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Nigeria

Below you can find a complete list of Nigerian animals. We currently track 227 animals in Nigeria and are adding more every day!

Nigeria is a land of diverse ecosystems, including deserts, plains, swamps, mountains, and jungles. The third-largest river delta in the world is within its boundaries. Therefore, you can find many different types of animals in Nigeria. There are over 22,000 vertebrate and invertebrate species in Nigeria. Several native species remain in Nigeria, such as the elusive pangolin, hyraxes, cuckoos, puff adders, and hoopoes. Unfortunately, many of these animals are facing threats of endangerment or extinction. At least 21 bird species may become extinct as a result of deforestation for agricultural benefits.

The Official National Animal of Nigeria

The black-crowned crane is the official animal of Nigeria, endemic to the country and thought to be signs of prosperity. Two different species of black-crowned cranes live in Nigeria. The subspecies on the western end of the country is significantly threatened by loss of habitat.

Where to Find the Top Wild Animals

There are many types of animals in Nigeria. Therefore, you may want to spend some time exploring the different ecosystems to see the many unique animals and birds that exist in very few other places in the world. Some sightseeing areas include:

The Most Dangerous Animals in Nigeria Today

Most wild animals in Nigeria are perfectly safe. Those that are the most dangerous are often in remote areas where you may never encounter them as their numbers are often extremely threatened. Therefore, the most dangerous animals in Nigeria today include:

  • Puff adder – This unique snake is the deadliest across Africa, with approximately 32,000 people dying across the continent yearly from its bite.
  • Mosquitoes – Across Africa, approximately 1 million people die annually from a mosquito bite, and another 70 million get sick with malaria or yellow fever.
  • Dogs – Rabies is a huge problem in Nigeria.
  • Hippopotamuses – These mighty animals are very territorial. Across Africa, about 3,000 people are killed by hippos annually.

Native Birds

Around 1,000 bird species make their home in Nigeria. Four of these species are endemic to the country and 31 are under threat of population decline. Endemic species include: Ibadan malimbe, Anambra waxbill, Rock firefinch, Jos Plateau indigo birdA great diversity of birds roam, ranging from ostriches to waterfowl to flamingos.

Supporting multitudes of beautiful and unique species across diverse environments, Nigeria is around 34th in the world for birdwatching, drawing in avian fanatics from all over the world. Listed are a few popular observation sites and what birds may be spotted:

  • Amurum Forest – Migratory birds; Joe Plateau Indigos, Rock Fire Finches, White-billed Buffalo-weavers, Pied Kingfisher, Senegal Parrot, etc.
  • IITA Forest Reserve & Lake – Most popular species to see is Ibadan Malimbe; Helmeted guineafowl, African Pied Hornbill, Collared Sunbird, Black-crowned Night-heron, etc.
  • Yankari Game Reserve – African Yellow White-eye, Grey Hornbill, Striped Kingfisher, Speckled-front Weaver, etc.
  • Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary – African Green Pidgeon, Black Kite, Village Weaver, etc.

In addition to the aforementioned areas, countless wildlife reserves and natural areas can be found in Nigeria, all bearing refuge to various avian visitors and residents.

Native Fish

Nigerian people are dependent upon the fish for their main source of protein, contributing to an extensive fishing industry. Along the coastline lie many fishing villages along with inland fishing in freshwater sources. Because of the necessity of fishing for survival of local people, fishing is under regulation of state and federal governments. However, the country continues to lose an estimated $70 million each year to illegal fishing. Nigeria is the largest producer of catfish in the world, a fish popular to both the commercial and local markets. Crayfish, sardines, tilapia, and salmon are also common species to find in fish farms of Nigeria.

Sport fishing is also popular in the country with charter trips available off the coast. Some popular species found in these waters are:

When visiting any country it is important to follow their rules and regulations regarding hunting and fishing. Nigeria, in particular, depends upon profitable fishing which is crucial to their economy and survival.

Native Snakes

While a major hotspot for beautiful and intriguing wildlife, some dangers do lurk around the country of Nigeria, occasionally in the form of venomous snakes. However, several species of snakes in the country are non-venomous and keep their distance from humans.

Some venomous snake species found in Nigeria include:

A few venomous species native to the country actually have a low chance of envenomation, such as stiletto snakes, mole vipers, and burrowing asps.

Non-venomous snakes include members of the python family, such as the African Rock Python. File snakes and thread snakes are non-venomous species endemic to Nigeria.

Endangered Animals

There are many endangered animals in Nigeria. Some are threatened everywhere in the world while others are more locally threatened. Across the country, important work is being done to protect animals. Some important endangered animals in Nigeria include:

Zoos in Nigeria

Along with many natural reserves and wildlife management areas, a handful of zoos exist in several Nigerian states. Following is a list of popular zoos and their attractions.

  • Audu Bako Zoo, founded in 1971, is one of the oldest conservation sites in Nigeria. Species found here include lions, giraffes, hippopotamuses, zebras, and ostriches.
  • The National Children’s Park and Zoo is a great zoo to take children to as its attractions include playgrounds, snack shops, and enclosures with easily identifiable animals. Animals found at this zoo range from camels to donkeys to cheetahs.
  • Jos Wildlife Park is home to hippopotamus, a variety of monkeys, buffaloes, crocodiles, and hyenas. It was established in 1956 and spans 8 km (5 miles) and is now one of the oldest and most popular parks in the country.

Many of these zoos and parks are highly involved in wildlife conservation and protection, working towards combatting threats to natural species and their habitats.

Nigerian Animals

Aardvark

Can move 2ft of soil in just 15 seconds!

African Bush Elephant

Can drink up to 50 gallons a day

African Civet

Secretes up to 4g of musk every week!

African Clawed Frog

A particularly ferocious amphibian!

African Golden Cat

The first image of an African golden cat was captured in the wild in Gabon in 2002.

African Grey Parrot

When a grey parrot named Yosuke got lost, it was reunited with its owner after giving the owner's name and address.

African Palm Civet

Solitary but gathers in groups!

African Tree Toad

Found in tropical moist lowland forests!

African Wild Dog

Also known as the painted dog!

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

Baboon

Can travel more than four miles a day!

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 Mamba

Black mambas are the longest venomous snake in Africa, and second longest in the world.

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

Buffalo

Has no real natural predators!

Bumblebee

The most common species of bee!

Bush Baby

In a series of leaps, this creature can cover almost 30 feet of distance in just a few seconds.

Bush Viper

Bush vipers are predators, sinking their fangs into prey while dangling from a tree limb

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

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!

Chicken

First domesticated more than 10,000 years ago!

Chimpanzee

Has 32 teeth including fang-like canines!

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!

Cross River Gorilla

Less than 300 remaining!

Crow

A group of these birds is called a Murder.

Cuckoo
Desert Locust

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

Dog

First domesticated in South-East Asia!

Dog Tick

Dog ticks feed on dogs and other mammals

Donkey

First domesticated 5,000 years ago!

Dormouse

Found in Europe, Africa and Asia!

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

Dwarf Crocodile

Digs burrows in river banks to rest!

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 Goose

A duck species that resembles a goose when flying

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!

Falcon

The fastest creatures on the planet!

False Widow Spider

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

Fiddler Crab

The fiddler crab gets its name from the motion the males make with their over-sized claw during the mating ritual.

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!

Forest Cobra

There are three different color morphs, which entirely depend on the region that they live in.

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

Gaboon Viper

Gaboon vipers are the largest vipers in Africa.

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

Giant African Land Snail

The biggest snail species on land!

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!

Gorilla

The biggest of the world's primates!

Grasshopper

There are 11,000 known species!

Green Bee-Eater

Mainly eats honeybees!

Guinea Fowl

Found in a vairety of African habitats!

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!

Hippopotamus

Has pink anti-bacterial sweat!

Honey Badger

One of earth's bravest creatures!

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!

Ibis

Found in swamps, marshes and wetlands!

Insects

There are an estimated 30 million species!

Jacana

The jacana has the ability to swim underwater

Jackal

Can maintain speeds of 16 km/h!

Jumping Spider

Some can jump 50 times the length of their bodies

Kingfisher

Inhabits wetlands and woodlands worldwide!

Klipspringer

Klipspringers can jump as high as 10-12ft!

Ladybug

There are more than 5,000 species worldwide!

Lappet-faced Vulture

Lappet-faced vultures are tidy and wash their heads in a body of water after they’ve eaten

Leech

Has 10 pairs of eyes!

Leopard

Spends much of the time high in the trees!

Liger

The offspring of a lion and tiger parents!

Lion

Lives in small groups called prides!

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!

Marabou Stork

The marabou stork does not have a voice box.

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!

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!

Nigerian Goat

Produces a lot of milk for its small size

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.

Olive Baboon

Olive baboons will sometimes form strong friendships with each other

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

Pangolin

Bad eyesight, but great sense of smell

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!

Patas Monkey

The fastest species of primate in the world!

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.

Puff Adder

This large snake is so-named because it will puff up its body to appear bigger than it is when directly threatened by a predator or person.

Quail

Inhabits woodland and forest areas worldwide!

Rabbit

There are more than 50 different species!

Rat

Omnivores that eat anything!

Red-Billed Quelea Bird

Is the most populous bird in the world

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!

Rock Python
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

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!

Senegal Parrot

As a pet, the Senegal parrot is capable of "talking" to its owner

Serval

Can leap more than 1 meter into the air!

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

Sparrow

There are 140 different species!

Spider Wasp

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

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!

Stiletto Snake

Because of their unique venom delivery system, stiletto snakes are almost impossible to hold safely in the usual way (with fingers behind the head) without being bitten.

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.

Sulcata Tortoise

Some cultures in Africa believe the sulcata tortoise is an intermediary between the people and their ancestors and gods.

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!

Tsetse Fly

Tsetse flies are large biting flies that live in the tropical regions of Africa.

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

Viper

Vipers are one of the most widespread groups of snakes and inhabit most

Vulture

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Warthog

Has two sets of tusks on it's face!

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 Spider

Carnivorous arachnid that hunts its prey.

Woodlouse

This animal can roll up into a ball

Woodpecker

There are 200 different species!

Worm

Doesn’t have eyes.

Zebra

Stripe patterns are unique to each individual!

Zebu

There are around 75 different species!

Zonkey

The offspring of Zebra and Donkey parents!

Zorse

The offspring of a Zebra and Horse parents!

Nigerian Animals List

Nigeria FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Are There Tigers in Nigeria?

No, there are no tigers in Nigeria. There have never been any tigers in Nigeria.

What is the most common animal in Nigeria?

The most common animal in Nigeria is domestic dogs. Domestic dogs who are native to Nigeria are called local dogs. Those that people have imported into the country are called foreign dogs. Some of the most common breeds in Nigeria include Rottweilers, German shepherds, Boerboels, and Caucasian shepherds. Often, those who are looking for a smaller domestic dog get a Lhasa apso.

What animals live in Nigeria?

Over 44,000 different types of animals live in Nigeria. Of those, about 50% are insects. Mammals, including great apes, hippopotamuses, and West African wild dogs are all found there. There are plenty of mammals to see, but many live in remote areas.

Are there lions in Nigeria?

While you could find lions across Northern Nigeria in the past, they have lost over 90% of their territory. Today, they live in Kainji Lake National Park and the Yankari Game Reserve. The decline in the number of natural prey by poaching is the primary cause. Agricultural expansion has also led more farmers to shoot or poison lions. There may be less than 100 lions between the two populations. Important work is going on there to try to protect these prides.