Morocco: A Temperate Coniferous Forest

What is a Temperate Coniferous Forest?

• It is a terrestial biome found in temperate regions of the world with warm summers and cool winters and adequate rainfall to sustain a forest.
• Evergreen conifers predominate.  Some are a mix of conifers and broadleaf evergreen trees and/or broadleaf decidious trees.

• Here in the mountains of northern Morocco, moist conifer and mixed broadleaf forests flourish. The air is misty and damp, and in the higher elevations winter snowfalls are common.

• Small clusters of rare conifer trees survive in only a few isolated areas where the air is particularly cold and moist. These mountain forests are important stopovers for birds migrating between northern Europe and Africa.


• The climate is Mediterranean, which becomes more extreme towards the interior regions where it is very mountainous.  Most of the agriculture is found in the coastal plains of Morocco.  These are areas of rich soil, where most of the agriculture is found.  

Morocco's Wildlife

• Morocco is known for its wildlife biodiversity.  Birds represent the most important fauna.  Morocco has a  total of 454 species.

• The bird population in Morocco is overwhelmingly large.  Some types of birds found there are:  woodpeckers, flamingos, spoonbills, storks, and waders.  Some other animals found in Morocco are:  the golden jackal, leopards, red foxes, Egyptian cobras.  
• The wooded lands of the High Atlas region of Morocco has a variety of wildlife.  Within one location you could find a praying mantis, squirrels and elephants dwelling amongst each other.  

Flamingos

Morocco's Flora

The mountainous regions of Morocco contain extensive areas of forest, including large stands of cork oak, evergreen oak, juniper, cedar, fir, and pine.

Evergreen Oak Trees in Morocco


A Juniper Tree

To Learn More About Morocco refer to the children's book The Jeff Corwin Experience - Into Wild Morocco

Morocco is not only the gateway to Africa, but it is also home to diverse habitats and fascinating creatures. In this book, Jeff  Corwin encounters a giant porcupine, the black scorpion, and the amazing fish of the sand.  These are only some of the amazing and unique creatures he encounters in his journey through Morocco.