the Banc d'Arguin region during peak seasons.
African Royal Tern Mauritania's coast supports major seabird activity; African royal terns are prominent along the Arguin Bank, especially around feeding flocks and breeding areas on islands/sandbanks.
Eurasian Spoonbill A classic Banc d'Arguin wetland species; best observed in shallow lagoons and tidal flats where it feeds in mixed wader assemblages.
Addax
Addax A critically endangered Sahelo-Saharan antelope that historically ranged widely in Mauritania; any remaining presence is of high conservation interest and symbolizes the country's desert wildlife heritage.
Dorcas Gazelle One of the most characteristic desert gazelles of Mauritania's arid zones; where it persists, it represents the quintessential Sahara/Sahel wildlife encounter.
Fennec Fox
Fennec Fox An iconic small canid of dune systems; strongly associated with Saharan landscapes that dominate much of Mauritania.
Loggerhead Sea Turtle Regularly encountered in Mauritania's productive Atlantic waters; part of the broader marine biodiversity tied to the Arguin Bank upwelling system.

Endemic Species

Mauritanian Gerbil A near-endemic small desert rodent largely centered on Mauritania and adjacent parts of the western Sahara/Sahel; characteristic of sandy and semi-desert habitats. Endemic
Boue's Agama A West African Sahel/Sahara-edge lizard with a stronghold in Mauritania and neighboring countries; typical of rocky outcrops and arid scrub in the Sahel transition. Endemic

Notable Populations

  • Banc d'Arguin National Park/Arguin Bank is one of the most important wintering and stopover sites on the East Atlantic Flyway, hosting very large seasonal concentrations of Palearctic shorebirds and waterbirds (often in the hundreds of thousands to millions).
  • Cap Blanc (Nouadhibou Peninsula) supports one of the world's last major colonies of Mediterranean monk seals, a flagship population for the species' survival.
  • The Arguin Bank's high productivity supports globally significant seabird and waterbird aggregations (terns, pelicans, flamingos, waders), making Mauritania a cornerstone site for coastal West African bird conservation.
  • Mauritania retains (or historically retained) key habitat for Sahelo-Saharan antelopes such as addax and gazelles-species that have disappeared from much of West Africa and are conservation priorities where any remnant populations persist.
Protection

Conservation

Primary Threats

  • Rising temperatures and increasing rainfall variability intensify drought cycles across the Sahara-Sahel gradient, accelerating desertification, reducing pasture productivity, and stressing wildlife and livestock. Sea-level rise and changing ocean conditions also threaten low-lying coastal wetlands and mudflats that underpin Banc d'Arguin's bird habitat and the productivity of nearshore fisheries.
  • In the Sahelian south and along the Senegal River valley, conversion and degradation of natural habitats occur through expansion of irrigated agriculture, settlement growth, and vegetation clearing for fuelwood. In arid rangelands, localized habitat degradation (loss of perennial vegetation cover) can function like habitat loss for desert/steppe species by removing forage and shelter over large areas.
  • Mauritania's waters are among the most productive in the region, attracting substantial industrial fishing (including foreign fleets) alongside major artisanal effort. High fishing pressure, bycatch, and illegal/unreported catches can reduce fish stocks and alter food webs, affecting coastal biodiversity and the prey base for seabirds and marine mammals. Competition between industrial and artisanal sectors is a recurring governance and sustainability issue.
  • Marine and coastal pollution risks include plastics and solid waste near population centers and fishing landing sites, operational discharges from maritime traffic, and localized contamination associated with ports and industry. In wetlands and irrigated zones, agricultural runoff and sedimentation can degrade water quality and aquatic habitats.
  • Fuelwood and charcoal remain important energy sources in many areas, contributing to woody vegetation depletion in the Sahelian belt and around settlements. Heavy grazing pressure in fragile rangelands can deplete vegetation and soil organic matter, reducing ecosystem resilience and increasing erosion.
  • Extractive activities (notably iron ore, and other minerals) can drive habitat fragmentation, dust and water impacts, and new access roads/settlements in otherwise sparsely populated desert landscapes. Water abstraction and infrastructure associated with mining can be significant in arid environments where water is a limiting resource.
  • Roads, rail corridors, ports, and associated development can fragment habitats and create disturbance in sensitive coastal and desert areas. Port expansion and coastal engineering can alter sediment dynamics that maintain mudflats and shallow lagoons used by migratory birds and as fish nurseries.
  • Disturbance to roosting and feeding birds can occur from increasing coastal activity (fishing operations, boat traffic, tourism in limited sites, and settlement expansion). In desert/steppe areas, off-road travel and new access tracks can disturb wildlife and damage fragile crusts/vegetation that take long periods to recover.
  • Although large wildlife densities are generally low in much of the desert, opportunistic hunting and trapping can impact vulnerable species, especially where enforcement is limited and where wildlife is concentrated near water points or productive coastal zones.
  • Wildlife trade pressures are generally lower-profile than in some neighboring countries, but can occur via opportunistic capture/transport of birds, reptiles, and other fauna through regional trade routes; weak monitoring capacity can make detection difficult.
  • Hydrological alteration and intensive water management in the Senegal River valley (irrigation schemes, water abstraction, and drainage) can modify floodplain dynamics that support wetlands and biodiversity. Along the coast, modifications linked to ports and shoreline works can change lagoon and mudflat functioning.
  • Irrigated agriculture expansion in the southern belt increases pressure on riparian habitats and wetlands, with knock-on effects for water availability, water quality, and wildlife corridors in the country's most biodiverse terrestrial zone.
  • In pastoral zones, perceived competition for scarce forage and water can lead to negative interactions with wildlife (including retaliatory killing of predators where present). As drought intensifies, concentration of both livestock and wildlife at remaining water points increases conflict risk.
Visit

Wildlife Tourism

Mauritania's wildlife tourism is niche but exceptional, built around desert and Sahel-adapted fauna, a globally important Atlantic coastline, and one of Africa's premier migratory bird sites: Banc d'Arguin. Economically, it's smaller than in classic safari countries, yet it's highly valuable for coastal communities and guides because trips are longer, specialized (birding, coastal expeditions), and often use local boats and services. Historically, the country's conservation identity is strongly tied to Banc d'Arguin National Park (created in the 1970s and later recognized internationally for its biodiversity), which protects tidal flats, seagrass beds, islands, and breeding colonies that support huge numbers of Palearctic migrants and West African coastal birds. Accessibility is improving but remains adventure-leaning: most visitors enter via Nouakchott (international flights) and travel overland to coastal wetlands and desert landscapes. Roads are limited outside main corridors; some key wildlife areas require 4x4 travel, tide-aware planning, and sometimes boat transfers. Facilities range from simple guesthouses and eco-lodges to expedition-style camping. The payoff is high for travelers who want remote, big-sky landscapes, world-class shorebird spectacles, and culturally rich coastal journeys (Imraguen fishing villages near Banc d'Arguin are a highlight when visited respectfully).

Best Time to Visit
  • Best wildlife seasons are shaped by (1) migratory birds along the coast and wetlands and (2) heat in the interior.
  • November-February (prime, coolest; peak birdlife): Best overall window. Expect massive numbers of migratory waders and seabirds on the Banc d'Arguin tidal flats (sandpipers, plovers, knots, godwits), plus flamingos and pelicans. Cooler temperatures make desert excursions far more comfortable.
  • March-April (spring movement; still good weather): Excellent for observing migration turnover-some wintering birds depart as others move through. Great for birders who enjoy variety and active behavior.
  • July-October (Sahel "green" season inland; coastal still productive): The Sahel fringe can briefly green up after rains, improving chances of seeing desert/steppe wildlife and making landscapes more dramatic. However, humidity and heat increase, and some routes can be affected by weather.
  • May-June (hottest; generally least comfortable): Wildlife viewing can be harder due to heat haze and mid-day inactivity; best for committed specialists who plan dawn/dusk outings and focus on the coast. Wildlife highlights by month (practical guide):
  • Dec-Jan: Highest concentrations of wintering shorebirds; superb coastal bird photography in soft light.
  • Feb: Continued peak birding; good balance of weather and access.
  • Mar-Apr: Migration activity and mixed flocks; great for species diversity.
  • Aug-Sep: Inland landscapes most "alive" (relative to the rest of the year); plan carefully for heat and logistics.

Top Wildlife Experiences

  • Do a tide-timed shorebird safari on the Banc d'Arguin mudflats, traveling by local pirogue or along the shoreline to watch feeding frenzies as the water drops (bring a spotting scope or hire a bird guide).
  • Visit Imraguen fishing villages near Banc d'Arguin with a conservation-minded local operator-combine cultural insight with birding, and learn how traditional fishing and protected-area rules coexist.
  • Take a small-boat or coastal cruise-style outing to scan for seabirds and marine life along the Atlantic edge (conditions permitting); focus on terns, gulls, pelicans, and seasonal ocean activity close to shore.
  • Photograph flamingos and other waterbirds in coastal lagoons and salt flats at sunrise/sunset-low-angle light and reflective water make this one of Mauritania's signature wildlife-photo moments.
  • Join a specialist birding circuit out of Nouakchott/Nouadhibou focusing on waders, raptors, and desert-edge species-best done with a practical checklist and a guide who knows roost sites and tide cycles.
  • Do a dawn-and-dusk 4x4 desert wildlife drive in Sahara/Sahel transition habitats to look for small desert fauna and tracks (foxes, hares, reptiles, and a variety of arid-zone birds), paired with night spotlighting where permitted.
  • Plan an overnight desert camp with a naturalist-style walk to read tracks and signs in dunes and gravel plains-learn how wildlife survives with minimal water and how to move quietly in open terrain.
  • Combine coastal birding with an offshore peninsula/port area seawatch (especially around Nouadhibou) to observe large congregations of coastal birds and seasonal movement along the Atlantic flyway.
  • Schedule a dedicated "islands and colonies" day (where access is allowed) to view breeding/roosting assemblages-pelicans, terns, and dense mixed flocks-while keeping strict distance to avoid disturbance.
  • Build a multi-day 'coast-to-desert' itinerary: 2-3 days for Banc d'Arguin birdlife plus 2-3 days inland for desert landscapes, night skies, and arid-adapted wildlife tracking, maximizing variety without rushing.

Safari Types Available

  • Boat safaris and pirogue excursions (tide-dependent coastal and lagoon birding)
  • Shorebird 'tide walks' and coastal nature walks (guided, low-impact birding)
  • 4x4 overland wildlife expeditions (desert/steppe drives, remote access)
  • Birdwatching-focused safaris (specialist guiding, scopes, site-and-tide planning)
  • Photography trips (sunrise/sunset lagoon sessions, long-lens shorebird work)
  • Night drives/spotlighting for desert fauna (where permitted and responsibly operated)
  • Multi-day camping safaris (expedition style, combining nature walks and drives)
  • Cultural-ecotourism experiences linked to conservation areas (community visits paired with wildlife viewing)
Fun Facts

Did You Know?

A crocodile in the Sahara isn't a myth: In Mauritania's Tagant and other massifs, Nile crocodiles survive in tiny desert waterholes-remnants from a much wetter "Green Sahara" past-sometimes separated by hundreds of kilometers of dunes and bare rock.

People and dolphins may fish together here: In and around Banc d'Arguin, the Imraguen fishing culture is famous for accounts of cooperative fishing with bottlenose dolphins, where dolphins help herd fish toward nets in the shallows.

Arctic-to-Africa commuters fill Mauritania's mudflats: Birds like red knots, bar-tailed godwits and other waders that breed in high latitudes can spend the non-breeding season feeding in Mauritania-making the country a key endpoint for migrations spanning thousands of kilometers.

A "desert coast" can be a nursery: The Arguin Bank's extremely shallow, food-rich waters (fed by coastal upwelling and vast tidal flats) function as a major nursery area for fish and invertebrates-one reason Mauritania's coast can support huge bird numbers despite the Sahara starting just inland.

World's largest Mediterranean monk seal colony: The Cap Blanc (Cabo Blanco) Peninsula on Mauritania's coast hosts the biggest remaining colony of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), one of the world's rarest marine mammals.

A global shorebird hotspot by sheer numbers: Banc d'Arguin National Park is widely cited as the most important wintering site on the East Atlantic Flyway, with counts often reported in the range of ~2 million migratory shorebirds using its tidal flats and seagrass shallows in a season.

One of Africa's biggest coastal wetland protected areas: Banc d'Arguin National Park covers roughly 12,000 km² of shallow sea, islands, mudflats and dunes-exceptional scale for protecting breeding seabirds and mass wintering waders in West Africa.

"Desert crocodile" stronghold at the edge of the Sahara: Mauritania has some of the northernmost relict populations of Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus), persisting in isolated rocky gueltas (permanent pools) far into today's Sahara.

Mauritania is a country located in western Africa. This country is 75 percent desert with plains and sand dunes making up the remaining 25 percent. Also, Mauritania is bordered by the northern Atlantic Ocean. Some of the animals in Mauritania are plentiful while others are endangered or even on the verge of becoming extinct. A few of the most well-known animals native to Africa and living in the country of Mauritania include gazelles, panthers, hyenas, sand cats, cheetahs, and warthogs. There are 573 species of birds, over 260 species of mammals, 86 species of reptiles, 30 species of amphibians, and 676 species of fish.

The Official National Animal of Mauritania

The official national animal of Mauritania is the African wild cat Felis lybica Incidently, the European wild cat is a subspecies of the African wild cat. These cats are native to Africa. This mammal is hardy and built to endure the harsh elements of a desert and scrubland habitat. So, it makes for a strong national symbol for this country. They symbolize wisdom and endurance in addition to strength.

Where to Find the Top Wild Animals in Mauritania

The majority of Mauritania has an arid desert environment. So, the unique wildlife living in this country must be well-equipped to live in such a harsh habitat. Discover where to find some of the top wild animals in Mauritania.

  • Cheetah – The cheetah, also known as the fastest mammal on earth, lives in bushy regions and the plains of Mauritania.
  • Warthog – These mammals are cousins to pigs and live in a semi-arid region. They go into abandoned aardvark dens to keep cool in the heat of the day.
  • Addra gazelle – The Addra is the biggest type of gazelle and lives in the Saharan desert in Mauritania. In the wet season, these gazelles live in the desert while in the dry season they migrate to scrublands.
  • Hyena – This dog-like native of Africa lives in the open plains and scrublands in the northern part of Mauritania. This animal is a scavenger that depends on eating the leftovers of wildlife killed by cheetahs and other larger mammals.
  • African lions – This familiar native of Africa lives in savannas and grasslands as well as the semi-arid areas of Mauritania.
  • North African ostrich – This unique animal is the largest living bird in the world. These birds live in the dry scrublands of Mauritania among other habitats in Africa.

The Most Dangerous Animals in Mauritania Today

Africa has many of the world’s most dangerous animals. The country of Mauritania is home to a few of those animals. The most dangerous animals in Mauritania include:

  • Scorpion Buthus occitanus – have a body measuring about three inches with a long, sharp stinger. The stinger of a scorpion contains enough venom to kill a young child or elderly person. They stay hidden most of the time so when a person is stung it’s usually because they reach into the animal’s hiding place. There are an estimated 5,000 deaths from scorpion stings each year.
  • Snake – This 40-inch-long snake is responsible for the most snakebite deaths throughout Africa. These snakes can remain still for hours at a time on branches or in the bushes, so people are often bitten before they even see the reptile. Their bite can cause hemorrhaging, swelling, muscle damage, and death. The question of whether an adder bite is deadly depends on how much venom the person received and the time it takes to get treatment for the bite.
  • Sahara sand viper – This venomous snake gets its name from its habit of hiding in the sand watching for prey. They are known to bite humans especially if someone is walking in the desert and doesn’t see the snake. Though their venom is relatively weak compared to other venomous snakes, they do have a painful (though not deadly) bite.
  • Black-necked spitting cobra – Some of these snakes can reach a length of 7 feet. They live up to their name with the ability to spit venom up to 23 feet! Though their venom is not known to be deadly to humans, it does do other types of damage. A person hit in the eye with this snake’s venom can go blind if their eyes are not rinsed very quickly.

Endangered Animals in Mauritania

Unfortunately, some of the unique wildlife in Mauritania is considered Endangered and at risk of going extinct. However, in some cases, specific conservation efforts in the form of laws and education are being introduced to keep certain species from becoming extinct. Some examples of endangered animals in Mauritania include:

  • Mediterranean monk seal
  • African straw-colored fruit bat
  • West African manatee
  • Atlantic humpbacked dolphin
  • Barbary sheep

The Flag of Mauritania

The flag of Mauritania symbolizes the country’s cultural and political significance. The current flag design was approved by President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz on November 28, 2017 and is mostly green with two red bands, one at the top and one at the bottom of the flag. At the center of the flag is the shape of a crescent with a gold star, representing Islam.

Animals Found in Mauritania

67 species documented in our encyclopedia

Addax Agama Lizard Antelope Aoudad Sheep Asp Australian Firehawk Avocet Baboon Barn Owl Barn Swallow Bee-Eater Blind Snake Booby Camel Caracal Cobras Crocodylomorph Desert Locust Dolphin Egyptian Cobra (Egyptian Asp) Egyptian Vulture Eurasian Sparrowhawk European Bee-Eater Fennec Fox Flycatcher Fox Gazelle Gecko Gerbil Golden Oriole Great Hammerhead Shark Grey Heron Ground Squirrel Honey Badger Hyena Jack Crevalle Jerboa John Dory Lappet-faced Vulture Leopard Lizard Lungfish Marabou Stork Mongoose Monkey Nightingale Nile Monitor Ortolan Bunting Ostrich Panther Patas Monkey Puff Adder Red-Billed Quelea Bird River Turtle Rock Hyrax Sand Cat Sand Viper Sardines Scimitar-horned Oryx Senegal Parrot Sparrow Squirrelfish Sulcata Tortoise Uromastyx (Spiny-Tailed Lizard) Weaver Birds Xeme (Sabine's Gull) Xerus

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