Status and distribution of Moroccan wild ungulates

Abstract

The historic and current distributions and statuses of Morocco's native and introduced wild ungulates, except the boar Sus scrofa, are reported. Suggestions for conservation are included. Three species have been extirpated in Moroccan territory. The last reported hartebeest Alcelaphus buselaphus were shot in 1925. Addax Addax nasomaculatus and oryx Oryx gazella dammah lived south of the Sequiat al Hamra and were probably extirpated by 1960. Habitat destruction and poaching threaten remaining species. Barbary sheep Ammotragus lervia are dispersed in scattered groups in all chains of the Atlas Mountains. Dorcas gazelles Gazella dorcas roam east of the Atlas and south of the Anti Atlas Mountains; only one wild population exists in Morocco's interior. Cuvier's gazelles Gazella cuvieri remain in three disjunct areas: the northern Middle Atlas, western High Atlas, and Anti Atlas mountains. Dama gazelle Gazella dama might still live south of the Oued Draa. Red deer Cervus elaphus did not live in Morocco in historic times. The subspecies bolivari has been introduced in the Rif mountains. Both sika deer C. nippon and fallow deer C. dama have been introduced, but free-roaming populations do not at present exist.