Wildlife of Algeria

The Saharan jackal is a possible species of the jackal.
The Barbary lion possibly survived in Algeria until the early 1960s.[1]
The African wild dog's presence in Algeria is unconfirmed.

The wildlife of Algeria is composed of its flora and fauna. Mountains, chotts, wetlands, and grassy desert-like regions all support a wide range of wildlife. The most commonly seen animals include the wild boars, jackals, and gazelles, although it is not uncommon to spot fennecs and jerboas. Leopards and cheetahs are seldom seen.

A variety of bird species make the country an attraction for bird watchers. Barbary macaques are the sole native monkey.

Flora

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In the north, the native flora includes the Algerian oak, Atlas cedar, and other conifers.[2] The grape vine is indigenous to the coast. In the Sahara region, some oases have date palms. Acacia with wild olives are the predominant flora in the remainder of the Sahara.

In Algeria forest cover is around 1% of the total land area, equivalent to 1,949,000 hectares (ha) of forest in 2020, up from 1,667,000 hectares (ha) in 1990. In 2020, naturally regenerating forest covered 1,439,000 hectares (ha) and planted forest covered 510,000 hectares (ha). Of the naturally regenerating forest 0% was reported to be primary forest (consisting of native tree species with no clearly visible indications of human activity) and around 6% of the forest area was found within protected areas. For the year 2015, 80% of the forest area was reported to be under public ownership, 18% private ownership and 2% with ownership listed as other or unknown.[3][4]

Fauna

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Mammals

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There are 104 mammal species in Algeria, of which three are critically endangered, two are endangered, ten are vulnerable, and three are near-threatened. One of the species listed for Algeria is extinct and one can no longer be found in the wild.

Birds

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Reptiles

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Amphibians

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Fish

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Insects

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Other invertebrates

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ Black, S. A.; Fellous, A.; Yamaguchi, N.; Roberts, D. L. (2013). "Examining the Extinction of the Barbary Lion and Its Implications for Felid Conservation". PLOS ONE. 8 (4): e60174. Bibcode:2013PLoSO...860174B. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0060174. PMC 3616087. PMID 23573239.
  2. ^ National Audubon Society (2009). Field Guide to African Wildlife. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. pp. 43–44. ISBN 978-0-679-43234-0.
  3. ^ Terms and Definitions FRA 2025 Forest Resources Assessment, Working Paper 194. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 2023.
  4. ^ "Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020, Algeria". Food Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.