1. Barbary Lion: Libya was historically home to the famed Barbary lion (Panthera leo leo). However, this subspecies of lion is considered critically endangered and may be extinct in the wild.
2. Fennec Fox (Vulpes zerda): The adorable fennec fox is known for its oversized ears and reddish-brown fur. This desert-dwelling fox is nocturnal and primarily feeds on insects, rodents, and small vertebrates.
3. Dorcas Gazelle (Gazella dorcas): This slender and delicate antelope roams the Libyan deserts. They have sandy or grayish coats and distinct black stripes on their faces and limbs.
4. Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena): Striped hyenas are scavengers commonly found in Libya. They are opportunistic hunters and feed on carcasses, small mammals, and eggs.
5. Libyan Jird (Meriones libycus): This species of desert jird is a small rodent that inhabits the dry regions of Libya. They are known for their nocturnal behavior and consume seeds and plant material.
6. Desert Monitor (Varanus griseus): The desert monitor is a large lizard that is found in both the deserts and rocky areas of Libya. They are opportunistic carnivores and feed on smaller lizards, birds, rodents, and insects.
7. Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus): This vulture species is found in the northern regions of Libya. They are scavengers that feed on carcasses, often congregating around animal remains in the desert.
8. Spur-thighed Tortoise (Testudo graeca): This terrestrial tortoise is found in many parts of Libya. They have a distinctively patterned shell and hibernate during the winter months.
9. Sahara Sand Viper (Cerastes vipera): Endemic to North Africa, this viper is found in the deserts of Libya. They are highly venomous snakes and well-camouflaged due to their sandy color and scale patterns.
10. Common Ostrich (Struthio camelus): While relatively uncommon in Libya, ostriches have been observed in some desert areas. They are known for their long necks, powerful legs, and the ability to run at incredible speeds.
It's important to note that Libya is facing challenges due to habitat loss, hunting, and other human activities, which have led to declines in many animal populations. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these species and their habitats.