Morocco Nature and Wildlife

Nature

With more than forty ecosystems located throughout the country, Morocco offers much more variety than the expected arid desert. A great deal of these ecosystems is protected, holding national park or national reserve status while hosting various plant and animal species.

In order to protect such nature and wildlife, national parks and reserves have been created throughout the country. Oued Massa Nature Reserve located in Agadir is a birdwatcher's paradise while also offering incredible plant and animal life. The Mediterranean Intercontinental Biosphere of Morocco and Spain is part of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program. Created in 2006, the goal of such projects is to educate the public and promote conservation and research. Within the biosphere is Talassemtane National Park. A final example of protected areas is Tazekka National Park which covers a diverse range of terrain located in the middle of the Atlas Mountain Range. It is a true example of conservation at work. Originally conceived to protect a grove of cedar trees in the Jbel Tazekka area, it now works to preserve various caves, canyons, rural landscapes, animals and birds.

Wildlife

There are approximately 210 bird species found in Morocco including woodpeckers, flamingos, spoonbills and storks. There are a further 11 threatened or endangered species. Regarding mammals, Morocco is home to around 105 mammal species including golden jackals, the red fox and leopards. Like the bird population, there are a further 18 threatened mammal species.

Stretching across both the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, Morocco’s coastline hosts cities like Tangiers and Casablanca. Along with these fascinating cities is equally fascinating marine wildlife. It is not uncommon to spot dolphins and porpoises in the waters as well as many seabirds.

Also found on the coasts of Morocco is the extremely endangered Mediterranean monk seal. With only around 450-510 left, they are one of the most endangered mammals in the world. However, Morocco, along with Mauritania, Spain and Portugal signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Concerning Conservation Measures for the Eastern Atlantic Population of the Mediterranean Monk Seal which came into effect on 17 October 2007. This MoU aims to provide a legal framework for implementing an action plan to save this creature.

Desert wildlife in Morocco is made up of the Dorcas gazelle which is the smallest gazelle in the world and the Fennec fox which is also the smallest fox in the world. Along with these mammals are golden jackals, the addax or screwhorn antelope and rodents as well as snakes and lizards. The Atlas and Rif Mountains provide habitats for the Burbary macaque, wild boars, birds like eagles and cardinals and lizards.

The coastal areas host various plants like eucalyptus, loquat and acacia while the mountainous regions have forests of evergreen, oak, fir, pine and cedar among others. There are also olive trees, scrub brush and alfalfa grass.

Morocco Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to Morocco.

Learn about the history and culture of Morocco, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Morocco's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Morocco for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Morocco tours today!

Extend your Trip

After your Morocco tours, why not consider one of Goway's Europe Tours

Book your Morocco tour with Goway! 

AfricaExperts is the exclusive division of Goway that specializes in planning and organizing Morocco tours and experiences. Choose from a locally escorted tour, a stay of distinction, an independent travel module, a small group tour and much more. We want to be your first choice when next you go globetrotting to Morocco.