Just like the local plants, the animals in the Namib Desert have special traits that help them survive in the harsh desert conditions.
There are many tiny living things in the desert. Insects, spiders, and reptiles like geckos live under the sand. If you look closely at the sand, you can see many small footprints left by these interesting animals that call the desert home.
To survive, many of these animals lick small drops of water that form on rocks and plants or drink drops from the fog. Others move through the sand and pull out the moisture.
Some of the bigger animals you may see in the Sossusvlei area include ostriches, springboks, and gemsboks. These animals are all well-suited to dry areas. Larger predators include the brown hyena and the spotted hyena.
Some smaller animals, such as the aardwolf, porcupine, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox, and Cape fox, are more active in the cool night air.
Larger Mammals:
- Oryx (Gemsbok): Namibia’s national animal, well-adapted to dry desert life.
- Springbok: A common type of antelope in the Namib Desert.
- Ostrich: A large bird that can live in dry places.
- Hartmann’s mountain zebra, Burchell’s zebra, kudu, hartebeest, giraffe, steenbok, klipspringer: These animals can also be seen in the area.
- Wild horses: Found in some parts of the Namib Desert.
Smaller Animals & Predators:
- Bat-eared fox: A small fox that can survive in desert conditions.
- Black-backed jackal: A scavenger that lives well in dry areas.
- Aardwolf: A night-time animal that eats termites.
- Brown hyena: Sometimes seen in the area.
- Leopard and cheetah: May also live in the area but are not often seen.
Reptiles and Insects:
Geckos, small chameleons, scorpions, beetles, spiders, and snakes also live in the sand.
Special Adaptations:
- Dune lark: A bird found only in this desert region.
- Coastal fog: Fog from the coast moves inland and helps support animals that are adapted to desert life.
