Capital

Kabul

Official Language(s)

Pashto & Dari

Fun Fact

Home to the world's oldest oil paintings, which were discovered in caves near the ancient Bamiyan Buddhas and date back to the 7th-century AD

National Animal

Snow Leopard

National Bird

Golden Eagle

Add a PDF file and cover image

Animal Laws of Afghanistan

The Animal Laws of Afghanistan PDF contains the general animal protection and related statutes for Afghanistan. Uncaged World updates these bi-annually. Always check official sources for the most up-to-date legal status.

Animals of Afghanistan

Golden Eagle

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The Golden Eagle is one of the world's largest and most powerful birds of prey, found across the mountains, grasslands, and open landscapes of the Northern Hemisphere. Recognized by its dark brown plumage and golden feathers on the back of its head and neck, it hunts mammals, birds, and reptiles with remarkable speed and precision. Golden Eagles are expert soarers, using their keen eyesight to spot prey from great distances. Their strength and impressive hunting abilities have made them a symbol of power in many cultures.

Snow Leopard

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

The Snow Leopard is a powerful wild cat found in the rugged mountain ranges of Central and South Asia. Recognized by its thick smoky-gray coat, dark rosettes, and long, bushy tail, it is perfectly adapted to cold, rocky environments. Snow Leopards hunt wild sheep, goats, and other mountain animals, using their strength and agility to navigate steep cliffs. Habitat loss, poaching, and declining prey populations have made this elusive predator vulnerable to extinction.

Himalayan Brown Bear

IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered

The Himalayan Brown Bear is a rare subspecies of brown bear found in the high mountains of the Himalayas. Adapted to cold alpine environments, it has thick brown fur and feeds on grasses, roots, berries, insects, and small animals. These bears spend much of the year in remote mountain habitats and hibernate during the winter. Habitat loss, human conflict, and climate change have contributed to population declines in parts of their range.

Markhor

IUCN Red List: Near Threatened

The Markhor is a wild mountain goat found in the rugged cliffs and forests of Central and South Asia. It is recognized by its long, spiral-shaped horns and shaggy coat, which becomes thicker during winter. Markhors feed on grasses, leaves, and shrubs and are excellent climbers, easily navigating steep rocky terrain. Once heavily threatened by hunting, conservation efforts have helped many populations recover.

Cinereous Vulture

IUCN Red List: Near Threatened

The Cinereous Vulture is one of the largest birds of prey in the world, found across parts of Europe and Asia. Recognized by its dark brown plumage, broad wings, and powerful bill, it is a scavenger that feeds primarily on carrion. By consuming animal carcasses, Cinereous Vultures help prevent the spread of disease and play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Habitat loss, poisoning, and collisions with power lines threaten some populations.

Golden Jackal

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The Golden Jackal is a highly adaptable canid found across parts of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Recognized by its golden-brown coat and pointed ears, it feeds on small mammals, birds, insects, fruit, and carrion. Golden Jackals often live in pairs or family groups and play an important role in ecosystems as both predators and scavengers. Their adaptability has allowed them to thrive in a wide variety of habitats.