Which mammals live in the Sahara Desert?

The Sahara Desert supports a variety of mammal species that have adapted to its arid environment. While human activity, including hunting and habitat destruction, has significantly depleted many populations, several species remain present in the region.1

Notable mammals found in the Sahara include:

• Antelopes and Gazelles: The addax is a highly desert-adapted antelope capable of living in the Sahara year-round. Other species include the dorcas gazelle, the dama deer, and the scimitar-horned oryx.21
• Small Mammals: Common inhabitants include the gerbil, jerboa, Cape hare, and desert hedgehog.1
• Carnivores: The desert is home to the spotted hyena, common jackal, sand fox, Libyan striped weasel, and slender mongoose.1
• Other Species: Additional mammals include Barbary sheep, the Nubian wild ass, and the anubis baboon.1

It is important to note that many of these species, such as the addax, are critically endangered due to poaching and require dedicated conservation efforts to ensure their survival in the wild.2