Commitment

Status of the species

Over the last few decades, Barbary macaque populations in Morocco and Algeria have declined dramatically.

The main causes are:

•Deterioration of natural habitats (over-exploitation of forests, overgrazing by goats and sheep)

•Illegal trade (many babies Barbary macaques are taken from Morocco every year to be sold as pets).

Since 2008, the Barbary macaque has been classified as an endangered species by the IUCN Red List (International Union for Conservation of Nature).

It is also listed in Appendix 1 of the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

Scientists estimate that there are less than 8,000 individuals left in Morocco and Algeria (23,000 individuals in 1978).

All other macaques are found in Asia.

There are currently 23 species of macaques, including the Rhesus macaque, Crab-eater, Japanese red-faced macaque…

It is paramount to preserve the last refuges of the Barbary macaque monkey in North Africa.

The park implements a number of actions to contribute to the protection of the species:

It raises visitors’ awareness of the protection of the Barbary Macaque
It develops educational activities through the use of information boards and above all, thanks to the explanations given by our guides who are specialists in this species
It contributes to a better knowledge of the species through behavioural studies carried out in our parks
It maintains a valuable genetic pool
It sponsors actions in favour of the protection of Barbary macaques.
In the past – it reinforced wild populations by reintroducing entire groups. Since the creation of the park, nearly 600 monkeys from our different parks have been reintroduced into the Moroccan Mid & High Atlas