| LOCATION | |
 | |
| DEPENDENCY | |
| MOROCCO, with a population of 283,000 (1995) and an area of 267,000 square kilometres (103,089 square miles) stretches along the northwestern coast of Africa, and is bordered on the north by Morocco, on the northeast by Algeria, on the east and south by Mauritania, and on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. A dependency of Morocco, the area was previously called Spanish Sahara. With a hot, arid climate, and composed mostly of rocky and sandy soils, the region is not suitable for agriculture, but nomadic herders raise some sheep, goats, and camels. The territory has rich deposits of phosphates, which are used as fertilizers and in some detergents. In the north, the modern city of El Aai�n, which was the capital of Spanish Sahara, is irrigated so that grains and vegetables can be grown. Most of the people who live in the region are Arab or Berber. In the early 1970s nationalists in Spanish Sahara sought independence for the territory, while Algeria, Mauritania, and Morocco laid claims to it. In late 1975, as Morocco prepared to launch a massive non-violent invasion of Spanish Sahara, Spain ceded the area to Mauritania and Morocco. Two-thirds of the territory was then occupied by Morocco and the rest by Mauritania. Algeria and a group from Western Sahara called the Polisario demanded independence for the area. The Polisario staged several guerrilla raids into Mauritania and Morocco. When Mauritania surrendered its portion and made peace with the Polisario in 1979, Morocco laid claim to all of Western Sahara and continued the war alone. The Polisario-backed Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic received the recognition of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in February 1982, when it was admitted as a member. Under a United Nations (UN)-sponsored peace plan, a truce took effect in Western Sahara in September 1991, with a referendum on self-determination to follow. However, the referendum faced delays. In September 1995 the Polisario named a new 14-member government headed by Mahfoud Ali Larous Beiba. In December 1995 the United Nations Security Council voted to hold a referendum to decide the fate of Western Sahara. | |
| Animals | |
| Greater Flamingo | |
 | |
| Phoenicopterus ruber Thousands of these magnificent birds, which stand 1.2 metres (3.9 feet) tall on spindly legs, live together in the shallow brackish lakes and lagoons of southern Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. In Africa, flocks can reach 1 million pairs. The flamingo feeds with its head upside down under water, filtering tiny plants and animals from the water. It constructs nests of heaped mud on the water, leaving the young vulnerable to changes in the water�s level. | |
| Mediterranean Monk Seal | |
 | |
| Among seals and sea lions, only the monk seals inhabit waters that are warm year-round. The Caribbean monk seal is believed to be extinct, and the Hawaiian and Mediterranean species are considered extremely rare. It is believed that fewer than 500 Mediterranean monk seals, Monachus monachus, remain, widely scattered among rocky islets and rugged shores that extend from Turkey and Greece to northwest Africa. Like the young of most seals, the monk seal pup grows rapidly. By the age of five or six weeks, it sheds its black, woolly infant coat and soon begins feeding on its own. | |
| Red Fox | |
 | |
| Vulpes vulpes A crafty hunter, the red fox is known to charm its prey. It begins its pursuit by playing wildly, chasing its tail and jumping around. Baffled birds and rabbits will stop to watch the antics, not realizing until too late that the fox is drawing nearer. The 60-centimetre (23.6-inch) red fox prefers the wooded and bushy areas across Europe and Asia. It lives in shallow holes and communicates through a wide variety of calls. | |
| Small-spotted Genet | |
 | |
| Genetta genetta This swift and graceful catlike mammal is a skilled nighttime hunter. It prefers arid, bushy areas in Spain, southwest France, and Africa, avoiding rain forest and Sahara areas. Upon reaching a new home range, the genet memorizes every twig and branch. It walks its territory slowly at first, gradually increasing its speed until it can run through the area in the dark. Half of the genet�s 1-metre (3.3 foot) length is its tail. | |
| Dromedary Camel | |
 | |
| Camelus dromedarius Domesticated some 2,000 to 4,000 years ago for their ability to haul people and cargo, the camel is amazingly well adapted to life in the harsh deserts of Southwest Asia. Its two rows of eyelashes, slit nostrils, and hairy ear openings help keep out sand. While it cannot store water, it can drink more than 160 litres (more than 42 gallons) at a draught, and it can drink sea water. Its urine is highly concentrated, and its dung so dry it can be burned immediately. Camels drop their body temperature at night, which prolongs the heating-up period the next day. No wild camels remain in Asia, though an introduced population has gone feral in Australia. | |
| Desert Jerboa | |
 | |
| Jaculus jaculus Resembling a miniature kangaroo, this tan-coloured rodent is well adapted to the deserts of Asia and Africa. It feeds on water-bearing roots in wetter periods, but during droughts, it can live on dry seeds without water for three or more years. Its urine is highly concentrated. In very high temperatures, the jerboa lies dormant in its burrow, which is plugged to block out hot air. Its long rear legs enable it to jump 3 metres (9.8 feet) at a bound and to travel 24 kilometres per hour (14.9 miles per hour). | |
| Song Thrush | |
 | |
| Among the thrushes, so many species are renowned for their musical calls that it is unclear why the song thrush, Turdus philomelos, is singled out by name. Like others in the thrush genus, such as the Eurasian blackbird, the fieldfare, and the American robin, the song thrush tends to feed on the ground, where it searches for its invertebrate prey of worms, insects, and snails. The omnivorous song thrush also consumes berries and other fruits, which it gleans from the shrubby undergrowth of forests, parks, and hedgerows throughout Europe and in neighbouring parts of North Africa and the Middle East. | |
morocco birds
The National Zoological Park in Rabat
The National Zoological Park in Rabat, which opened Saturday, Jan. 14, has been from the beginning a huge influx of people from several cities in Morocco. Already assured success!
Atlantic Free Zone
Atlantic Free Zone is the new industrial and logistic park located in Kenitra (Morocco). The project includes a large Free Trade Zone (with more than two millions square meters) which offers a number of tax and customs benefits advantages for all the companies that decide to set up business in the park.
AFZ, as an state of the art industrial platform, is the ideal location for companies from all industrial sectors interested in setting up a logistic or production centre in Morocco.
It is located in Kenitra, just 40 km away from Rabat, and is linked by highway and rail to the country’s two main ports (Tangier-Med and Casablanca), and to the main international airports (Casablanca, Rabat, Tanger, Fez).
Occupying an area of more than 3, 5 million square meters, the project stands as one of the biggest in the continent.
Rabat builds, this weekend, a new zoo!
Rabat builds, this weekend, a new zoo!
Notice to lovers of wildlife and flora, Morocco adopts (finally) a zoo with international standards. Discover what animal species to younger and older people also, species living in a healthy environment. The walk Zoological becoming a true moment of discovery and joy ...
New zoo Morocco: A total cost of 460 million dirhams
It is the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan has officially cut the ribbon Monday, January 9th of this first zoo Moroccan international standards. The new zoo of Morocco in Rabat therefore open this weekend and is not far from the site of the old city zoo, a hundred meters from the Sports Complex Moulay Abdellah. This project will cost a total of about 460 million dirhams. Besides pens, the park will offer its visitors, five restaurants, two fast food to eat on site and entrance fees will be set for different categories of visitors. The price of the ticket starts at MAD 50.
New Moroccan zoo: 50 hectares to recreate the natural habitats of various animals housed
Thus, the new Rabat Zoo extends, as we know already, an area of 50 hectares. What allow evolution almost free of animals residents who live daily in pens made in the image of their different habitats depending on the species. For constant contact with the flora also the Rabat Zoo also includes an artificial lake, a petting zoo, a reception center. What a beautiful ride up the family (or friends), especially for all a bunch of recreational resources and incentives for the discovery were developed. To discover this very weekend!
Rabat area?
Is it always a zoo in Rabat area?
A priori not, since instead of the main entrance of our national zoo, there is a site Pharaohs. It is Ryad Al Andalus, group housing project launched Addoha since November 2006 and whose cost is estimated at around 4 billion dirhams. Behind the dust, tractors and cranes, yet there is a parcel of land that is not yet occupied. Of the 50 hectares of the former field, 24 were engulfed by Anas Sefrioui group, pending the opening of a brand new zoo. "The zoo is in a dilapidated state for twenty years. If he was right, we would never have needed to transfer into something that meets international standards, "says El Abdelâadim Hafi, High Commissioner for Water and Forests. He admits: "We have never had a zoo is a zoo where there are cages and penned animals: a catch-all concept without." At first glance, the park still offers a wide variety of animal species. "We have two to three million dirhams budget for food and one million for other costs. This is largely sufficient to maintain the zoo, "said Said Hajib, director of Rabat Zoo. He noted that the charges are low. And because this isolated area of the city does not offer spaces or restaurant or cafeteria or other recreational areas for visitors and employs only 73 people. Since the early work of zoo attendance has grown from 300 000 to 100 000 visitors per year. "People think that the zoo does not exist anymore because of work. They are also discouraged because there is more than ample parking and access by train was closed, "said Hajib.
Noise. What the story does not say is that the 1800 has the zoo animals, "thirty location has changed following the work of Addoha" attests Essalhi Abderrahim, head of the maintenance department animals. Ahmed Tazi, Deputy Secretary General of the Association for the Defence of Animals and Nature (ADAN) believes that many animals are now worse off and that the construction noise can disrupt their reproduction or lead to their death. "The association has tried in vain to make an inquiry in the zoo, but officials were very afraid we discover something," complains Tazi. "A vet told us that the noise could cause death," he adds. Note that several animals, like elephants, are still disturbed by the hustle and bustle nearby. "The hyena, lynx and carnivores were transferred into cages nice, but all those who are in the center of the zoo remained in place," said the master of the house Said Hajib. He defends himself: "At the outset, it is true that there was a lot of noise for a month. But scientifically speaking, we can not prove that animals suffer because of the uproar. The train, which runs every twenty minutes, is much noisier. " Advanced Abdelâadim another loophole by El Hafi: "There is no impact of noise on animals. Moreover, there is not that they are victims, there are a few things that are more sensitive to side: humans. The power lines that cross the boulevard are much more harmful than a jackhammer or a crane. " And how to explain death, a few months ago, three giraffes? "This is an unpredictable death has nothing to do with work. One female died of old age, his offspring could not survive and then the male suicide sadness. There are species that die after 5 years, others after a hundred years ... These are natural deaths, "says Hajib. It is clear that the majority of species appear to fare well, but "some deaths are suspicious," a security guard slides on the sly.
Save the lion of the Atlas. The vet Abderrahim Essalhi prefer to broaden the debate by recalling that the Rabat Zoo has a history dating back to 1973. He participated in the preservation and conservation of many species. "Some would disappear from the earth as the lion of the Atlas. It is thanks to Rabat Zoo that could save him. We even sent specimens of the Atlas lion in other international zoo, Germany, England and the Czech Republic, "says Essalhi" We are known for breeding, we birth Cougars, vultures deer, American bison ... "If this is the case, why seven years of research have not been sufficient to privatize the zoo? Why there he had no buyer? "It was impossible to privatize considering where it is located," retorted
El Hafi goes further: "I have never been aware of any zoo in Morocco. When we speak of a zoo, we must see what it means in the dictionary. If you want to make an amusement park with a cage in which there are three gazelles, it is a choice. " Yet there marked "zoo" on the main entrance door ... "The word zoo is not a trademark on which there may be legal action against users," jokes then the High Commissioner.
Anyway, the 200 species of Rabat Zoo will have to wait until December 2010 before being relocated to a huge area specializing in African wildlife. The idea of such a project comes from Mohammed VI who had fallen under the spell of Singapore Zoo a few years ago. "The current site Addoha stress animals, they are not comfortable. That is why they are building a new home, "said Jawad Benchemsi, director of architectural firm responsible for setting up the new zoo. "I wish that the animals are transferred two to three months before December 2010 so they can acclimate and integrate into their new environment," the architect wants. But not all animals will not necessarily move in this idyllic constructed as ecosystem. While much will be transferred to the new zoo, some will be traded. Too bad for them.
New zoo in Rabat
"The artisans Rabat Mawazine Generation suffer silenceConcours: Groups" Tigress Flow "," Sakadoya "and" Taghrast "winning"
New zoo in Rabat
Construction of the new National Zoological Park with an area of 50 hectares, which will be built near the Sports Complex Moulay Abdellah, begin early July, said the director of the zoo in Rabat, Said Hajib.
In a statement to MAP, Mr. Hajib said that zoo will require a funding of 400 million dirhams, will open its doors to visitors in 2011 and meet the international norms and standards in this area. This zoo, he said, "will contribute to the preservation of the ecological balance and preservation of animal resources and endangered species."
Mr. Hajib noted that the transfer of the current zoo is not a fortuitous decision and it is a deliberate action, knowing that the current situation of the old zoo is more conducive SINCE he finds himself with the urban expansion of the city, in the middle of a dense urban area.
He further added that the facilities of the zoo from 1969 are obsolete and do not meet international standards of a modern zoo. The official noted that the next zoo is a structuring project complements other achievements that will emerge in Rabat, based on the creation of modern infrastructure to house animals evolve in nature reserves including fauna from five continents .
The future zoo gardens also include a children's museum, an exhibition pavilion of paint, a scientific research center, a conference hall, a hotel and a village home.
The total number of animals the National Zoological Park, according to a summary prepared by the directors of the institution rises, until last March, to 1732 animals, including birds, 1.90, 603 mammals and 39 reptiles.
Morocco holidays
Morocco: Rabat zoo new operational
It will require a total investment of 813 million dirhams and based on a new design: animals evolve almost freely in pens restoring their natural environment. 3.5 MDH will be spent for the purchase of new species.
It is in 2011 in Rabat qu'ouvrira the new zoo. And the event will be the new size as zoo addresses a completely new concept in Morocco. Unlike the current zoo, or at least what remains of it, the concept is based on animal collection presented to the public, again, he wants to be a "key link for species protection, research and education on the environment, "says Said Hajib, Director of National Zoological Park. So finally the time when the animals seemed unhappy in their cages. The design and development of the new park based on an open concept. "The animals evolve freely in a natural environment similar to their native habitat, thereby immersing the visitor into a discovery of the most surprising aspects of animal life and marvel at the diversity of life" Hajib says.
"In addition, the concept of immersion in the landscape meets the environmental needs of wild animals in captivity in a realistic reconstruction of existing ecosystems in nature, particularly through enclosures modeled on natural habitat for the benefit both animal residents and visitors, "said the superintendent. Like a cinematograph film in 3D, the visitor will have the impression of being in the landscape where animals evolve.
Morocco in the spotlight
The specificities of the Morocco continent will be highlighted in this new building designed for the presentation, too, Wildlife Moroccan Saharan Africa. To achieve this goal, the project designers offer attractions such as the reproduction of the Atlas mountains with a height of more than 15m, watching hippos and crocodiles through windows, creating "the effect of face to face with the animals, scenes simulating the desert, savannah, wetlands and tropical forests. "
Thus, different circuit arrangements and modern design will allow visitors to better understand the lifestyle of animals in the wild. There will, in fact, a kind of perfect communion between man and animal.
Regarding acquisition processes of different animal species, says Mr. Hajib surveys were launched with numerous zoological institutions around the world. "Giraffes, rhinos, buffalos, cheetahs are acquired from zoos and parks in Africa, Asia and Europe with whom we exchange programs and cooperation." The budget reserved for this purpose, it is estimated at 3.5 million dirhams.
Note finally that the heritage animal as well as the logistics of the current zoo will be redeployed in the new zoo based on the concept and guidelines developed in his master plan.
MOROCCO TO FINALLY A REAL ZOO
MOROCCO TO FINALLY A REAL ZOO
This is the weekend that the new Rabat Zoo opens its doors. Achieved with an investment of 460 million dirhams, the new site includes five ecosystems including tropical forests and savannah
It is the Crown Prince Moulay Al Hassan inaugurated today, Monday, January 9, the big zoo in Rabat. The public opening is scheduled for next weekend. Meanwhile, an open day for the press and a communication campaign to announce the event will be organized. This zoo is considered the second largest in Africa after that of South Africa. Indeed, its implementation required 460 million dirhams, entirely covered by the sale of the site of the former menagerie of animal Temara. "We now have a zoo that meets international standards. Its implementation has enabled us to acquire and develop specific skills and complex, which will be of great use for future projects in the remaining landbank, "said Abdeladim Lhafi CEO of National Zoological Garden and High Commissioner waters and forests in the fight against desertification. According to him, this knowledge will be used to perform the Night Safari, the other component of the project. It will present the life of the nocturnal wildlife. According to the business plan, it is expected 900,000 visitors per year, or 10% of a population within a radius of 100 km and an estimated 9 million people. And operating costs amounted to 50 million dirhams.
Abdeladim Lhafi setting revenue to cover maintenance costs. If the world, zoos are funded through the state or region, Rabat is quite different. But it has found a solution by encouraging sponsorship animal species like the lion of the Atlas and spies bald. For the latter species, Morocco is the only country in the world where there is a viable colony in the wild, he recalls. Several companies have responded positively to the sponsorship system. BMCE Foundation, OCP, of cement ... decided to sponsor animal species endangered or extinct. Many corporate citizens who use these symbols to give the label of sustainable development into their products.
The second approach is to generate resources in the concession of three restaurants inside the zoo circuit. In addition, there are five kiosks selling crepes, cotton candy, juice and ice. At the entrance, another restaurant, independent of the zoo, where it is possible to dine in front of Atlas lions separated by a bay window. These institutions will not be sold immediately. Lhafi expects the opening to negotiate better contracts. Several offers were submitted.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)