Tunisia’s mix of Mediterranean coast, offshore islands and inland oases creates pockets of habitat where unique species have evolved. Small, isolated locations like rocky islets and mountain outcrops support plants and animals you won’t see anywhere else.
There are 8 Animals Only Found in Tunisia, ranging from the Galite Ground Beetle to the Zembra Land Snail. Each entry lists Scientific name,IUCN status,Size (cm),Range in Tunisia so you can compare taxonomy and conservation at a glance; you’ll find below.
Are these species truly only found in Tunisia?
“Endemic” means these species are native to and naturally restricted within Tunisia’s borders or its immediate islands; some have extremely narrow ranges such as a single island or mountain slope. Occasional surveys might update ranges, but current records list them as unique to Tunisia.
What are the main conservation concerns and practical protections?
Threat levels vary by species—some are listed by IUCN, others lack data—but common threats include habitat loss, invasive species, and limited ranges that make populations vulnerable; practical steps are local habitat protection, targeted monitoring, and biosecurity on islands to reduce new threats.
Animals Only Found in Tunisia
| Name | Scientific name | IUCN status | Size (cm) | Range in Tunisia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zakaria’s Gerbil | Dipodillus zakariai | Endangered | 9 | Endemic to Kerkennah Islands, in coastal salt-marsh and dune habitats. |
| Tunisian Tarantula | Ischnocolus tunetanus | NE | 3 | Arid and semi-arid regions, found in burrows under stones or in soil. |
| Galite Ground Beetle | Carabus morbillosus galitianus | NE | 3 | Found exclusively on the island of La Galite, a remote protected archipelago. |
| Tunisian Darkling Beetle | Pimelia tunisiaca | NE | 2.5 | Coastal dunes and sandy habitats, particularly in the north and east. |
| Zembra Land Snail | Dupotetia-lederi martorelli | NE | 2 | Restricted to Zembra and Zembretta islands in the Gulf of Tunis. |
| Kuriat Land Snail | Xerocrassa carpi | NE | 1 | Known only from the Kuriat Islands, off the coast of Monastir. |
| Jannina Land Snail | Xerocrassa janninensis | NE | 1 | Endemic to Jannina Island, a small islet near the Kuriat Islands. |
| Galite Land Snail | Cernuella caruanae | NE | 1.5 | Found only on the main island of the La Galite archipelago. |
Images and Descriptions
Zakaria’s Gerbil
A tiny, nocturnal rodent with large eyes and a long, tufted tail, perfectly adapted to its island home. Its survival is threatened by habitat loss and competition, making it one of Tunisia’s most endangered mammals.
Tunisian Tarantula
A small, ground-dwelling tarantula with a hairy body adapted for life in Tunisia’s dry landscapes. Despite its family name, it is secretive and poses no significant threat to humans, preying primarily on insects from its silk-lined burrow.
Galite Ground Beetle
A beautiful, large ground beetle subspecies isolated on the La Galite archipelago. Its iridescent, sculpted wing cases make it a striking example of island evolution. As a predator of snails, it is a key part of its unique island ecosystem.
Tunisian Darkling Beetle
A flightless, heavily armored black beetle often seen slowly walking across sand dunes. It is a detritivore, feeding on decaying plant matter, and plays an important role in the nutrient cycle of Tunisia’s fragile coastal ecosystems.
Zembra Land Snail
This small land snail subspecies is a true island specialist, found only on the rugged, protected islands of the Zembra National Park. Its isolation has allowed it to evolve uniquely, making its conservation tied to the health of its tiny island home.
Kuriat Land Snail
An incredibly rare small snail, confined to the tiny Kuriat Islands. Its whitish, conical shell helps it survive the hot, dry Mediterranean climate. This species highlights how even the smallest islands can harbor unique life found nowhere else on Earth.
Jannina Land Snail
This tiny land snail has one of the smallest known ranges of any animal, found only on Jannina Island. Its existence is a testament to the power of isolation in creating new species, but also makes it extremely vulnerable to environmental changes.
Galite Land Snail
Another island endemic, this snail lives only on La Galite. It shares its isolated home with other unique species, forming a distinct biological community. Its flattened, banded shell is characteristic of snails living in open, rocky Mediterranean habitats.
