Capital

Addis Ababa

Official Language(s)

Amharic, Oromo, Somali, Afar, & Tigrinya

Fun Fact

Only African country never formally colonized

National Animal

Abyssinian Lion

Unofficial National Bird

Ethiopian Bushcrow

Add a PDF file and cover image

Animal Laws of Ethiopia

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

Our Features

Ethiopian Bushcrow

IUCN Red List: Endangered

The Ethiopian Bushcrow is a striking bird found only in southern Ethiopia. It is recognized by its pale gray body, black wings, and bright blue skin around its eyes. Highly social and intelligent, it lives in family groups and feeds on insects, seeds, and small animals. Because it has a very limited range, the species is vulnerable to habitat changes and climate-related threats.

Abyssinian Lion

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

The Abyssinian Lion, also known as the Black-maned Lion, is a population of lions native to the highlands of Ethiopia. These lions are known for the dark, often black-tipped manes of many males and their adaptation to mountainous habitats. As apex predators, they help maintain ecosystem balance by regulating herbivore populations. Like other lion populations across Africa, they face threats from habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and declining prey numbers.

Ethiopian Wolf

IUCN Red List: Endangered

The Ethiopian Wolf is the world's rarest canid and is found only in the highlands of Ethiopia. With its slender build, reddish coat, and long legs, it is well adapted for hunting rodents in alpine grasslands. Ethiopian Wolves live in social packs but usually hunt alone. Habitat loss, disease, and conflicts with domestic dogs have made this unique predator one of Africa’s most endangered carnivores.

Gelada

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The Gelada is a unique primate found only in the highlands of Ethiopia. Often called the "bleeding-heart monkey" because of the red patch on its chest, it spends most of its time on the ground grazing on grasses. Geladas live in large, complex social groups and are known for their impressive vocal communication. They are the only primate species whose diet consists primarily of grass.

Walia Ibex

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

The Walia Ibex is a rare mountain goat found only in the rugged cliffs of the Simien Mountains in Ethiopia. Males are known for their long, curved horns and impressive climbing ability. Walia Ibex feed on grasses, herbs, and shrubs, navigating steep terrain with ease. Once on the brink of extinction, conservation efforts have helped stabilize their population, though they remain endangered.

Spotted Hyena

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The Spotted Hyena is a highly intelligent carnivore found across much of sub-Saharan Africa. Recognized by its spotted coat, powerful jaws, and distinctive laugh-like calls, it is both a skilled hunter and an efficient scavenger. Spotted Hyenas live in large social groups called clans and play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by controlling prey populations and consuming carrion.