Wildlife of Morocco in pictures

Morocco for the past several years has been trying to stop the deforestation of their lands by creating a number of bio reserves and national parks in the Ait Bougmez Valley, Rif Mountains, and High Atlas Mountains. Wildlife in Morocco has dwindled because of agricultural use of the land, pollution entering the water sources and locals annihilating various species. The government has taken this turmoil into account, and there are still many areas of Morocco which luckily still untouched.  There are eighteen species of mammals that are on the border of extinction along with eleven bird species here in Morocco. For anyone who is visiting Morocco the best places to witness the wonders of wildlife are the national parks and reserves.  

Houbara in Morocco

Purple Heron, White Headed Duck, Crested Coot, Houbara and Marble Duck have lost numbers due to issues in the marshland.  Exactly 182 plant species are now endangered, but for tourists with conservation in mind, protection of these species is possible.

Spotted Woodpecker in Morocco

In a direct way, a Morocco tours you can help place money into the economy at some of the reserves like the Souss Massa Biological Reserve or the Toubkal Biological Reserve.  These two large parks make it possilble to see more than 200 species of animals and birds, some that may not be around forever.  Waders, Spoonbills, Flamingos, and Woodpeckers are going to be found within the forests of these parks.

Egyptian Cobras, red Foxes, Leopards, and Golden Jackals are also within the borders of the reserves. Other smaller species of animals like squirrels and butterflies can be seen in the High Atlas Mountains when on a trekking Morocco tour.

A Chillaxed Barbary Monkey in Morocco

Trekking the desert of Morocco also yields other species of wildlife such as Wild Boars and Eagles. High Atlas trekking up the mountains of M’Goun or Jbel Toubkal can help visitors reach other wildlife not always seen.  For example, Barbary Monkeys are quite endangered but they can be seen when trekking up the valley paths towards the mountains.  

By trekking in Morocco you are also able to experience the culture of Morocco.  Morocco villages are largely without electricity in the High Atlas Mountains. They rely heavily on streams, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls for their water.  They also build huts from wood and sand, such as adobe homes in the cliffsides to live.  Their homes show elaborate art on the walls and ceilings. Morocco tour operators can arrange home stays with many of the families living in such homes. These humble experiences help us all appreciate all that we have and hold dear.

Dab Lizards in Morocco

Most of the trekking can be done with mules bringing the equipment along.  However, there are some paths in which the mules have to be left behind as they narrow.  Throughout the footpaths of Morocco, it’s possible to see goats, dab lizards and even the elusive panther (a legend these days).

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Wildlife in Morocco

Most of the trekking can be done with mules bringing 

the equipment along.  However, there are some paths in 

which the mules have to be left behind as they narrow. 

Wildlife In Morocco

Spotting Wildlife
There are myriad species of bird, fish, reptile, and mammals indigenous to North Africa that you just can’t see anywhere else. For your best chance at spotting these sometimes elusive creatures, head to our Top 5 destinations for wildlife viewing in Morocco.

Azrou: Barbary Apes, actually not apes at all but a tailless species of macaque monkey, are North Africa’s only primate. (Besides humans, of course.) The cedar forests that surround Azrou is about the best place in the country to spot them, especially around sunset.

Moulay Bousselham: The Merja Zerga lagoon in Moulay Bousselham, situated on the Atlantic coast, is the twice-yearly sight of thousands of migratory birds that stop here throughout December and January. Herons, pink flamingoes, gannets, and sheldrake all make an appearance.

Immouzzer du Kandar: Known as Morocco’s ‘Lake Country,’ this area is popular for its abundant bird-watching opportunities. Ducks, grey herons, cranes, egrets, and raptors all make their home here, removed from large cities. The region is also known for dragonflies.

Jbel Toubkal National Park: Africa’s only wild sheep, the Barbary Sheep, thrives in this park, an area specifically protected to maintain the species’ survival. Wild boar also make their regular appearances here.

Southern Oases: In the many oases that dot the arid region of Morocco’s southeastern border, it is common to catch glimpses of fast-moving herbivorous lizards. Also common around these sites of water is the large-eared fennec, a type of desert fox.





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Wildlife Barbary in Morocco

Discover the Barbary Macaque or the Camels of  Wildlife Morocco


 Throughout the footpaths of Morocco, it’s possible to see goats, dab lizards and even the elusive panther (a legend these days).

The wildlife in Morocco has been under attack from humans for many years. Deforestation for pastures and agricultural use, pollution of the water sources in Morocco and overgrazing by livestock, have each played a role in the decrease of wildlife species in Morocco. Currently, there are eighteen mammal species that are on the brink of extinction and the survival of eleven bird species hangs in the balance. The tireless work that is being done by national parks, forest reserves and biological reserves is giving theses species a chance to increase in numbers and are also the best places to catch a glimpse of the exotic and spectacular wildlife in Morocco.

Many marshlands have been drained over the years for use as cultivated land, which has led to the dramatic decline in Purple Heron, White-Headed Duck, Crested Coot and Marble Duck numbers. The destruction of land and plant species has seen approximately 182 plant species being added to the endangered list. Endangered wildlife species in Morocco include the Barbary Leopard, Waldrapp, Mediterranean Monk Seal, Barbary Hyena, Cuviers Gazelle and the Spanish Imperial Eagle. The Sahara Oryx and the Bulal Hartebeest have already become extinct. Fortunately, there is a large variety of wildlife species in Morocco that await the nature enthusiasts.

The Souss Massa Biological Reserve and the Toubkal Biological reserve are known for their large number of bird species and it is estimated that there are more than 200 different species. Visitors can look forward to seeing Waders, Woodpeckers, Spoonbills, Flamingos and a few of the bird species that are on the endangered list. Egyptian Cobras, Golden Jackals, Red Foxes and Leopards are also found in theses reserves. For a rare viewing of Barbary Monkeys, guests should visit the Cedar Forest Wildlife Reserve. The High Atlas region of Morocco has a wonderful variety of elephants, squirrels and colorful butterflies.

Along the desert coast of Morocco, visitors will find Ground Squirrels, Black-Headed Bush Shrikes, Moussier’s Redstarts, Wild Boars, Tiger Blues, Gulls, Ducks, Barbary Falcons, Eagles, Lizards and a multitude of other species. Some of the most breathtaking flowers of Morocco are also found in this region.

Visitors will be able to lose themselves in the great number of different wildlife and bird species in Morocco and will also see why authorities are working so hard to protect the remaining species. The varied landscape of Morocco is home to a spectacular and breathtaking range of wildlife that has become the focal point of conservation.


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