Wildlife of Mauritania: Desert, Sahel & Coastal Species

Mauritania’s ecosystems—from Sahara dunes to Banc d’Arguin wetlands—support diverse fauna:

Mammals

Cheetah, striped hyena, African elephant (relict), slender-horned gazelle, dorcas gazelle, Barbary sheep, scimitar-horned oryx (reintroduced), rhim gazelle, honey badger, baboon.

Birds

Ostrich, white pelican, sacred ibis, cattle egret, hamerkop, hornbills, vultures, eagles, kites, falcons, laughing dove.

Reptiles

Nile/West African crocodile, sea turtles (green, loggerhead, hawksbill), spiny-tailed lizard, Saharan horned viper, puff adder, carpet viper, Nile monitor, African rock python.

Marine Fish

Moray eels, rays, barracuda, grouper, snapper, jack, pomfret, bonefish, tarpon, permit.

Banc d’Arguin National Park (UNESCO) is a critical migratory bird nursery and marine biodiversity hotspot.