Iriqui National Park

The national park was founded in 1994 with D' Iriqui 123,000 hectares as Moroccan National Park.

Geographical location

The National Park D' Iriqui located in southern Morocco between the Wadi Draa and the southern foothills of the Anti-Atlas in the provinces of Zagora and Tata.

Flora and Fauna

The park is characterized by a typical southern Morocco desert landscape. The vegetation consists of wooded steppe and savannah with acacias. Some areas are covered with tamarisk.

In the rainy season the lriqui Lake is temporarily a wetland and migratory birds provides a detent or wintering area, including flamingos, coots and geese, which the park is a high ecological significance. The restoration and protection of wetlands were among the main targets, was founded as the park.

In the park there are Dorkasgazellen, African ostriches, Barbary sheep, oryx, hyena and collar bustards. In addition, there reptiles such as lizards, monitor lizards, chameleons, geckos and snakes.

Population

From a few families who have their permanent residence in the park, apart, the majority of the population lives nomadic. The nomads insbedondere operate in the area between El M'hamid Ghouzlane, Figuig and Tan Tan, a movement of livestock, in which the cattle is not only seasonally or stabled. The area of lriqui is a preferred pasture for them.

Tourism

The varied landscape and the cultural heritage of the region give the park a good potential for eco-tourism, which is an important basis for local business development. The park fits into the development plan of the deep South of Morocco, with links to Merzouga, Zagora, M'Hamid El Ghouzlane, Foum Zguid, Tata, Guelmim and Tan Tan. There is a remarkable increase of exploration and adventure tourism in this area, by winning the Saharan areas of economic importance.