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Top 12 Amazing Sahara Desert Animals You Need To See
BY sagnika sinhaOct 4, 2021
When we Pictured the Sahara in our mind, then we usually think of Vast, a barren, hot, and lifeless place with lots of Sand with some people riding on their Camels wandering from place to place. But fortunately, it is not the case with Sahara. It is home to the Sahara desert Animals, plants, birds, and humans for thousands of years. Also, most of North Africa is covered by Sahara, and if you look at the map, it covers more than eight countries. The Sahara boasts of beautiful Sand dunes. The largest Sand dune can be found in the Sahara Desert of Morocco near Erg Chebbi. Marrakech to Erg Chebbi desert tour is the most popular package in Morocco. According to Guinness, the Sahara is the largest and biggest ‘hot desert on the entire planet.’ The animal that lives in the Sahara desert is unique, as the nature of the desert. Sahara Desert Animals Life In Sahara Image Source Even though the harsh conditions of the Sahara Desert are incredibly taxing, yet nature continues to thrive amidst such difficult and unimaginable living conditions. According to biologists, there are over seventy species of Sahara desert animals and mammals who call this barren land their home. In addition, one can also find more than ninety species of birds. Besides, you can also find reptiles are arachnoids like Scorpions who call Sahara their home. If we talk about some dangerous animals, then Sahara would not disappoint you. Because apart from domestic animals like Goats, Cows, and Camels, it is home to the highly feared deathstalker scorpion, the extremely venomous sand viper, and the powerful and speedy Cheetah, a bunch of antelopes and lovely long red-necked Ostrich, and many more. Here are some of the very unique Sahara desert animals list which you could only find in the Sahara Desert. 1. The Famous Silver Ant of Sahara Do you want to confront the fastest and on the earth? Among all 12000 species of ants, these are the fastest and rarest ants on the earth. Cataglyphis bombycina is their scientific name which comes out to forage in midday when the temperature is as high as 70 degrees. This is unique in as much as its activity is restricted to just over ten minutes each day. In this short span, they have to find food and survive; otherwise, they would die. Researchers say that their defense strategy is one of the best in the world. The body shape that the ants have helps them in dispensing heat more easily. Mostly they feed on animal carcasses. 2. Death Stalker Scorpion It is one of the most lethal and deadliest Scorpion species to be found in the Sahara desert. People in other parts often called it Black Scorpio. When it bites, it may cause death if not treated timely. They only attack when they are feared of death. They hunt only at night and can be found in Wall cracks, in burrows, and under the stones. Among all animals, this is the deadliest animal in the Sahara desert. The tail of the Scorpio is full of venom. They use this venom for hunting the other insects and for proving more safety. One of their unique behaviors is that they like to take their prey by surprise so they hide under rocks and attack unsuspecting small insects. They spring out and tend to grab its victim, however, they are not very strong in their grabbing game so they need to sting the prey at the earliest. 3. Sand Viper In the Viper series, it is the deadliest. The Cerastes vipers can be found in a bunch in the Desert. They are found around 30-40cm and have an expansive, triangular head. The scientific name of the snake is Cerastes vipera which is found in the Arabian Peninsula and Levant. They also have quite tiny eyes. Sand Viper can kill their prey by biting and transferring the toxin within minutes. Small animals and small lizards other than Komodo dragons are the regular eating targets. Among the desert, animals list the poisonous insect's list is quite long. These snakes have quite a unique look. They have small horns on their head. And the color of the snake is quite camouflaged. You only can see the horn and eyes while they are full body is buried under the sand. The lifespan of the snake can extend to 18 years. The nature of the snake is not aggressive and tries to stay stable in the ground however, when it moves there is a crackling or rasping sound. 4. Desert Crocodiles The scientific name of the desert crocodile is Crocodylus suchus and often is confused with the aggressive Nile crocodile. It is hard to believe that crocodiles can survive in the desert because they live in water. They seek out moist areas like caves and burrows and make themselves comfortable. They mostly prefer burrows and caves for their place of being. This also helps them hide and surprise their prey whenever it is walking by. In the rainy season, they come out from their shelter to the lakes. They try to adapt to the dryness of the Sahara desert by trying to find moistness. Among all Sahara animals, this crocodile is addressed as sacred. These crocodiles are larger and relatively more aggressive than the Nile crocodile. Sahara desert animals are all habituated to survive the dry and harsh climate. 5. Monitor Lizards They are cold-blooded animals that are mainly active between the months of September and April. Following this, they go into hibernation. They feed on eggs, fishes, and other lizards, but if they could not find anything to the east, then they might eat birds and other small mammals. The animal knows exactly how to survive in the harsh and extreme climate of the Sahara desert. It is quite aggressive and becomes pretty threatened with encounters during cold seasons. Among all Sahara desert animals, this one is very colorful. This lizard is widely seen in Africa and central and south Asia. The average span for the lizard to live is 8 years. 6. Black-Faced Fire finch This bird is from a unique bird species. The species are less endangered because they can be found abundant in the region of Sub-Saharan Africa. The scientific name of the bird is Lagonosticta larvata. Recently, according to the new report by the BBC, their population is declining very fast. The color of the male’s face is black while the female has more of a gray appearance. These beautiful red birds are another habitant of the Sahara desert. 7. Hyrax They are the thickest herbivorous animals you could find in the Sahara Desert. People there call them small pigs. They usually hide under perforations and came out when they want food or for hunting. They live within a group of 10 to 50 animals and hunt together. Hyrax is another Sahara desert animal which is looking gorgeous with its brown fur. These herbivorous mammals are permanent residents of the Sahara Desert. Though Hyrax is also found in the Gobi desert of Mongolia. 8. African Wild Dogs They are the natives of sub-Saharan Africa, and now they are on the list of endangered species. The scientific name of the animal is Procavia capensis which occurs in the sub-Saharan area of Africa. Their face continuously grows especially the upper incisors and at a certain point, it looks like small tusks. Only about 40 species of these dogs managed to survive, which comprised 6000 adults. These wild dogs are not coming near to extinction among all the Sahara desert animals. The outbreak of diseases, hunting from humans, and other causes like less rainfall in the Sahara Desert cause the decline of African wild Dog species. They are highly socialized reptiles who live and hunt in groups. Their primary source of food is antelopes. Females are the ones who leave their pack when they matured, not men. 9. Red Neck Ostrich These can be found in North Africa, and it is the biggest bird on this planet. The scientific name of the bird is Struthio camelus camelus. This bird is one of the extant subspecies and lives in some of the harshest climates in the Sahara. They have a mix of pink and red long necks and can grow up to 10 feet. The male ones have black and white feathers as opposed to females, who possess grey feathers. Now, due to the increase in Ostrich farming around the world, the population of these species is declining rapidly. They are extinct in 12 countries and are now limited to only six countries. This desert Ostrich is coming near to extinction. Only a few are left. 10. African Silver Bill They are the most adaptive Saharan Birds. They usually live in arid places, and so Sahara is the perfect place to live for them. The scientific name of the bird is Euodice cantans living mostly in the south of Africa. The African Silverbill is also very sociable, like African Wild Dogs. They usually eat Grass and seeds. Among all Sahara desert animals, this bird species is an example of a small passerine bird. The size of the bird is about 4 and a half inches long. 11. Saharan Cheetah Meet the fastest one among all the Sahara desert animals. One of the top Predators in the Sahara is Cheetah. Sadly their species are endangered, and only about 300 mature adults are left in the Sahara. The African cheetah has its scientific name as Acinonyx jubatus hecki and is considered a subspecies native of the Saharan desert. They can be found in the western parts of the Sahara. They mainly hunt at night, and their favorite prey is antelope, but sometimes they also hunt rabbits. 12. Addax Antelope An endangered species, which is now becoming very rare to be seen, is Sahara desert animals. The main reason for wiping out this species is the excess of hunting. These species are mainly locals of Niger and Chad. The addax is a desert-adapted African antelope with the scientific name Addax nasomaculatus. The animal is almost on the verge of being exterminated. These are characterized by their long twisted horns, and the color of their coat is mainly white. They are very adaptive to Sahara because they can live without water for many days. They eat grasses and leaves of desert plants, and it is their primary source of water. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 1. Do Any Animals Live In Sahara Dessert? Yes, there are animals who have chosen to stay in Sahara Dessert. The mammal species that have been founded in the dessert are Gerbil, Jerboa, Cape hare, and Dessert Hedgehog. 2. Which Is The Most Important Animal In The Sahara Dessert? Perhaps the Dromedary Camel is the most popular animal in the Sahara Dessert. It can be domesticated, rather it has been domesticated for thousands of years and they give their service to the desert nomads. 3. What Animal Has Adapted To Sahara Dessert? The Fennec Fox, who has learned to endure the heat of the Sahara Dessert. Their large years are not only for cuteness, but they use it to hear predators from afar and also use them to release body heat. The large ears help them to stay cool on hot days. Wrapping It Up: If you want to enjoy the tour of the Sahara Desert and want to see these animals live then, you should visit Morocco. Morocco is famous for the Sahara Desert, and many tour companies offer Sahara tours. Sahara desert animals are all very rare, and many of them are near to extinction. So what about your planning to travel to the Sahara? Do not forget to share your exciting tour story with us. Read Also: 10 Best Things To Do In Phoenix(Arizona) Discovering The 11 Most Beautiful Places Of Adventure In The World Why To Engage Competent Tourism Companies For Executing Best Leisure Time
