Somalia, located in the Horn of Africa, is often perceived as a largely arid nation defined by its hot, dry climate. Despite the environmental challenges, which include recurrent droughts and widespread desertification, the country holds a high level of terrestrial and marine biodiversity. Scientific knowledge about this biodiversity is limited due to decades of instability, yet estimates suggest a rich environment, including over 3,000 plant species and hundreds of unique mammal and bird species. This ecological wealth, much of which is endemic to the Horn of Africa, persists against considerable odds.
Geography and Climate
The physical setting of Somalia is dominated by a long coastline, stretching over 3,333 kilometers along the Gulf of Aden to the north and the Indian Ocean to the east, making it the longest on mainland Africa. The interior landscape transitions from coastal plains to expansive plateaus and rugged highlands, such as the Ogo Mountains in the north. This varied topography contributes to distinct microclimates across the region.
The country’s climate is generally hot and arid to semi-arid, with seasonal changes dictated by shifts in monsoon winds rather than large temperature fluctuations. Two main rainy seasons, the Gu (March to June) and the shorter Deyr (October to December), punctuate the long dry seasons. Rainfall distribution is highly uneven, with the northern regions receiving as little as 50 to 150 millimeters annually, while some areas in the southwest may receive between 400 and 700 millimeters.
Unique Wildlife and Plant Life
Somalia’s arid environment has fostered a high degree of endemism, particularly among its smaller fauna and specialized flora. Among the most distinctive mammals is Speke’s gazelle (Gazella spekei), one of the smallest gazelle species, which inhabits the stony brush and semi-deserts of the region. This species is notable for its large, inflatable nasal passages, which it uses to amplify a distinct, honking alarm call. Another unique antelope is the Beira gazelle (Dorcatragus megalotis), a small, shaggy-coated species adapted to rocky hillsides and slopes.
The country is also home to a number of other endemic species, including the Somali hedgehog (Atelerix sclateri) and the Somali golden mole (Calcochloris tytonis). Avian life includes the Somali thrush (Turdus ludoviciae) and the Warsangli linnet (Linaria johannis), both confined to the country’s unique habitats. Plant life displays remarkable adaptations to aridity, notably the presence of the frankincense and myrrh trees.
Frankincense, derived from Boswellia species, and myrrh, from Commiphora myrrha, are trees that thrive in the dry, rocky soils of the northern mountains. These drought-resistant trees produce aromatic gum resins that have been valuable trade commodities for thousands of years. The flora includes over 3,000 recorded species, with an estimated 836 believed to be endemic.
Critical Waterways and Coastal Habitats
The terrestrial ecosystem’s productivity is dependent on the perennial surface water provided by the Jubba and Shabelle rivers. These two rivers originate in the Ethiopian highlands and flow through southern Somalia, sustaining riverine forests and agricultural floodplains in an otherwise dry landscape. The Shabelle River is particularly notable because it often terminates in a closed basin, with its flow rarely reaching the Indian Ocean except during periods of very heavy rainfall.
Along the extensive coastline, a variety of marine habitats support a rich biodiversity. The Somali Current Large Marine Ecosystem features strong seasonal upwelling during the Southwest Monsoon, which brings nutrient-rich cold water to the surface, creating a highly productive ecosystem. Coastal areas contain warm-water corals, seagrass beds, and saltmarshes. Mangrove forests, covering approximately 48 square kilometers, are concentrated along the northern and southwestern coasts and serve as nurseries for marine life and local fisheries.
The State of Conservation
The natural environment of Somalia faces threats stemming from both climate factors and human activity. Recurrent droughts and desertification, exacerbated by climate change, place pressure on fragile rangelands and water resources. This environmental stress is compounded by unsustainable human practices, such as the widespread deforestation driven by demand for charcoal.
Habitat degradation is further intensified by overgrazing from livestock, contributing to soil erosion and loss of native vegetation. The country’s unique wildlife, including the endemic gazelles and cheetahs, is threatened by habitat loss and the illegal trade of live animals and animal parts. Conservation efforts are hindered by decades of conflict and a lack of functional protected area management. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted focus on sustainable resource management, reforestation, and the establishment of effective conservation governance.