Capital

Damascus

Official Language

Arabic

Fun Fact

Damascus is widely considered by historians to be the oldest continuously inhabited capital city in the world

National Animal

Syrian Brown Bear

National Bird

Northern Bald Ibis

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Animal Laws of Syria

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

Animals of Syria

Northern Bald Ibis

Conservation Status: Endangered

The Northern Bald Ibis is a rare wading bird found in rocky cliffs, grasslands, and open landscapes of North Africa and parts of the Middle East. It is recognized by its glossy black plumage, long curved red bill, and distinctive featherless red head. Northern Bald Ibises feed on insects, reptiles, small mammals, and other invertebrates by probing the ground with their bills. Intensive conservation efforts have helped stabilize some populations, but the species remains endangered due to habitat loss and historical hunting.

Syrian Brown Bear

Conservation Status: Endangered

The Syrian Brown Bear is a subspecies of the Brown Bear found in the mountains and forests of the Middle East and the Caucasus. It is generally smaller and lighter in color than many other brown bear subspecies, with fur ranging from pale brown to blond. An omnivore, it feeds on fruits, nuts, roots, insects, small mammals, and carrion, playing an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Habitat loss, hunting, and human conflict have made the Syrian Brown Bear increasingly rare across much of its historic range.

Goitered Gazelle

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

The Goitered Gazelle is a graceful antelope found in the deserts, grasslands, and semi-arid regions of Central Asia and the Middle East. It is recognized by its slender build, sandy-colored coat, and the enlarged throat of males during the breeding season, from which it gets its name. Goitered Gazelles feed on grasses, shrubs, and herbs and are well adapted to life in dry environments. Habitat loss and hunting have caused declines in some populations.

Syrian Serin

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

The Syrian Serin is a small songbird found in the mountain forests and open woodlands of the Middle East, particularly in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and nearby regions. It is recognized by its yellow-green plumage, dark streaking, and cheerful, melodic song. Syrian Serins feed mainly on seeds, buds, and small insects while foraging among shrubs and trees. Habitat loss and forest degradation have contributed to declines in parts of its range.

Euphrates Jerboa

Conservation Status: Near Threatened

The Euphrates Jerboa is a small nocturnal rodent found in the deserts and semi-arid regions of the Middle East. It is recognized by its long hind legs, tiny front legs, and long tail, which allow it to move with remarkable kangaroo-like leaps across the sand. Euphrates Jerboas feed on seeds, roots, and insects and are well adapted to arid environments, obtaining much of the water they need from their food. Their burrowing lifestyle helps them avoid predators and escape the extreme daytime heat.

Euphrates Softshell Turtle

Conservation Status: Endangered

The Euphrates Softshell Turtle is a large freshwater turtle found in the rivers and wetlands of the Euphrates River and Tigris River systems. It is recognized by its flat, leathery shell and long snorkel-like snout, which allows it to breathe while remaining mostly submerged. Feeding on fish, crustaceans, amphibians, and aquatic invertebrates, it is an important predator in freshwater ecosystems. Habitat loss, pollution, and river modification have made this unique turtle endangered.