Egypt, a country spanning the northeast corner of Africa and the southwest corner of Asia, has a predominantly desert landscape, with a few scattered oases. It has an unusually hot, sunny, and dry climate. Average high temperatures are elevated in the north but range from very to extremely high in the rest of the country during summer. Despite the harsh climate for most people, animals and plants still thrive throughout the land, such as the Nubian ibex, the Nile crocodile, the Egyptian vulture and the Egyptian acacia.

Nubian ibex

The Nubian ibex is a desert-dwelling goat species found in mountainous areas of northern and northeast Africa, and the Middle East. It is the only ibex adapted to life in hot, arid regions of the world. Their shiny coats can reflect the harsh sunlight in the desert. This relatively small ibex is distinguished by the striking, backward-arching horns of the male.

Nile crocodile

The Nile crocodile, the largest crocodilian in Africa, can reach a maximum size of over 6 meters and weigh up to 700 kilograms. The species is widespread throughout sub-Saharan Africa, the Nile Basin, and Madagascar. It thrives in rivers, freshwater marshes, and mangrove swamps, showcasing its adaptability and dominance across various habitats. In Egypt, these crocodiles can be found in Lake Nasser in the southern part of the country.

Egyptian vulture

The Egyptian vulture, also called the white scavenger vulture, has distinctive white and black plumage and a yellow face. It was a symbol of purification and rebirth in ancient Egyptian culture. It is distributed across the Iberian Peninsula, North Africa, West Asia, and India. The bird is generally a migratory visitor in Egypt from late August to early June. Considerable numbers are present in autumn and spring, mainly passing through the Sinai Peninsula, Nile Valley and Eastern Desert.

Egyptian acacia

The Egyptian acacia, or gum arabic tree, is a thorny tree that can reach up to 20 meters in height. Its long, sharp, and hard spikes have an unpleasant taste that deters some animals from munching on its leaves and bark. The tree can exude a reddish gum in some parts. It is native to Egypt and can be found throughout most of Africa. Paintings of these trees can be found on the walls of the Dynasty XII tomb of Khnumhotep II at Beni Hasan, an ancient Egyptian cemetery.

BRICS' wildlife wonders

The BRICS nations span vast and diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to arid deserts. Within these ecosystems lies a treasure trove of wildlife, much of which is unique to these regions. Join us on a journey to explore the extraordinary biodiversity of the BRICS countries.

For more: 

BRICS' Wildlife Wonders: China

BRICS' Wildlife Wonders: Russia

BRICS' Wildlife Wonders: Brazil

BRICS' Wildlife Wonders: India

BRICS' Wildlife Wonders: Republic of South Africa

BRICS' Wildlife Wonders: Saudi Arabia

BRICS' Wildlife Wonders: United Arab Emirates

(Cover image designed by CGTN's Yu Peng)