Libya was historically known for its abundant vegetation, which in turn supported a rich diversity of animal species. This is supported by historical, archaeological, and geological sources, including the discovery of plant and animal fossils in Libyan rocks and inscriptions on the peaks and faces of mountains in southern Libya, as well as caves in the northern mountains. Geological studies conducted in various regions of Libya reveal that mammal fossils are the most commonly found animal fossils. However, over time, Libyan wildlife has faced difficult survival conditions, some of which are natural, such as water scarcity and environmental changes, while others are due to human intervention, including direct hunting and the destruction of their habitats. These events have left only a few species remaining.

In recent years, only 76 mammal species have been recorded in Libya, belonging to ten orders, 25 families, and 47 genera. These species are currently facing the threat of extinction due to human threats and climate change.