Animals in Mauritania

Mauritania’s wildlife reflects a blend of desert and oceanic ecosystems. Inland dunes shelter animals like fennec foxes and dromedaries, while the Atlantic coast supports sea turtles, dolphins, and migratory birds, showcasing biodiversity across extreme environments.

The dromedary camel is deeply intertwined with Mauritania’s nomadic traditions and desert life. Valued for its endurance and utility, it remains a cultural and economic symbol, embodying survival, resilience, and the historical bond between people and arid landscapes.

Though Mauritania’s terrestrial fauna includes few direct threats, some species can pose risks. Hyenas in remote areas and marine predators like sharks and orcas require caution, especially along coasts or when traveling through sparsely inhabited desert regions.

Mauritania’s most recognizable species include animals adapted to arid zones and marine life along its coast. The fennec fox, with its oversized ears and nocturnal habits, captures attention as a symbol of desert survival and is often associated with Saharan biodiversity.