No known animal species are found only in Afghanistan.
Define “endemic” as a species that lives naturally in one country and nowhere else. Understand that national borders are human lines. Many animals live across the mountains and deserts that cross Afghanistan and its neighbors. This makes strict endemics rare or absent for Afghanistan.
Consider the technical reasons. Habitats in Afghanistan—Hindu Kush, Pamir, and desert zones—extend into Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Many well-known animals tied to Afghanistan, such as the snow leopard (Panthera uncia), Marco Polo sheep (Ovis ammon polii), and Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica), live in several countries. Also note that decades of limited field surveys and conflict mean some small or local species may be under‑studied. Use sources like the IUCN Red List and GBIF to confirm ranges.
Explore related and useful categories instead. Look for “animals native to Afghanistan” (species that occur there but also elsewhere), “subspecies or local populations with limited ranges,” and “endemics of the Hindu Kush–Pamir ecoregion” which covers parts of several countries. Consider checking lists of endemic plants and invertebrates, or consulting regional experts for the most up-to-date findings.
