The Nile River is a lifeline for many varieties of animals that inhabit it. Most people immediately think of crocodiles and hippos when they hear “animals of the Nile”, but that’s only the beginning of the story. Numerous mammals, birds, reptiles, and even amphibians can be found in this long river in Africa.
Crocodiles and hippos are certainly not the only reptiles that dwell in the waters of the Nile. Monitor lizards, softshell turtles, cobras, and other snakes like the olive and file-tailed varanids are not uncommon. Most of these animals, especially the snakes, are generally found closer to the shores and in shallow waters. The reptiles abide in the Nile’s shallow waters, where they feed on the abundance of fish, amphibians, and other small creatures.
Nile mammals are impossible to avoid. River hippos are heavily associated with the Nile, and they are undoubtedly the largest and most notorious of the river’s inhabitants. Genets, civets, and African clawless otters are also found in the river, as well as a vast array of antelopes and ungulates.
A range of migratory and non-migratory birds can also be found along the vast river. Birdwatchers will find that the birds of the Nile include pelicans, falcons, eagles, flamingos, redshank, and avocets. Other birds may be seen too, depending on the time of year and the current conditions.
As for the amphibians of the Nile, the most common would be the African clawed frog. These amphibians inhabit the smaller, shallow streams of the river. While the African clawed frog is the most dominant species, there are others such as the African bullfrog, African dwarf frog, and the small tadpoles of various species of frogs.
Fish species of the Nile River also hold a special place in the ecosystem. The Nile’s fish are considered to be some of the most important species of fish that are found in African waters. From the smallish lates niloticus mottled eel to the iconic Nile perch, there are over two hundred species of fish found in the river.
The banks of the Nile may be home to several types of turtles as well. Freshwater turtles such as the African mud turtle, the red-eared slider, and the common snapping turtle are native to the continent and are found nearer to the shores and in marshes.
Human Interference
Humans have played a role in affecting the species of animals and plants in the Nile. As an example, the white beetle is said to have been brought from the Western United States to Africa, where it has caused serious damage to the local vegetation.
Other species have been introduced for the purpose of fishing. The African sharptooth catfish was introduced to the Upper Nile, where it has since become established. The fish have caused a significant decline in the native fish species’ populations, as they are more aggressive predators.
Pollution has also degraded the Nile and its inhabitants. Oil spills, chemical runoff, and industrial waste have all afflicted the river and caused much harm. As a result, several species have been forced to flee, while others have died out entirely.
The most notorious human disturbance to the river is the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The dam has displaced many species and changed the entire ecosystem of the river, making it almost unrecognizable. In the process, several species have become threatened or have gone extinct.
Conservation Efforts
In response to the threats posed to the creatures of the Nile, various environmental organizations and programs have been established to help protect them. The African Aquatic Conservation Fund, for instance, is an organization that helps fund research and educational programs related to the conservation of aquatic species along the Nile.
The Global Nature Fund is another organization that is taking steps to preserve the wildlife and plants of the River. They provide grants to local research initiatives and NGOs that work to protect the species along the Nile.
Additionally, several laws and regulations have been passed to help protect the Nile’s animals. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1975, for instance, prohibits the killing, harming, or trading of any endangered species, including those found in the Nile.
And there’s the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, which provides guidelines for sustainable use of wetlands and their resources. The Ramsar Convention helped alert the world to the importance of wetlands, giving due status to wetlands like the Nile Delta.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the animals of the Nile are a diverse and important part of the region’s ecosystem. Humans have had a huge impact on these animals, both through their interference and the conservation efforts they’ve made. The aquatic and terrestrial creatures of the river face many threats, but there are still organizations and regulations in place to protect them.
