Capital

Asmara

Official Language

Tigrinya, Arabic, & English

Population

3.6 million

National Animal

Arabian (Dromedary) Camel

National Bird

White-cheeked Turaco

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Animal Laws of Eritrea

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

Animals of Eritrea

Dromedary

Domesticated

The Dromedary, or Arabian Camel, is a large desert mammal recognized by its single hump. Native to North Africa and the Middle East, it is well adapted to harsh, arid environments and can survive long periods with little water. Dromedaries have been used by humans for transportation, milk, meat, and trade for thousands of years, earning them the nickname "ships of the desert."

White-cheeked Turaco

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The White-cheeked Turaco is a colorful bird native to the forests and woodlands of Ethiopia. It is easily recognized by its bright green plumage, crimson wing feathers, and distinctive white cheek patches. Feeding mainly on fruits, leaves, and flowers, this turaco plays an important role in seed dispersal. Its loud, ringing calls are a familiar sound throughout its forest habitat.

African Wild Ass

IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered

The African Wild Ass is a hardy desert-dwelling mammal found in the arid regions of the Horn of Africa. Considered the wild ancestor of the domestic donkey, it is recognized by its pale coat, upright mane, and distinctive black leg stripes. African Wild Asses are well adapted to harsh environments and can survive on sparse vegetation and limited water. Due to habitat loss, hunting, and competition with livestock, they are critically endangered.

Olive Baboon

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Olive Baboons are highly adaptable primates found across much of eastern and central Africa. They live in large social groups and inhabit a variety of environments, including savannas, forests, and grasslands. Omnivorous and opportunistic, olive baboons feed on fruits, seeds, insects, small animals, and other available foods. Their intelligence and complex social behavior have made them one of the most successful and widespread monkey species in Africa.

Black-backed Jackal

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Black-backed Jackals are medium-sized canids found across eastern and southern Africa. Recognized by the distinctive black-and-silver saddle on their backs, they are highly adaptable predators and scavengers. Their diet includes small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, fruit, and carrion. Intelligent and resourceful, black-backed jackals often live in pairs and play an important role in maintaining ecosystem balance by controlling prey populations and cleaning up carcasses.

Greater Kudu

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The Greater Kudu is one of Africa’s largest antelope species, found in woodlands and savannas across eastern and southern Africa. It is known for its striking white body stripes and the long, spiraling horns of males, which can reach over six feet in length. Greater Kudus feed on leaves, shoots, and fruits and rely on their excellent camouflage to avoid predators. Despite their large size, they are agile animals capable of making impressive leaps through dense vegetation.