Although the climate of Egypt is rather dry and warm, in its entire surface you can distinguish 9 ecoregions ranging from shrubs and savannas to xerophilic and deserted mountains of all kinds, including the very desert of the Sahara.
Can you imagine the great diversity of flora and fauna that exists in Egypt? Do you know what the endemic species are? In this interesting ecology article, we will solve these questions and we will tell you the main species of Egypt Flora and Fauna.
Characteristics of Egypt’s flora and fauna
Before specifying which species of Egypt are, we must know that 97% of the country’s surface is occupied by desert areastherefore, the enormous diversity of flora and fauna of Egypt has characteristics of Desert adaptation. However, in the Valley of the Nile River and in the oasis that are in the deserts a wide variety of flora and fauna with particularities is developed with the species of the desert. Here you can learn more about what biological adaptation, its types and examples is.
In the next sections we will talk about some species of flora and fauna of this magnificent country and detail its peculiarities. We will also mention animal species of Egypt that are at risk of extinction.
Flora of Egypt
The vegetation of Egypt It has a strong importance in the culture of the Egyptians. From many species, essential oils and essences are obtained that are used for medicinal, aesthetic and perfume uses, which are then exported to other countries. Here are some Egyptian plant species:
Lotus of Egypt
Egypt’s lotus (Nymphaea caralea), also called Egyptian Blue Lotus, it is an aquatic plant that is estimated that its original distribution is along the Nile. Its flower is characterized by opening during the day and closing during the night, therefore, in ancient Egypt they related to the sun, precisely as a daily rebirth. Today, it is used for perfumery and aromatherapy.
Papyrus
The papyrus or Cyperus Papyrusit is a palustre plant that grows on the banks of the Nile River. It was used as a writing support in ancient Egypt and also to manufacture shoes and even boats. It was also a source of food, since their roots, and medicines, for their healing properties were consumed.
Desert Datiler
This tree (Balanites aegyptiaca) It has many thorns and produces a yellow fruit that is edible. It is estimated that this species has been cultivated in Egypt for more than 4000 years.
Acacia
Particularly the species Niletic acaciais distributed throughout Africa and is endemic to Egypt. It is frequently used as food, medicine and ornament and also by its wood. It was very praised by Egyptian culture since they considered this species as “the tree of life.”
Know more species from desert areas with this other article about 25 names of desert plants.
Egypt fauna
When we think of the Animals of Egypt The first thing that comes to mind is The camelbut in reality this country has a great ornithological diversity with more than 300 species of birds. In addition, it has crocodiles, elephants, hippos, gazelles, hyenas, felines, foxes, snakes, fish and more animal species. Here we will tell you some of them:
Egyptian weaseline
Scientifically called Subpalmata muselait is an endemic species of Egypt, specifically its distribution is limited to the north of the country.
Egyptian mushroom
Also endemic to Egypt, the mushroom (Herpestes Ichneumon) It is a carnivorous mammal that lives in Sahara’s desert.
Nile crocodile
This species (Crocodylus niloticus), has a wide distribution beyond the Nile. In ancient Egypt, the crocodiles were mummified and through them they worshiped Sobek, a crocodile king related to fertility.
Egyptian vulture
The Egyptian vulture (Nephron pernopterus pernopterus), has a wide distribution in the African continent and great implication for Egyptian mythology, since Nejbet, a vulture goddess, represented Alto Egypt.
Here you can discover more animals in the Sahara desert.
In danger of extinction in Egypt
Unfortunately, many of the species that are part of Egypt ‘fauna are at risk of extinguishing. Next we will list some species of Vulnerable or endangered Egypt animals:
- Leopard of Arabia (Panthera Pardus). Worldwide is critical of extinction and it is considered that in Egypt he is completely extinct.
- Ibice cloud (Capra Ibex Nubian). It is classified as vulnerable to extinction.
- Common gazelle (Gazella Dorca). Although worldwide is vulnerable to extinction, in the Mediterranean area, which includes Egypt, is in danger of extinction.
- Egyptian lizard (UROMASTYX AEGYPTIA). It is cataloged as vulnerable to extinction.
- ADDAX Antílope (Addax nasomaculatus). Is in critical danger of extinction
- Orice of Arabia (ORYX LEUCORYX). It is classified as vulnerable to extinction.
- Nile soft shell turtle (Trionyx Triosguis). Species considered as vulnerable to extinction.
- Mottled vulture (GYPS RUEPPELI). Classified worldwide as critical danger of extinction.
- Halcon Sacre (Cherrug Falco). It is cataloged as in danger of extinction.
If you want to read more articles similar to Egypt Flora and Faunawe recommend that you enter our biodiversity category.
