Known for being one of the most caring species, the
Barbary macaque or Maccaca Sylvanus is one of the world’s old monkey species.
Originated from Europe, Barbary macaque today is restricted to isolated forest
fragments in Morocco and Algeria. The specie today is threated and its population
is estimated to only 10000 individuals between both countries.
The Maccaca Sylvanus is classified as the only
African representative of the 19 extant species. It is the only surviving
primate in Africa. In Morocco, the Maccaca sylvanus can be found in Northen
mountains of the country and in the Middle and High Atlas mountains., more
specifically in the Bou Tferda Valley through Demnate all the way to the Ourika
Valley. Because of its small number and major habitat reduction, the Barbary
macaque lives in groups of up to 80 individuals of both sexes, surrounded by a
highly promiscuous mating system. Its diet consists mostly of oak and cedar as
major component, and then comes fruits, tree leaves and other plant parts.
The Barbary macaque has been formally recognized by
the World Conservation Union in 2012 as a vulnerable taxon. In the early 1980’s,
it was estimated that 65- 75% of the world’s remaining population of Maccaca
Sylvanus lived in the cedar forest area of the central Middle Atlas, which
represents the largest refuge of the North African ecosystem. But over the last
years, the population’s density of Maccaca Sylvanus decreased at a very high
rate. In 2005, surveys showed an average of 15 to 20 individuals in the Middle
Atlas per km 2. By 2006, surveys conducted a massive decline in the density
by 80%, allowing 0 to 1 specie km 2. The national forestry department in
Morocco today works to raise public awareness about this animal, trying to
reduce illegal trades and commercial issues of this specie.
Rotaract
Club of Casa Elfida – RID 9010 MOROCCO
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