Capital

Djibouti City

Official Language

French

Fun Fact

Sits on the Afar Triple Junction, where three of the Earth's tectonic plates are tearing apart

National Animal

Elk

National Bird

Djibouti Spurfowl

Add a PDF file and cover image

Animal Laws of Djibouti

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

Animals of Djibouti

Hamadryas Baboon

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The Hamadryas Baboon is a distinctive primate native to the rocky deserts, savannas, and highlands of northeastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Males are easily recognized by their impressive silver-white manes, while both sexes live in complex social groups with unique hierarchical structures. Intelligent, adaptable, and highly social, Hamadryas Baboons play an important role in their ecosystems through seed dispersal and foraging, making them one of the most fascinating primates in the world.

Red-billed Tropicbird

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The Red-billed Tropicbird is a graceful seabird found across tropical and subtropical oceans, including the islands of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. Recognized by its brilliant white plumage, bright red bill, and long streaming tail feathers, this elegant flier spends most of its life at sea, diving for fish and squid. Nesting on remote islands and coastal cliffs, the Red-billed Tropicbird is a striking symbol of the beauty and biodiversity of the world’s marine ecosystems.

Dugong

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

The Dugong is a gentle marine mammal found in the warm coastal waters of the Indian and western Pacific Oceans. Closely related to manatees, this herbivorous species feeds primarily on seagrass, earning it the nickname “sea cow.” By grazing on seagrass meadows, dugongs help maintain healthy coastal ecosystems that support countless marine species. As populations decline due to habitat loss and human activity, the dugong has become an important symbol of marine conservation.

Whale Shark

IUCN Red List: Endangered

The Whale Shark is the largest fish in the world, growing to lengths of over 40 feet while feeding primarily on tiny plankton, fish eggs, and small marine organisms. Recognized by its distinctive pattern of white spots and stripes, this gentle giant inhabits warm tropical and subtropical oceans around the globe. Despite its enormous size, the Whale Shark poses no threat to humans and plays an important role in marine ecosystems, making it one of the ocean’s most awe-inspiring and beloved species.

Salt's Dik-dik

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Salt’s Dik-dik is a small and delicate antelope native to the arid grasslands, scrublands, and savannas of the Horn of Africa. Named for its distinctive alarm call, this shy species is recognized by its large eyes, elongated snout, and compact size. Usually living in monogamous pairs, Salt’s Dik-dik feeds on leaves, shoots, fruits, and flowers, helping maintain healthy vegetation while showcasing the remarkable adaptations of Africa’s smaller mammals.

Djibouti Spurfowl

IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered

The Djibouti Spurfowl is a rare and endangered bird found only in the mountainous forests of Djibouti. Once feared extinct, this elusive ground-dwelling species was rediscovered in the 1990s and has since become a symbol of conservation in the region. Feeding on seeds, fruits, and insects, the Djibouti Spurfowl plays an important role in its ecosystem and highlights the unique biodiversity of the Horn of Africa.