Eritrea

Eritrea is situated in the Horn of Africa region of East Africa, with Asmara as its capital and largest city. The country has an extensive coastline along the Red Sea in the northeast and east. The total area of the country is about 117 600 km2, including the Dahlak Archipelago and many of the Hanish Islands. Anthropological research has dated human remains found in Eritrea to 1 million years ago, and shows that the area may contain significant records of human evolution. Present-day Eritrea is a multi-ethnic country of nine recognized ethnic groups. Eritrea has numerous mammal species and a rich birdlife of 560 species, and is the habitat of a large number of big game species. The regulations that have been put in place have helped to ensure that their numbers continue to grow throughout Eritrea. Mammals frequently found today include the Abyssinian Hare, African Wild Cat, Black-Backed Jackal, African Golden Wolf, Genet, Ground Squirrel, Pale Fox, Soemmerring's Gazelle and warthog. Dorcas Gazelle is found in the coastal plains and Gash-Barka. Lions are thought to inhabit the mountains of the Gash-Barka Region, and Dik-Diks are found in many areas. Endangered African Wild Ass can be spotted in the Denakalia Region. Other wildlife in the area includes Bushbuck, Duikers, Greater Kudu, Klipspringer, African Leopards, oryx and crocodiles. The Spotted Hyena is widely distributed and quite common. Common marine species in coastal areas include dolphin, Dugong, Whale Shark, turtles, marlin, Swordfish and Manta Ray.