Hunting in ancient Egypt was a sport for the rich, a source of food for the poor, and both for the middle classes. It was considered the hobby of kings and aristocrats, who would go on hunting excursions with their dogs for entertainment. Animals were hunted because they were ferocious and dangerous to be around (hippopotamus and lion), for food or materials, or because they were needed as sacrificial offerings. Those animals needed for religious activities would be secured alive and kept for use as an offering at a later date.
Materials sought after from animal sources included bone, feathers, gut, horn, ivory, leather, shell and of course, meat. The meat would be eaten or preserved for later use. The other materials would be used for clothing, utilitarian items (containers, tools) and decorative objects (jewelry, religious items, art).
ostrich, elephant, rhinoceros, oryx, gazelle, giraffe,
addax, roan
bubal, hartebeest, ibex, sheep, aurochs
deer, wild ass,
jackal, red fox, weasel, badger
genet, hyena, leopard, caracal, hare,
porcupine, jerboa, hedgehog
Animals were also important for service, religion, pets and food. Other animals of Egypt are described here.