Animals in the western Sahara Desert/Morocco
The Sahara Desert stretches across the continent of Africa, the north-western end of the desert lies in Morocco. Morocco has more than 40 different ecosystems and is well known for its high heat in
mid-day. It as a large variety of plants and animals, both along the coast and in the desert area. The animals have adapted to the extreme heat of the desert over time, 105 species of animals can be found in Morocco and 18 of those are endangered. The animal life contains numerous mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.
mid-day. It as a large variety of plants and animals, both along the coast and in the desert area. The animals have adapted to the extreme heat of the desert over time, 105 species of animals can be found in Morocco and 18 of those are endangered. The animal life contains numerous mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.
Dromedary Camels
Camels in Africa are used mostly for trade, transportation, meat, milk, and leather. Camels make it possible to trade across the Sahara desert. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures so they're able to work in the hot temperature during the day, and cold temperature in the night. Camels are mostly used as packing animals to carry goods instead of a riding animal to carry people. The lack of water in the Sahara is not a problem to the Camel. They do not store water in the hump on their back, as commonly believed, but in fatty tissue that makes up the hump.
Dorcas Gazelle
The most common mammal found in Morocco in the Sahara is the Dorcas Gazelle. Due to extreme whether conditions Dorcas Gazelles are usually found out in the early morning and late evening. The Gazelles absorb water from Acacia leaves, which is most of their diet, to make up for lack of water in the desert. These are also the smallest of their species and are usually noticed for their long legs. Unlike does and bucks, both male and female Dorcas Gazelles have long curved horns.
Sand Viper/Horned Viper
The Sand Viper, also known as the Horned Viper, is mostly native to the northern Sahara. It can only survive in desert regions. The snake will bury itself under the sand during the day to avoid the heat and come out at night while the weather is cool. Since the Viper is nocturnal when it come out at night it hunt for lizards and small desert rodents to feed on. The snakes venom is hemotoxic so it has to strike its prey several times until its dead.
Striped Hyenas
Striped Hyenas are a type of true Hyena, the smallest type, native to north and east Africa. They live in thorn brushes, stony and desert grounds. Striped hyenas are omnivorous, but their best adaptation is their ability to crack large bones in order to extract the marrow.
Alannah Dowd