5 Fantastic Fauna of Tunisia

We sincerely hope that each of you, our readers, will greatly enjoy and appreciate this article we present about these 5 Fantastic Fauna of Tunisia. It was certainly our true pleasure to compile the various information for you. May it provide you with both education and increased awareness.

While amazing, these few species listed herein represent only a portion of the natural wonders found throughout the region, though. Yet, it’s our belief that they serve as fully excellent representations of the wonders found here. Check out some of our other articles for similar marvels.

Serval

Serval Facts

• Leading off this article about these 5 Fantastic Fauna of Tunisia we present te remarkable product of Nature and evolution named the Serval.
• The most frequently used common name for this highly unsual looking wild cat is the surprisingly short term used here. The mammal does have a few other, less often used titles, though. These include such tags as bush cat and giraffe cat, among several others.
• Within the scientific community, however, it’s perhaps much better known by its purely technical designation. That term is a moderately difficult one for the layperson to pronounce, though. That’s because the animal holds the formal epithet Leptailurus serval.
• The intriguing creature received that honorific due to the efforts of Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber. The German naturalist accomplished the first acknowledgement of it as a separate and distinct species. He managed that scientifically noteworthy feat in the year 1776.
• This natural marvel also holds a certain degree of distinction in the annals of science. This status occurs due to several reasons. The animal represents the only member of its genus, for one. Yet, ongoing research also recognizes a current total of three existing subspecies.
• Thankfully, the amazing Serval appears to be maintaining a population base that’s both stable and sufficient. That pleasant condition further seems to hold true across the entirety of its range. The IUCN therefore presently lists the feline as Least Concern on its Red List.
• The biological wonder nevertheless faces several potential threats to its continued existence as a species. Like most forms of life on the planet today, most of these dangers stem from the actions of man. They include the perils of habitat loss and ongoing climate change.

Serval Physical Decsription

The fascinating Serval typically garners a great deal of attention from those individuals fortunate enough to encounter one. It generally does so, however, due more to its appearance than sheer phsyical dimensions. That’s true since, in that respect, it’s roughly average-sized for a wild cat.

Like most mammals, the incredible feline demonstrates a certain degree of the physiological characteristic known as sexual dimorphism. In its specific case, though, this evolutionary trait only manifests itself in terms of size. Otherwise, the two genders appear outwardly identical in form.

Individuals of both sexes of the species attain a height at the shoulder that averages between 21 – 24 in (54 – 62 cm). In terms of head-and-body length, however, the animal evolved a very elongated form. This measurement typically ranges from approximately 26 – 39 in (67 – 100 cm).

Weights also vary, but to a significantly greater extent. This represents where the males and females distinguish themselves, if only slightly. The males usually generally possess a much stockier build than their female counterparts. Masses for them thus range from 18 – 40 lb (8 – 18 kg).

In coloring, the majority of specimens present the same basic pattern, regardless of gender. This mainly consists of a brownish-yellow to golden-yellow background. Yet, it’s also extensively marked with large black spots and stripes, appearing in widely varying patterns among individuals.

Yet, it’s the body of the Serval that draws the most attention, though. That fact’s due to the presence of several highly distinctive characteristics. These traits include the development of a comparatively small, elongated head. This also sits atop an extra-long neck, compared to known felines.

The stunning mammal further sports a short tail, averaging only 12 in (30 cm), and having a black tip. Another highly notable trait is the legs of the cat. That’s because these rank as the longest of any known species of feline, relative to overall body size. Even its toes develop as elongated.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Carnivora
• Family: Felidae
• Genus: Leptailurus
• Species: L. serval

Serval Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The incredible Serval evolved as indigenous to a moderately large section of the earth’s surface. The general area in which that evolution took place likely won’t surprise many people, however. That’s true since it developed as endemic to a very specific portion of the continent of Africa.

There, the eye-catching animal primarily dwells in the southern section of that greater territorial range. Smaller concentrations of the species do also occur in the northern part of the continent, though. In this part of its territory, it’s only known to appear naturally in the country of Morocco.

Nature also provided this extraordinary feline with a moderate degree of adaptability regarding its choice of habitat. Due to this great flexibility in that respect, the creature principally inhabits regions consisting of cork oak forests or semi-arid regions. It also avoids fully arid areas and rainforests.

Further displaying its ability to adapt, it also makes its home in some zones composed of moorlands, grasslands, and even bamboo thickets. Populations also dwell at altitudes of up to 12,500 ft (3,800 m) above sea level. It also prefers proximity to bodies of water, such as wetlands.

The marvelous Serval evolved as dirunal in nature, and is therefore frequently active by both day and night. Understandably, it does typically prefer to rest during the hottest part of the day, though. This activity usually occurs in the shade provided by trees or larger bushes in its local area.

Like many of its relations around the world, this wild cat evolved as entirely carnivorous in nature. As a general principle, its prey consists of various small creatures. These include such species as birds, rodents, frogs, insects, and small reptiles. Its own predators include hyenas and leopards.

African Monarch

African Monarch Facts

• Next up in this compilation of these 5 Fantastic Fauna of Tunisia appears the stunning Lepidoptera bearing the title of African Monarch.
• This magnificent invertebrate most frequently goes by the descriptive, as well as somewhat informative, common name due to its range. Yet, it also has several alternate names it’s known by as well. These include the African queen, and, surprisingly, the plain tiger.
• Scientific professionals, however, such as researchers, typically refer to the invertebrate by its purely official name. That term’s somewhat difficult to pronounce, though, for the majority of non-professionals. That’s because it bears the technical moniker of Danaus chrysippus.
• The natural wonder further received that name due to the efforts of the renowned Swedish researcher, Carl Linnaeus. He accomplished the first formal recognition of the insect as a separate and distinct species. This scientifically noteworthy event occurred in the year 1758.
• Regardless of the term one chooses to use when referring to it, though, it nonetheless remains a remarkable beauty. A total of three known subspecies also exist. Intriguingly, these versions share the same range of habitation. It’s truly a marvelous work of Nature and evolution.
• The stunning African Monarch also stands out for yet another reason. That’s because, unlike many species on earth today, it appears to be maintaining a population base that’s both sizeable and stable. This trend further seems to hold true throughout the entirety of its range.
• The IUCN, therefore, presently lists the Arthropod as Least Concern on its Red List of Threatened Species. The creature nevertheless faces potential threats to its existence. Habitat loss due to human expansion qualifies as one. Its greatest danger, though, is climate change.

African Monarch Physical Description

The remarkable African Monarch impresses those individuals who encounter it with its many attributes. Sheer physical size, however, isn’t among the qualities on that particular list. That’s due to the fact that, regardless of its other notable aspects, it ranks as a medium-sized butterfly.

Mature adults attain an average wingspan measuring between 2.8 – 3.1 in (7 – 8 cm). Like many Arthropods, it also displays a slight degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In its particular case, though, this natural trait does not manifest in terms of sheer size.

Males of this insect develop pronounced scent glands, which the female of the species lacks entirely. With the exception of this physical structure, the genders appear virtually indistinguishable to the anked eye. The bodies of both genders also display a basic black shade, with white spots.

The difference in overall appearance is further augmented, though, by the exact patterns of color the invertebrate displays. That’s due to the fact that precise combinations vary between individuals, sometimes quite significantly. Certain basic patterns of coloration do remain, however.

Both the upper and lower wings of the mesmerizingly beautiful African Monarch display a predominantly bright orange hue. On the upperside, however, the tips of the forewing have a black border. White spots also appear there. The hindwing displays the black border, but without spots.

The underside of the wings also presents a principally orange shade. Here, though, it’s a somewhat lighter hue on most specimens. The same black border appears, but both wings also have white spots showing there. The hindwing also presents three small black spots around a central wing cell.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Lepidoptera
• Family: Nymphalidae
• Genus: Danaus
• Species: D. chrysippus

African Monarch Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Fortunately, for those who appreciate Nature, the dazzling African Monarch apparently evolved as native to a relatively broad swathe of the surface of the globe. As the common name itself clearly indicates, this zone of habitation includes virtually all of the entire continent of Africa.

Its presence doesn’t remain restricted solely to that one region of the world, however. That’s because it also appears in an impressive array of other areas. This includes much of Asia, including all of the Indian subcontinent. The insect also appears in Australia, and some Pacific islands!

It further enhances its survival capability by displaying an impressive degree of adaptability in regards to its precise choice of habitat. It does nonetheless demonstrate a preference for one specific type of habitat. The intrepid insect demonstrates a strong fondness for arid, open areas.

Yet, due to its flexibility in terms of where it lives, it also frequently makes appearances in a wide varity of habitats. These include such diverse areas as mountains, deciduous forests, and even deserts and gardens. It seems comfortable at altitudes ranging from sea level to 4,900 ft (1,494 m).

As quite often happens in Nature, the delicate beauty of the African Monarch conceals a rather surprising secret. Despite its general physical fragility, it possesses very few natural predators. That’s due to the fact that its tiny body contains high levels of toxic compounds, called cardenolides.

These protective chemicals originate with its diet. The adults consume nectar from various local flowering plants. The larval form, however, feeds mainly on several plants, but especially Milkweed. The toxins then accumulate in its body, making it unpalatable to most predators.

Fennec Fox

Fennec Fox Facts

• Appearing next in this gathering of 5 Fantastic Fauna of Tunisia comes the intriguing little canine bearing the name of Fennec Fox.
• This remarkable mammal most frequently goes by the deceptively simple common name we’re using here. That distinctive term derives from the Arabic word fanak. For the moment, this small wonder of evolution has no other accepted generally accepted common name.
• In scientific circles, though, it’s typically significantly better known by its entirely formal moniker. Fortunately for the layperson, that’s a term more easily pronounced than many others. That’s because this intriguing wild canine bears the official name of the Vulpes zerda.
• The animal received that title due to the efforts of the respected German zoologist, Eberhardt August Wilhelm von Zimmermann. He accomplished the first recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. This scientifically noteworthy event occurred in the year 1780.
• This charming creation of Nature and evolution stands out in the annals of science for one extremely notable reason. Currently, it represents the smallest of all known species of fox on earth today. This distinction serves to make it a subject of great interest to many researchers.
• Fortunately, the Fennec Fox appears to be maintaining a population base that’s both sufficient and stable. This pleasant trend also seems to hold true throughout the entirety of its known range. The IUCN currently classifies the animal as Least Concern on its published Red List.
• Nevertheless, this fascinating creature faces several threats to its continued existence as a species. In its native range, wild specimens are commonly trapped, either for sale to toursits or for exhibition. It also now faces the same threat of ongoing climate change as all species.

Fennec Fox Physical Description

The gorgeous Fennec Fox easily captivates most people fortunate enough to encounter one of these wonders. Unlike some species, however, this occurs more due to its appearance than sheer size. That’s due to the previously noted fact that it’s the smallest of all known species of wild canines.

The lovely mammal does share a very common trait with its many relatives, though. That’s true given the fact that it displays a certain degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In its specific case, this trait manifests itself purely in terms of physical measurements.

More precisely, males attain a larger average size than their female counterparts. The difference remains relatively minor, though. With the exception of this trait, the two genders are virtually indistinguishable to the untrained eye. This situation often complicates casual identification.

The females of the amazing, visually impressive species reach an average head and body length equaling approximately 13.6 – 15.6 in (34.5 – 39.5 cm). Male specimens, meanwhile, grow to an average measurement equaling 15.4 – 15.6 in (39 – 39.5 cm) for the same physical structure.

Weights vary accordingly between the different sexes as well. The females typically weigh somewhere between 2.2 – 4.2 lb (1.0 – 1.9 kg). The males, however, usually tend to attain a slightly greater mass. The tail for both genders of the wonder averages roughly 9.1 – 9.8 in (23 – 25 cm).

The appealing coat of the Fennec Fox typically presents a blending of creamy tan and white shades. The fur itself also has a fluffy nature, serving to help keep it warm at night. The ears represent its most recognizable feature. In ratio to body size, they’re the largest of all known wild canines.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Carnivora
• Family: Canidae
• Genus: Vulpes
• Species: V. zerda

Fennec Fox Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The visual wonder that’s the Fennec Fox evolved as native to a respectable range of the surface of the globe. The location of that zone of habitation, though, might surprise some people. That true since it remains endemic to portions of Africa, as well as a small section of the Middle East.

In Africa, the lovely creature principally appears in certain portions of the Sahara. That area extends from Mauritania to Morocco. From there, its range extends through Egypt. The canine even appears in sections of the Sanai Peninsula. Some specimens also live in the country of Israel. 

Nature additionally guided this animal through a very precise evolutionary path. It developed decidedly unexpected preferences in terms of its choice of habitat. The animal primarily inhabits areas that most mammals, especially smaller ones, would scrupulously avoid at all costs.

That’s true since it’s principally a desert environment species. The mammal typically makes its home in small sands. Some, however, also live in various vast, treeless sandy areas with sparse vegetation. That flora generally consists of various species of sedges, grasses, and small shrubs.

The Fennec Fox developed a primarily nocturnal nature. It commonly prefers to spend its days in its den, usually dug in the sand and located near patches of vegetation. This also appear highly organized, measuring as much as 1,291 sq ft (120 sq m), with up to 15 entrances and exits.

It also evolved as an omnivorous creature. The animal’s diet primarily consists of various insects, rodents, eggs, and occasionally rabbits. It typically hunts by pouncing on its prey, leaping from a stationary position. Its own main predators consist of owls, jackals, and sometimes hyenas.

Old World Swallowtail

Old World Swallowtail Facts

• Next up in this listing of these 5 Fantastic Fauna of Tunisia is the next amazing butterfly on the roster, the Old World Swallowtail.
• The most often employed common name for this gorgeous creation of Nature and evolution is the informative term employed in this article. The stunning invertebrate does have other alternate titles, though. These include the similar epithet common yellow swallowtail.
• Within most scientific circles, however, the delicate creature’s likely much better known by its technical label. Thankfully, that’s a relatively simple term for the layperson to pronounce. That’s because the truly lovely Lepidoptera holds the official moniker of Papilio machaon.
• The Arthropod received that scientific designation due to the efforts of Carl Linnaeus himself. The eminent Swedish zoologist accomplished the first recognition of the animal as a separate and distinct species. That scientifically noteworthy deed occurred in the year 1758.
• It’s fully notable for far more than just its great beauty, though. That’s due to an particularly impressive statistic the insect holds. That’s true since, to date, entomologists recognize an extraordinary total of 41 separate subspecies of this intriguing butterfly still in existence.
• Fortunately, the amazing Old World Swallowtail appears to be maintaining a population base that’s both sufficient and stable. This pleasant state of affairs further seems to hold true across the entirety of its range. The IUCN therefore currently lists it as Least Concern on its Red List.
• The magnificent insect nonetheless must be considered as facing the same potential threats to its existence as all other species, at least. Most of these perils stem from the actions of mankind. They include such varied dangers as habitat loss and ongoing climate change.

Old World Swallowtail Physical Description

The truly breathtaking Old World Swallowtail typically captivates those individuals fortunate enough to encounter the marvel. Pure physical size isn’t generally one of those, though. That’s because, regardless of its eye-catching appeal, it’s a roughly average-sized member of its Order.

It distingishes itself in this regard in one very specific manner, however. That’s true given that fact that, unlike most of its kindred, it displays no noticeable degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. This makes identifying the genders difficult for many of its observers.

The body of the caterpillar stage of both sexes of the wonder attains an average length equaling approximately 1.8 in (4.6 cm). That of the mature adult retains roughly the same measurement. Though mostly showing black above, with yellow trim, the underside mainly presents as yellow.

It’s the captivating wings of the visually stunning Old World Swallowtail that generally garner the most attention, however. These appendages often vary significantly in wingspan, regardless of gender. On average, this equals between 2.6 – 3.4 in (6.5 – 8.6 cm). Few exceed this by much.

On the upperside of both hindwings, a distinctive feature usually appears. That’s the existence of a relatively large eyespot located near the tail of the remarkable invertebrate. This itself shows a reddish-orange shade, with the presence of a black border near the edge of the hindwing.

Further enhancing this is the presence of 6 small, blue eye-spots located on the same wing. Yet Nature isn’t done with this wonder of evolution yet. These same hindwings also possess a pair of sharply protruding tail-like structures. These provide a resemblance to the bird of the same name.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Lepidoptera
• Family: Papilionidae
• Genus: Papilio
• Species: P. machaon

Old World Swallowtail Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The intensely beautiful Old World Swallowtail apparently evolved as native to an extremely wide expanse of the surface of the earth. The precise location of that zone of habitation, though, probably won’t surprise many people, though. It’s clearly intimated by the very name of the Arthropod.

The mesmerizing insect developed as partly endemic to what’s known as the Old World region of the earth. Yet the invertebrate also evolved as native to an even greater range. That includes the entirety of both Europe and Asia, and even extends to portions of the northern sections of Africa.

The intrepid animal also demonstrates a decidedly flexible approach to its preferences regarding its choice of habitat. The butterfly therefore inhabits a moderately broad range of ecosystems. These typically consist of such regions as areas of meadows, hilltops, and even areas of tundra.

It further displays an amazing adaptability to an extensive range of altitudes across its native range. In some regions, the invertebrate lives near sea level. In other sections, though, like the Kashmir Valley, individuals sometimes appear at heights of up to as great as 16,000 ft (4,877 m).

Like its countless living relatives, the Old World Swallowtail developed as entirely herbivorous in nature. Adults of this particular species primarily feed on the flower nectar of plants from a single Family. In its case, this consists of members of what’s commonly known as the celery Family.

After concluding the mating process, females lay eggs individually, usually on the underside of a food plant. The caterpillar form feeds on a wider variety of sources than the adults. The males of the beautiful butterfly frequently congregates in numbers to compete for approaching females.

Screwhorn Antelope

Screwhorn Antelope Facts

• Closing out this article about these 5 Fantastic Fauna of Tunisia we present you with the fabulous animal known as the Screwhorn Antelope.
• One of the names frequently applied to this remarkable creation of Nature and evolution is the highly descriptive term we’ve used here. Yet, it does have a few other general titles by which it’s known. These include such designations as Addax and the white antelope.
• Within the scientific community, however, it’s perhaps noticeably better known by its entirely technical moniker. Unfortunately, like many such tags, that’s somewhat difficult for the layperson to pronounce. The amazing animal holds the formal epithet Addax nasomaculatus.
• This intriguing mammal received that appellation due to the efforts of Henri Marie Ducrotay de Blainville. The highly respected French zoologist accomplished the first recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. He achieved that scientifically noteworthy feat in the year 1816.
• At the moment, the origins of the name Addax remain somewhat murky. It’s widely believed, though, that this title originated from an Arabic word that literally meant a wild animal with crooked horns. The first recorded use of that unique label actually occurred in the year 1693.
• Sadly, the beautiful Screwhorn Antelope now finds itself in a precarious position. It has both a significantly reduced population and habitat range. Accordingly, the IUCN, currently lists this marvel of evolution as Critically Endangered on its Red List of Threatened Species.
• It presently faces multiple threats to its continued existence as a species. Of course, in a broad sense, it must deal with the perils of climate change. Yet, it’s also locally endangered by such immediate problems as hunting, droughts, and ongoing human expansion into its territory.

Screwhorn Antelope Physical Description

The captivating Screwhorn Antelope typically enthralls those individuals fortunate enough to encounter one. Unlike some species, however, it does so for a variety of reasons. While these certainly include a wide range of characteristics, the primary one remains quite obvious.

Arguably, this marvel of Nature and evolution has a highly unique set of horns. These features generally display two or three sharp twists and average up to 31 in (80 cm) in length. As a matter of fact, in exceptional individuals, these may reach lengths of as much as 43 in (110 cm).

The beautiful coats also vary significantly in color, usually with the seasons. These become gray-brown in winter and almost white in summer. This fabulous animal species also displays the physiological trait of sexual dimorphism. In its case, that natural trait presents itself in terms of size.

Females of the species average slightly less in both mass and height than their male counterparts. Meanwhile, although females remain slimmer, both genders average a head and body length of about 51 in (130 cm). But the physical differences between two genders does not simply end there.

Males of the Screwhorn Antelope attain an impressive average shoulder height measuring about 45 in (115 cm). But the females of the species remain slightly shorter. The males additionally attain weights of as much as 275 lb (125 kg). Yet the smaller females rarely exceed 200 lb (90 kg).

Individuals of both sexes share numerous other physical features, though. These include the presence of a short, tufted tail. The creature also has relative large eyes and keen eyesight. Nature also provided it with large ears that help in dissipating heat, plus providing highly acute hearing.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Artiodactyla
• Family: Bovidae
• Genus: Addax
• Species: A. nasomaculatus

Screwhorn Antelope Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The remarkable Screwhorn Antelope evolved as indigenous to a very limited remaining distribution in the wild today. However, the bovine once roamed a significantly larger portion of this part of the world. In point of fact, that original range consisted of much of the Saharan region of Africa.

Unfortunately, the natural range of the astonishinig creature is now limited to only a tiny fraction of that original zone of habitation. Sadly, the only known self-sustaining population of this species in the wild today lives in what now forms the Termit Massif Reserve, in the nation of Niger.

The natural habitat of this amazing mammal also played an extremely pivotal role in its evolutionary path. The ecosystems it inhabits primarily consist of either sandy and stony deserts. Despite this, however, the magnificent bovine does also occasionally appear within a few other arid regions.

These other, though admittedly much less common, areas of habitation most frequently consist of such locations as regions of thorn scrub. In addition to this, scattered individuals occasionally roam into still other varied regions. Sadly, though, these rarely remain for any great length of time.

The fascinating Screwhorn Antelope also typically forms small herds, like many of its relatives. These groups generally number between 5-20 individuals. Each usually follows the oldest female. This species mainly eats grasses and the leaves of any shrubs it can find, including bushes and herbs.

This intriguing bovine also developed yet another remarkable attribute. That’s the extraordinary fact that it also possesses the remarkable ability to survive for extended periods of time without water. Given its native range, its principal natural predators include both cheetahs and leopards.

5 Fantastic Fauna of Tunisia

We hope that each of you thoroughly enjoyed reading, and hopefully learning some things from, this article we’ve written about these 5 Fantastic Fauna of Tunisia. It’s also our hope that doing so has left you with either a new or renewed appreciation for such awesome wonders of Nature.

Unfortunately, however, many of their numerous kindred situated around the world now find themselves facing strong threats to their continued existence as a species. Many of those dangers, in fact, stem from the actions of mankind. We must do all we can to protect and preserve them all.

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