The Moulouya Site of Biological and Interest (SIBE) of the Moulouya
The Moulouya SIBE covers an area of 2,700 hectares, a special natural site with no equivalent on the eastern Mediterranean coast in terms of biodiversity, particularly for herpetofauna and avifauna, with the presence of many threatened and remarkable species. The mouth of the Moulouya (the only major Moroccan river flowing into the Mediterranean) is classified as a Site of Biological and Ecological Interest (SIBE) covering an area of around 2,700 hectares. It includes the Moulouya wadi (from the mouth to Ain Zerga), the sandy cape (east of the mouth), the back beach (including the cliffs) and the marshes of Ain Zerga, Chrarba and Gueltat Sidi Boudiaqui. These marshes are superb stretches of freshwater resulting from the accumulation of rainfall and resurgences; they are surrounded by dense marsh vegetation (Salicornia, Typhas, Reeds, etc.), which makes them virtually inaccessible. These areas are home to a rich and diverse avifauna, including endemic species of worldwide importance, such as : Bald Ibis, Marbled Teal, Audouin's Gull, etc, and large populations of breeding birds such as Sultana Hen, Purple Heron, Montagu's Harrier and several species of Aquatic Warbler. They are also the most important migratory stopover in the East, welcoming wintering species such as mallards and greylag geese, some of which are threatened with extinction. The surrounding plant cover consists of salt marshes with phragmites, rushes, etc. The herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) on this site is remarkable, with relict species endemic to the Kebdana and Oranais regions, considered extinct on the planet a century ago (Chalcides mauritanicus and Chalcides parallelus). These places of rare beauty, where you can contemplate enchanting sunrises and sunsets, offer a pleasant setting for green tourism.
95 species representing 38 families, with many endemic, rare and remarkable forms, and medicinal plants, which are home to many species, including 12 endemic and rare species.
An exceptionally dense Tamarix riparian forest with a species diversity that is unique in Morocco.
Of the 216 taxa selected, 8 have not been found in the last 230 years, 19 are endemic, 32 are rare in Morocco and 5 are classified as vulnerable species on the list of protected species in Morocco.
23 species, 8 of which are remarkable for their endemism and rarity, including Testudo graeca and Chamaeleo chamaeleo, two species on the international red list.
Beni Snassen SIBE
A mountain range culminating at Ras Foughal at 1,532 m, with an imposing relief that offers the only high-quality wooded landscape in the entire province from 300 m upwards, adorned with escarpments, caves and attractive watercourses.
-There are 43 species of mammal, three of which have become extinct since the 1960s: the
the mouflon, the cuvier gazelle and the striped hyena.
-The existence of interesting, endemic, rare or threatened species:
-Mammals: Porcupine, otter, genet, mongoose, glove cat, caracal lynx
-Birds: White stork, Golden eagle, Bonelli's eagle, Lanner falcon, Peregrine falcon,
-Eagle-owl, blue and blackbirds.
-The existence of 24 known reptile species within the site and 5 in the surrounding area.
-Extensive and very beautiful holm oak woodland, sparse cocciferous woodland, very extensive tetracline woodland
extensive tetracline woodland and a very localised Argan grove. The massif also offers a number of other features
endemic flora.
-Despite a very different climate, characterised by a long, hot summer, the province is rich in Province is rich in varied game fauna (hares, rabbits, partridges, Gamba wild boar). Pigeons (woodpigeons, turtle doves, birdies) are also abundant. Hunters who venture into the mountains and forests of the Béni Snassen region are sure to get some good shots.
The cuffed mouflon, a species that disappeared from the region some fifty years ago, has been reintroduced in its original natural habitat (Tafoghalt forests - Beni mountains). reintroduced in its original natural habitat (Tafoghalt forests - Beni Znassen mountains). The pilot experiment, which began in November 1999 in an 8-hectare reserve with 4 individuals (2 males and 2 females) from Marrakech enabled the species to re-establish itself and reproduce naturally in the area. natural reproduction of the species in the area. There are currently 18 individuals.
White stork website
Just outside the town of Berkane, on the right bank of the Oued Cherâa near the ‘Darih’ of Sidi Ahmed Aberkane, patron saint of the town, and a few dozen metres from the great mosque, is the SIBE of the white stork. There are 33 nests perched on top of large old eucalyptus trees, silent witnesses to the development and expansion of the town. This colony is one of the two largest in Morocco, after the one on the walls of Dar El Kbira in Meknes (42 nests). The site is also one of the few places where these large waders breed normally.