Tazekka National Park
Map showing the location of Tazekka National Park
Map showing the location of Tazekka National Park
LocationMorocco
Nearest cityTaza
Coordinates34°6′0″N 4°11′0″W / 34.10000°N 4.18333°W / 34.10000; -4.18333
Area120 km2 (46 sq mi)
Established1950

Tazekka National Park is a national park of Morocco. It was created in 1950 with an initial area of 6.8 km² to protect the natural resources around Jbel Tazekka (elevation 1,980 m), particularly the grove of cedars (Cedrus atlantica), which are isolated on this peak in the Middle Atlas range.

In 1989, the park was extended to include nearly 120 km² of ecologically important areas, including forests of cork oak and holm oak, as well as canyons, caves, cascades, and rural landscapes.

Access

Tazekka National Park is located in the Middle Atlas, near the city of Taza.

Climate

Atmospheric moisture condenses as it is orographically lifted over the mountain. As a result, the mountain frequently shows a cap cloud and annually receives approximately 180 cm of precipitation, particularly in the form of snow.

Fauna

Mammals are represented by North African boars (Sus scrofa algira), porcupines (Hystrix cristata), otters (Lutra lutra), small-spotted genets (Genetta genetta), hares (Lepus capensis), African wolves (Canis anthus algirensis), and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes).

Barbary leopards (Panthera pardus panthera), striped hyenas (Hyaena hyaena) and caracals (Caracal caracal), which were found once in the area, are extinct. The Barbary stag (Cervus elaphus barbarus) was extinct as well, but has been reintroduced recently.[1]

References

  1. Flora and Fauna - Park National de Tazekka, (official web page of the National Park).
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