Wildlife of Morocco (with 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, aMorocco toursyou 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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Morocco Wildlife

Morocco Wildlife


Morocco WildlifeFew countries in the Mediterranean region can match the variety and quality of the wildlife habitats to be found in Morocco. Whether you are an expert botanist, a dedicated bird-watcher or simply a visitor with an interest in a totally diferent environment, the wildlife experience of your travels should be extremely rewarding.
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Wildlife in Morocco

WILDLIFE WATCHING

Morocco offers a tremendous diversity of habitats and climates which support a wide range of interesting species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, plants and, most notably, birds - there are 460 bird species, 90 reptiles (50% more than in the whole of Europe) and 3,600 recognised plants, of which 17%are endemic.

Ecosystems and species of particular interest include: the Barbary Macaque inhabiting the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas Mountains,the coastal Euphorbia heaths of the Atlantic Coast, the Argan Forest of the south west, the Atlantic coastal lagoons supporting a massive bird population, the coastal steppes, famous for the rare Bald Ibis, the alpine species on the High Atlas plateaus and the Mouflon in the High Atlas Mountains.

There are several National Parks and 2 Biosphere Reserves dedicated to protecting these endangered ecosystems. 

Our Expertise

Said has been employed full time as a guide for our clients since 1997. Said holds a degree in biology and geology and is extremely knowledgeable about local wildlife and related issues.

Said has a particular passion for botany and ornithology and considerable experience in leading specialist groups. He is based at our guest house in Taroudant where we have a wide range of maps, displays and a well stocked specialist library; it is an ideal location due to easy access to areas of high biodiversity (including many endemic species) in the varied habitats of the Souss Valley, High Atlas and Anti Atlas Mountains (including a National Park and a Biosphere Reserve).

"Staying at Taroudant with our groups each year has been a wonderful experience. The hospitality and the food is first class and Said is a great companion in the field. Being close to the Atlas and right in the bird-rich Souss Valley makes it a superb base for a wildlife tour and Said's local knowledge has helped us no end. And you can pop down to the souk at the end of a long day enjoying the birds, flowers and butterflies before Fatima's superb tagines... what could be better?" Ian Green of Greentours:

Biodiversity

The internationally important reserves in the vicinity are the Argan ForestBiosphere Reserve and the Souss Massa National Park, the latter is well known for its estuarine birdlife, but most particularly for the last remaining wild breeding colonies in the world of the Bald Ibis. Day visits to the Souss Massa National Park are offered weekly as part of the "Real Morocco" experience.

For those with an interest in reptiles, tortoises, lizards, including geckoes and the spectacular Uramastix and chameleons are often spotted, especially in the south of Morocco; it is warm enough near Taroudant for tortoises to be out basking at Christmas (everywhere else this species hibernates). One hotel in Taroudant even has a collection of very large terrapins in its fountain.

Our Trips

Naturally Morocco run day trips from Taroudant for those wishing to have days out with Said investigating entire ecosystems or any particular species that interests you. Please contact us on 01239 710814 or 0845 3457195to discuss availability and your needs. For more information see our Natural History Download.

Wildlife in the Souss Massa

Duration

1 Day

Location

Taroudant

Trip Grade

Easy

In Morocco there are 460 bird species, 90 reptiles (50% more than in the whole of Europe) and 3,600 recognised plants, of which 17% are endemic. The area is a "cross-roads" for flora and fauna from the Mediterranean, the Sahara & the Tropics with the addition of montane variations.

Bird Watching in the Souss Massa

Duration

1 Day

Location

Taroudant

Trip Grade

Easy

Morocco enjoys a huge diversity of birds - 460 species - thanks to the vast range of habitats including a fascinating range of desert, montane and coastal habitats and the large number of migrant visitors.

Birdwatching

Location

• Oualidia
• Taroudant

From our base in Taroudant we can offer a fully tailor-made birdwatching trip ranging from the internationally famous estuaries in the Souss Massa National Park and the Anti-Atlas and High Atlas Mountains, to lagoons in the north, montane sites near Oukaimden and to desert sites near Merzouga and Guelmim.

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