Animals
National Animal
The Elephant
“All good things are wild and free”
H.D.Thoreau
Animals commonly seen in the wild
Marine fauna:
Whales, dolphins, sturgeons, eels, carps, pikes.
Birds:
Loons, oystercatchers, grebes, shearwaters, petrels, pelicans, herons, egrets, storks, hawks, eagles.
Land mammals:
Gazelles, oryxes, foxes, hares, golden wolves, red foxes, bats.
Snakes and insects:
Spiders, lizards, agamas, chameleons, skinks, geckoes, smooth snakes, vipers.
Common sights you will not like
In the city and on the road
Stray cats and dogs are a common site, although they are sometimes killed through poisoning or shooting. In the markets animals (Chickens, sheep, turkey, ducks and fishes) are kept in cages and commonly sold alive to the consumers.
In theCountryside
Donkeys and mules are commonly used to carry and transport heavy loads. Whipping and tormenting them still takes place. Stray cats and dogs roam the countryside. Due to high level of rabies, the government often kills stray animals.
General animal welfare issues
Pet animals are generally protected under Article 317 and 310 of the Tunisian penal code. While there is law to date that protects farmed or stray animals.
Hunting or poaching:
Hunting by tourists is common and authorized in Tunisia. Commonly hunted animals are bird species such as partridges, wood pigeons, quails, etc. and mammals such as wild boars, jackals, foxes, mongooses and genets. There are no hunting quotas on migratory bird species.
Animal fights:
Dog and ram fights can be seen in some places of the country.
Sanctuaries to visit or volunteer:
N/A
We have not included the treatment of animals in the meat/fur/leather industries, zoos or circuses, animal testing as it unfortunately still happens in most countries.
