The Exotic Wildlife

This country on Africa's eastern horn is almost entirely desert. Only about 1% of its roughly 9000 square miles is forested to any significant extent. Djibouti is mostly hot, arid, and dependent on fixed sources of water such as wells and oases, with the exception of a small section of mountainous land in the northern part of the country that is slightly cooler, and two large lakes where wetland species can survive. This results in a harsh and unwelcoming environment in nature for both human and animal species.

Lake Abbe (primarily in neighboring Ethiopia) and Lake Assal are the only perennial rivers in the country. While Lake Abbe is freshwater, Lake Assal is saltwater and, at 509 feet in elevation, is Africa's lowest point. Djibouti has only about 60 mammal species, as well as about 40 reptiles, 3 amphibians, 450 fish, and 360 birds. There is no national animal in Djibouti. The most recognizable animals of Djibouti would probably be the camel, the ostrich, or the Grevy’s Zebra.

The Day Forest National Park is the primary entry point for Djibouti's animals and wildlife species. This relatively small (2200-acre) wildlife preserve is one of the country's few wooded areas. Aside from this small patch of cool green, most other animals and wildlife species will be found only in close proximity to the very limited water supplies.