The home of biodiversity
The Nile River is home to an abundance of biodiversity and offers a significant variety of wildlife. Throughout the entire length of the River and the wetlands surrounding it, numerous plant and animal species can be found. From species found nowhere else in the world, to species that have a range of habitats, the Nile is undoubtedly an example of a thriving, diversified ecosystem.
At the same time, the animals and plant life that inhabit the River itself must also survive in a very compact environment. Through every curve and around each bend, predators and prey vie for a spot in this unique oasis, often in direct competition with one another.
The Nile’s biodiversity is of huge significance to not just the local communities and cultures that have grown in the area, but to the environment and those that visit it, who get the opportunity to observe such a wide variety of species.
The Predators
Predators inhabit the Nile and play a significant role in maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Crocodiles and hippopotamuses are perhaps two of the more iconic species among the predators, living in the murky water of the mighty river. Although Hippos usually avoid confrontation and will usually steer clear of humans, Crocodiles on the other hand, have been known to attack when provoked and may be more dangerous to come into close contact with.
Alongside the huge river monsters are sea birds who happily dive in and out of the water to catch their prey. The yellow-billed stork, the grey-crowned crane, the bearded vulture and the African fish eagle are among the birds listed by the iucn as threatened. Their true potential for protecting the ecosystem lies in their role as scavengers and for dispersing seeds to other parts of the Delta.
The Prey
The River and its wetlands are full of prey for the resident predators. The most commonly caught prey species is the Nile perch, a large fish which inhabits the Nile and its tributaries. The common carp, the stingray and the electric eel are also a common sight in the river, albeit in smaller proportions compared to the Perch.
Apart from fish and amphibians, the hungry predators of the Nile also prey upon other aquatic species, including the African lungfish, which can breathe air to survive the long dry season, and the mudfish, which is unique to the river. Of course, the river is also home to small mammals, notably the Sitatunga, which is specially adapted to arid habitats and feeds prey on small snakes, rodents, crabs and insects.
Reptilians
Reptiles are also commonplace in the river, including the graceful and slightly terrifying monitor lizard, which forage for fruit and small animals. The plated lizard is another popular species, spending its days basking in the sun and taking a dip in the water when the mood strikes.
The river is also home to two species of cobra: the Egyptian Cobra and the Horned Desert Cobra. Other non-venomous desert reptiles are also found, such as lizards and skinks, though it is often hard to spot them among the plants.
The presence of reptiles in the Nile makes it even more important to exercise caution when entering the water, as they too can be potentially dangerous.
The Amphibians
The wetland areas around the Nile are home to a diverse group of amphibians, including frogs, toads and salamanders. These can be found around the shallower waters of the river and its tributaries, as well as in the grasslands and woodlands that surround it.
Among the amphibians present, the best known is the African Clawed Frog, which lives in the oxbow lakes of the river. This species stores fats and water in its skin, which allows it to survive for long periods without food or water.
The presence of amphibians in the River is important for maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystem, as they play an essential role in controlling insects and controlling the spread of disease.
Endemic Species
Some species of animals found in the Nile are endemic and exist nowhere else in the world. An example of such species is the Nile river tortoise, a large aquatic tortoise which was identified in 1899 and is today classified as critically endangered.
The Nile River has also been home to several species of crocodile, including the Nile crocodile, the most famous of which is the slender-snouted crocodile, which is amongst the most endangered species of crocodile in the world.
The presence of such unique species lends further significance to the diversity of the Nile River.
The Extinct Species
The Nile has unfortunately lost a number of species over the years, some of which have become extinct due to human activity. The most famous of these is the Nile Boubou, a large bird that was once common throughout the wetlands of the delta.
This species has been declared extinct, likely due to their large size, which made them a prime target for hunters. Similarly, the Asiatic cheetah, which used to roam the savannas of the river, is now thought to be extinct.
The loss of these species highlights the importance of conservation efforts, which are increasingly in demand to ensure the protection of the rich biodiversity of the Nile.
Historical Significance
Animals that dwell along the Nile play an essential role in Egyptian culture, from ancient times to the present day. From Egyptian deities depicted as animals, to symbolic and mythological creatures, the Nile has always been a source of fascination and wonderment.
The Nile’s importance to Egyptian culture goes beyond the present day and into the distant past. It is here that some of the most important creatures feature in ancient Egyptian art, such as the sacred cat and the cobra, which are still used as a symbol of power today.
The importance of the Nile River and the species that inhabit it is clearly detrimental to the culture and heritage of the region. Its significance and richness of biodiversity stands as a testament to the importance of preserving this fragile environment.
The Conservation Efforts
The safety and protection of the species found in the River is of paramount importance and several conservation efforts have been put in place to ensure their survival.
These include careful management of the fishing industry along the river, and the introduction of anti-poaching laws to protect the animals from illegal hunters. Additionally, the government has made attempts to conserve habitats by setting aside certain areas of the river and wetlands, as well as by introducing laws and regulations to safeguard the species that inhabit the area.
Moreover, there have been moves to reintroduce some of the species, such as the slender-snouted crocodile, and efforts to protect the rarest species, like the Syrian wild ass.
The conservation efforts are undoubtedly an indication of the reverence for the animals of the Nile, as well as an attempt to ensure their future survival.
The Impact of People
As with any ecosystem, the presence of humans can be both beneficial and destructive. Unfortunately, the ever-growing population and increased levels of pollution have had a significant negative impact on the species and habitats of the Nile.
It is widely accepted that the health of the species that make their home along the River depends heavily upon the welfare of the people that reside there. As a result, the need for education and awareness among local people is crucial in order to ensure that these valuable species are preserved.
The success of the conservation efforts is largely dependent upon the cooperation of the people who live near the River, in order to ensure the safety of the species that inhabit the area.
Rehabilitation Projects
In an effort to reduce the negative impact of human presence on the Nile, a number of rehabilitation projects have been implemented in recent years. The most notable among these is the Ramsar Convention, which works to restore and protect wetland habitats as well as help to introduce species back into the wetlands.
In addition, organizations such as WWF, IUCN and the Wildlife Conservation Society have also joined forces to protect the species and habitats of the Nile.
These organizations have undertaken a variety of projects in order to ensure the future of the Nile’s biodiversity, such as building dams to reduce the amount of sediment and pollutants, and researching the effects of climate change on the species of the area.
The results of these projects are not yet known, but a positive outcome could mean a healthier, more thriving ecosystem in the future.
