Sudan’s landscapes span desert dunes, Nile floodplains and isolated highlands, creating pockets of habitat where unique wildlife has evolved. From dry thorn scrub to volcanic mountains like Jebel Marra, those distinct environments support species you won’t find elsewhere.
There are 3 Animals Only Found in Sudan, ranging from Arid Thicket Rat to Jebel Marra Scorpion. For each species, you’ll find below Scientific name,IUCN status,Habitat & range.
Where in Sudan are these endemic animals found and how easy are they to see?
Most endemic species occupy small, specific habitats — for example, forested gullies or arid thickets — so sightings are uncommon and often limited to local surveys or targeted expeditions. Visiting protected areas with experienced guides improves chances, but many animals remain elusive and require patience or specialist knowledge.
How should I interpret the IUCN status listed for each species?
IUCN status summarizes extinction risk based on population trends, range and threats; a threatened listing signals conservation concern and need for habitat protection. Use the status to gauge urgency, look at recent studies for updates, and support local conservation groups or reporting networks if you encounter these species.
Animals Only Found in Sudan
| Common name | Scientific name | IUCN status | Habitat & range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arid Thicket Rat | Grammomys aridulus | Data Deficient | Montane savanna on the Jebel Marra massif, western Sudan. |
| Jebel Marra Labeobarbus | Labeobarbus dartevellei | Critically Endangered | Two saline crater lakes on the Jebel Marra massif, western Sudan. |
| Jebel Marra Scorpion | Buthacus jebelmarrae | Not Evaluated | High-altitude mountain habitats of the Jebel Marra massif, western Sudan. |
Images and Descriptions
Arid Thicket Rat
A small, poorly known rodent found only on the isolated Jebel Marra massif. Its remote, high-altitude habitat has kept it hidden from scientists for decades. More research is needed to understand its population and threats, hence its “Data Deficient” conservation status.
Jebel Marra Labeobarbus
This critically endangered fish is a true Sudanese treasure, found nowhere else on Earth. It lives only in the two high-altitude saline crater lakes of Jebel Marra. Its extreme isolation makes it highly vulnerable to any environmental changes in its unique volcanic home.
Jebel Marra Scorpion
A scorpion species known only from the high-altitude volcanic Jebel Marra massif. Like other animals from this isolated “sky island,” it evolved in seclusion. Its conservation status has not been formally assessed, but its restricted range makes it potentially vulnerable to habitat changes.
