The Atlas Mountains, located in North Africa and straddling countries such as Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, are one of the most important mountains in Africa. It consists of three main regions, western, central and eastern, covering a wide range of geomorphological and climatic conditions. This mountain system includes a variety of terrain types such as high-altitude peaks, canyons, plateaus, deserts, and forests.
Atlas Mountains
Atlas Mountains
Atlas Mountains
A corner of the Atlas Mountains
A corner of the Atlas Mountains
A corner of the Atlas Mountains
A corner of the Atlas Mountains
The Atlas Mountains are a treasure trove of biodiversity and are home to many unique species of flora and fauna. It is home to many rare and endangered species such as Atlas ibex, Atlas rock antelope, Atlas wolf, etc. The ecosystem here is essential for maintaining local biodiversity and ecological balance.
Let's embark on a journey of discovery and learn about the amazing animal world of the Atlas Mountains.
(i) Rüppell's Fox
The Lushi fox is a small fox with a length of 34–52 cm and a tail length of 29–37 cm. The ears are larger than the head and are about 8–11 cm long. Weight 1.1-2.3 kg. Coat color varies depending on the habitat , usually pale red to grey , with dark spots from the eyes to the nose , and a white tip on the tail tip. It inhabits arid lands such as deserts. It does not dig holes and has a good sense of sight, hearing and smell. But it is mainly insectivorous, eating insects, small mammals, tubers and rhizomes of plants. It is found from North Africa to the Arabian Peninsula, east to Pakistan, west to Israel and Jordan.
Rüppell's Fox
African leopard
The African leopard is the nominal subspecies of the leopard, weighing 40-90 kg and reaching speeds of up to 70 km/h. They are muscular, with a small head and long tail, and the spots form a round or oval plum-like pattern. It lives mainly in forests, shrublands, wetlands and deserts, and prefers to live alone and be nocturnal. It preys on hooves, monkeys, rabbits, rats, birds and fish, and when food is scarce, it also sneaks into villages at night to steal poultry and livestock. Distributed in Africa, it guards fixed areas, and males have larger fields.
African leopard
African Wild Dog
The African wild dog, also known as the variegated wolf, has a body length of 100 cm, a tail length of 30-45 cm, and a weight of 17-36 kg. The coat color is varied, including black, yellow, white, etc., and each individual has unique markings. The forelimbs have no claws and the premolars are large. Likes to live in groups and communicate through calls. They live by cooperating in hunting medium-sized hoofed animals and can pursue them at speeds of up to 45 km. It is found in grasslands, shrublands and savannasia of southeastern Africa. The population has dwindled to only about 3,000 remaining, and Zimbabwe Huangri National Park is a protected area.
African Wild Dog
African Wild Dog
African Wild Dog
(iv) Eurasian chaffinch
The pale-headed swallow, weighing 16-25 grams and measuring 143-158 mm in length, is a medium-sized bird with beautiful markings. The male has a pale blue head , a pink to ochre breast , and prominent shoulder blocks and wing spots. It inhabits all kinds of forest areas and prefers grass, fruit and seeds. It breeds in northern Europe and winters in southern Europe, North Africa and East Asia.
Eurasian chaffinch
Red-winged sand finch (Eurasian Crimson-winged Finch)
The red-winged sandfinch is a species of bird in the genus Ceramichidae, which is slightly larger , weighing 32–44 g and measuring 160–190 mm long. Males have a thick yellow beak , wings and eyes that are crimson , a concave tail , black , and a white and crimson tail margin. It lives in high-altitude mountainous areas and is often active on the ground foraging for plant seeds. It is found from Spain to northwest China. The breeding grounds are in northwestern Xinjiang and migrate to lower altitudes in winter.
Red-winged sand sparrow (Eurasian Crimson-winged Finch)
(vi) Raven (Northern Raven)
The raven is a large passerine bird commonly known as the fat-headed bird. The whole body is black, and the wings shine with a purple-blue metallic sheen. The feathers on the throat and chest are long and pointed, and the nasal whiskers are well developed, covering almost half of the upper mouth. It is good at cluster activities, inhabiting alpine meadows and mountain forest edges. Omnivorous, preying on small animals, insects, carrion, but also eating plant fruits and human leftovers.
Raven (Northern Raven)
Raven (Northern Raven)
Barbary Deer
The Barbary red deer is a species of deer in the family Deer family, found in North Africa, Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco, and is the only deer found in Africa. They are a subspecies of red deer with a dark brown body with white spots. Males have horns and body hair that is russet in summer. It inhabits alpine forests or grasslands and prefers to live in groups. It feeds on plants and likes to lick saline. Deer antler velvet and other parts have medicinal properties.
Barbary Deer
(viii) Tawny Eagle
Brown eagle, a species of the large eagle family Falconidae. It is strong and has a solid beak and claws, suitable for tearing prey. The wings are broad and rounded, soaring and flying, and the flight feathers are light brown, contrasting with the dark cover. It is found in the African savannah and semi-desert and is the national bird of Egypt. Carnivorous or scavenging, body plumage color varies. Females are larger than males , with brownish-yellow eyes in adults and black eyes on sub-adults with narrow white bands on the posterior edge of the wings.
Tawny Eagle
Tawny Eagle
Tawny Eagle
African Wild Cat
The African wildcat is a subspecies of feral cat with a sandy brown and yellow-gray coat and a black stripe on the tail. The body is small, about 45-75 cm long, the tail length is 20-38 cm, and the weight is 3-6.5 kg. Its natural habitats include grasslands, savannas and shrubland in Africa and the Middle East. It feeds on rodents and small mammals, but also eats birds, reptiles and insects. It is mainly active at night and dusk and can live in groups. When breeding in caves or underground caverns, a litter can give birth to 2-6 kittens, and the rainy season is a common birth season.
African Wild Cat
Atlas Camel - This is a special inhabitant of the Atlas Mountains adapted to arid climates. They have long necks and the ability to store water, allowing them to survive in water-scarce environments.
Atlas Camel
Atlas dwarf lizard
Atlas pygmy lizard, a species native to northwest Africa. They are endemic to Morocco and are limited to the Atlas Mountains at altitudes of 2,400 to 2,800 meters. They are found in alpine meadows, pebbles, boulders, thorny mat vegetation and shrub areas, can be well hidden in vegetation, are not easy to spot, and have a long hibernation period!
Atlas dwarf lizard
North African Boar
The North African wild boar is a medium-sized wild pig that inhabits North Africa, commonly found in the mountains, forests and hills of the Atlas Mountains, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya. The appearance is similar to that of a general wild boar. North African wild boar is omnivorous, including roots, nuts, fruits, insects and small vertebrates. As important prey, they also pose a threat to local crops. North African wild boar plays an important role in local ecosystems and has implications for studying wildlife diversity and ecosystem functions in North Africa.
North African Boar
(xiii) Black Vulture
The black vulture is a large bird of prey, about 108–120 cm long and dark brown throughout. The head is bare, with only short feathers and a featherless back neck with black or brownish-white wrinkles. Its natural habitats are mountains, meadows, valleys and forest edges. They are often solo or in small groups, hovering in the open area to feed. They feed on the carcasses of large animals and sometimes attack small and medium-sized mammals, amphibians, reptiles and avian animals, and sometimes domestic animals. It has a wide range of distribution, including Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Black Vulture
Black Vulture
Black Vulture
(xiv) Rock Pigeon
Original pigeon, weight 194-347 g, body length 295-355 mm, medium blue-grey pigeon. It has black transverse spots on the wings and tail ends, and the head and thorax are shining purplish-green. Nests inhabit rock walls, caves and sea cliffs, and are also widespread in cities. Feed on seeds and crops. It is found in Asia, Europe, Africa and introduced to North and Central America.
Original pigeon (Rock Pigeon)
(xv) Mediterranean macaque (Barbary Macaque)
Mediterranean macaques are 51-63 cm long, they have short tails, cheek pouches, thick bodies, forelimbs and hindlimbs of equal length, flexible gripping of objects, and are a special species in the genus Macaque. Its natural habitats are grasslands, swamps and forests, and are often found on rocky cliffs, ravines and rocky mountains. It is a miscellaneous diet, feeding on plants and small animals. The Mediterranean macaque is the only primate in Europe and was originally introduced to Gibraltar by the Spaniards. It is found in Algeria, Morocco and Gibraltar.
Mediterranean macaque (Barbary Macaque)
The animal world in the Atlas Mountains is rich and diverse, with each species playing an important role in its own ecological niche. They demonstrate the resilience and diversity of life by adapting to the rugged terrain of the mountains and extreme climates. The animals of this land are interdependent and form a complex and beautiful ecosystem.
A wonderful ecosystem
However, we must also recognize that the Atlas Mountains face many threats, including climate change, habitat destruction and illegal hunting. It is the responsibility of each and every one of us to protect these precious animal species and their habitats.
The importance of environmental protection
The animals of the Atlas Mountains are the jewels of the land, and their presence makes the world more colorful. Protecting them is not only our responsibility, but also our respect and cherishing of the natural world. Let us work together to protect the animals of the Atlas Mountains and leave a prosperous and harmonious ecological environment for future generations.
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