Animals help populate the globe. Every country contains their share of scaled, furred and feathered creatures. They take their place in the nation’s ecosystem. Here is a look at some of the animals that call Algeria home.
The regions of Algeria range from mountainous terrain to the desert, and the coastal line. Native animals to Algeria include lions and leopards. Barbary lions are under conservation methods and have not been seen in the wild since 1922. These lions are the heaviest of the lion family. The Barbary Lion Project is an international cooperative attempt at helping to restore the population of this majestic animal. The Preservation Station in Algeria is also dedicated to re-establishing the wild feline population of the country.
In the Atlas Mountains, the Barbary Macaque makes its home. This primarily herbivore primate loves to dine on leaves, fruit, roots, and occasional insects. The Barbary Macaque is known to be peaceful. You can find them in mixed gender groups of 10-30. Males of the group tend to caring and raising young macaques. Lineage and hierarchy of this gentle animal follows along its lead matriarch.
Most commonly spotted animal life in Algeria include jackals, wild boars and graceful gazelles. Little jumping desert rodents such as the Jerboa can also be commonly seen. The nocturnal Jerboa lives in the hot desert sand. During the scorching daylight hours, this silky-furred creature burrows under the sand until nightfall. They spend their time creating two permanent burrows, and two additional ones for eluding predators.
Algerian law protects several species of endangered wildlife like the Serval, a wild cat with a graceful body and long dainty ears. The Serval is larger than a domesticated house cat, but smaller than a leopard. This slender, long-legged feline may grow up to 26lbs (female)or as heavy as 40 lbs (male). Servals are known to have the longest legs of any species of feline in relation to their body.
Other abundant wildlife in Algeria include many birds, reptiles, and fennecs (foxes). Even a variety of bats and the Mediterranean Monk Seal call Algeria home.
