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Flora and Fauna

Eritrea is home to a variety of plant species, including the iconic dragon’s blood tree (Dracaena ombet), which thrives in the country’s dry regions. Acacia trees, baobabs, and frankincense-producing Boswellia trees are also found in Eritrea’s semi-arid and savanna areas. The country’s highlands support juniper and olive trees, while the coastal regions feature salt-tolerant vegetation like mangroves.

Eritrea’s wildlife includes African bush elephants, Soemmerring’s gazelles, and Nubian ibex, which navigate the rocky cliffs. Carnivores such as spotted hyenas, cheetahs, and African golden wolves roam the plains, while the coastal waters of the Red Sea provide a habitat for dugongs, sea turtles, and coral reef fish. Eritrea also has rich birdlife, including the Egyptian vulture, Abyssinian roller, and the endemic Eritrean bush crow.

Eritrea’s plants have been used for centuries for medicine, incense, and trade. Frankincense from the Boswellia tree was highly prized in ancient times and is still harvested today. The hardy doum palm provides food, materials for weaving, and shade in arid regions.

National Flora and Fauna

• The Arabian bustard, (Ardeotis arabs) is the national bird.
• The doum palm, (Hyphaene thebaica) is the national tree.

Issued 1933: Definitive series - 2 cent, Dromedary (Camelus dromedarius).

Issued 1933: Definitive series - 25 cent, Baobab tree (Adansonia digitata).

Issued 1933: Definitive series - 2 lira, African Bush Elephant (Loxodonta africana).

Issued 1934: 2nd Internation Colonial Exhibition, Naples series - 20 cent, Grant's Gazelle (Nanger granti).

Issued 2000: Fish and Coral Reefs of the Red Sea series - 3 nakfa, Coral hind (Cephalopholis miniata).

Issued 2000: Fish and Coral series - 10 nakfa, Fourline wrasse Mini sheet (Larabicus quadrilineatus).

Issued 2001: Aardwolf series - 3 nakfa, Aardwolf Cubs (Proteles cristatus).

Issued 2001: Wild Animals of Eritrea series - 3 nakfa, Mini sheet.