Within Egypt are around 28 protected ecosystems that range from coral reefs to Nile River Islands, desert regions and the mountainous areas of the Sinai Peninsula. Recent years have seen the induction of more protected areas to encourage ecotourism in Egypt. Some of the wetland protectorates like the Zaraniq Protectorate and El Bardaweel Marsh are very important to worldwide bird migrations. As such, these areas are designated as both “Wetland Protectorate” and “Natural Restricted Area for Birds”. Over 270 bird species can be found in these areas including pelicans, herons and crested larks.

There are approximately 100 mammal species found in Egypt, however, many of them are severely threatened and endangered. It is interesting that in some desert areas like the Wadis of Jebel Uweinat, rock art has been discovered that shows a wetter climate with what appears to be drawings of ostriches, giraffes, gazelle and herds of cattle. Unfortunately today, the most common mammals are rodents like house mice or rats and the long-eared hedgehog. There are also some interesting, if less common mammals like the Sand Cat, the Fennec (the world’s smallest fox) and the Nubian Ibex. Camels have been the chosen method of transport in many parts of Egypt because of their ability to travel for weeks without food or water. A true camel has two humps while a dromedary camel only has one. Marine mammals include manatees, dolphins, whales, dugongs and seals. As well as mammals are approximately 106 reptile and amphibian species. These include snakes, lizards, geckos, scorpions and crocodiles. There are 36 varieties of snakes found in Egypt including cobras, horned vipers and the sand boa. Geckos are the most common of the 49 lizard species that make Egypt their home. The Nile crocodile, which was once prominent in Egypt, is now only found in Lake Nasser. The construction of the Aswan Dam was a severe blow to the Nile crocodile’s survival as the Nile River served as a major food source.