Ecosystems
The great diversity of environmental physical characteristics is matched by
an equally remarkable diversity of ecosystems, whether plant or
animal. There are forestral, pre-forestral, pre-steppic, steppic,
desert, aquatic (sea, coastal, and continental) ecosystems which extend over
a range of bioclimactic levels: arid, semi-arid, sub-humid, and humid.
Forestral ecosystems
Forestral ecosystems are composed of natural formations of leafy trees,
(Holm, Oak, Cork, Tauzin Oak, Argani, Oleaster) and of coniferous trees
(Cedar, Aleppo pine, Coastal Pine, Black pine, and Thuya) distributed among
the different bioclimatic levels from semi-arid to humid.
Oak plantations occupy the plains and piedmonts of mountains, while the
cedar groves (Coastal Pine, and Black Pine) are located in higher
regions. The only Moroccan fir tree is found in the heights of Western
Rif in the region of Chaouen. In the south endemic argan trees are
found in the semi-arid and arid zones and constitute, with the Acacia, the
species most adapted to aridity.
The floristic panorama of Moroccan forests is rich in herbaceous and shrub
species, of which a great number are endemic or of medicinal aromatic
interest. Forestral fauna is equally well diversified and rich in
bird, reptile, and mammal species (Sparrow, Macaque Monkey, Porcupine,
Boar).
The principal forestral ecosystem are:
