Tourists visiting Sous Valley in Morocco often observe goats on trees, which is a unique and funny sight. The branches and trunks of some fairly tall trees are goats, not birds. Few individuals are left underwhelmed and disinterested by such a scene. People pull out their cameras to photograph the acrobatic goats. Many authentic photographs of a herd grazing on a tree stand may be seen on the internet.
Many folks have legitimate concerns. What sort of goats have such remarkable abilities? Why do they eat in this manner? In this essay, we will attempt to respond to them.
The location’s characteristics and climate
Morocco’s climate is desert and scorching. The weather and temperature conditions do not support the development of luxuriant flora. As a result, there isn’t much food for cattle in the region. Although there is little grassland in the region, many inhabitants strive to earn a living by raising animals.
The image of goats sitting on tree branches is especially common in the region between Agadir and Essaouira. This is the location of the settlements of Afra and Imzi. The region is located in southwest Morocco and has a very dry environment. It is unfit for agricultural use. The vegetation in this area of the nation is quite limited.
Trees and bushes that live in practically continual drought are also not highly succulent. The majority of them have thorny branches. However, some species do produce fruit that may be eaten by animals.
Why do goats scale argan trees?
As you travel across Morocco, you could notice goats perched on the branches of Argan trees, munching on some green or brown bean-like fruit. Many animals would avoid climbing the tree since it is prickly and covered with thorns, but these goats are just interested in the delicious fruit. In actuality, the cloven-hooved kids are convinced to climb since they like the fruit.
Because the country’s natural food supplies for animals are limited, the goats are eager to get to this great feast. If they’ve eaten all of the low-hanging fruit for the season, they’ll climb up into the branches and devour whatever’s left.
In Morocco, what kinds of trees do goats climb?
Goats in quest of food have discovered a technique to nibble on the argan tree’s fruit. The tree has adapted to the harsh, dry climate of southwest Morocco and can be found almost anywhere.
Mature Argan trees are often 10 meters tall. Their branches extend for many meters from the trunk. The crown contains leaves and succulent fruit that mimics the look of a plum tree. These are the fruits that the local tree-dwelling goats love to gorge themselves on. They deftly ascend the branches and gorge themselves there.
The seeds of the argan fruit are quite precious. They are used to make argan oil, one of the most costly vegetable oils. On the global market, it might cost up to $100 per liter. The oil is utilized in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and cookery.
Goats feeding on argan trees vomit up the seeds rather than eating them. They are inedible to goats because their digestive systems cannot digest them.
Of course, the pips from the argan fruit that have been handled by the animals are not utilized to make such pricey oil. Shepherds might easily pick them up and sell them for a profit.
Argan tree conservation
Morocco was designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1999. The goal is to safeguard the Argan trees, which thrive in such harsh environmental circumstances.
Fortunately, the animals are not prohibited from eating the tree’s leaves and fruits. After all, when the goats come into touch with the branches, they gather the plant’s seeds on their coats and disseminate them over the region. In this manner, they contribute to the growth of trees.
A shepherd’s job is to direct the herd from one tree to another on a regular basis.
Even a tiny herd of goats – 8 or 10 – may consume the leaves of a large spreading tree in a matter of hours. The plant will die as a result of this. As a result, shepherds are obligated to keep the crown’s leaves from being totally damaged and to push their flock away from the Argan.
What sort of goats do climb trees in Morocco?
And probably the most important question for everybody who has seen images or witnessed animals in Moroccan trees with their own eyes is: what breed of goats are they?
In reality, the Moroccan goat is a relatively common goat. They are not a one-of-a-kind species equipped with acrobatic abilities. It’s simply that goats, like many other animals, have a fantastic sense of balance. This is why adults, as well as little goats, can readily balance on branches and tree trunks.
Such a scene is odd to individuals who live in temperate climates. There is no lack of pasture forage for agricultural animals. We’re accustomed to seeing goats quietly grazing on the grass.
However, it has been shown that regular goats can readily climb trees and wander around on thick branches. And it is only their resourcefulness and perseverance in their hunt for sustenance that propels them there.
Tourism’s Function
Another reason you’ll see goats in trees is due to tourism. Farmers used to encourage them to jump up so they could “clean” the argan seeds, but now it’s more about enticing tourists to see the curiously behaved quadrupeds and their gleeful munching. Many of the farmers charge for services such as taking photographs or posing with the goats. Tour buses bring groups to observe the goats, and the tour companies give the farmers a stipend or gratuity for letting them to transport tourists through on their way to other Moroccan places.
If you try to take a picture without paying, you may be asked to pay.
What is the best method to view the goats?
To see these creatures climbing the Argania tree’s branches, you must go to Morocco. Usually though one of the big cities with an international airport.
The following are the key starting sites for all Morocco tours:
Check out the best travel packages if you are travelling in Morocco to visit the place where there are goats climbing argan oil trees.
When you arrive in Morocco, go south of Marrakech to the Souss-Massa-Draa region, or contact us to design your route. You’ll like visiting Agadir, Essaouira, and the walled market city of Taroudant, which are all popular tourist destinations in the area.
The Argania or Argan trees may be found growing throughout the highlands of this area, but for the greatest chances of viewing these bearded climbers, go off the main roads and into the mountains.
The Argan fruit ripens around June, thus late spring and early summer are the ideal times to see goats climbing about on the trees. Other times of the year, they may be spotted higher in the trees, however, sightings aren’t as common.
If you’re tempted to take some of the fruit home with you, bear in mind that governing bodies have strict laws about who is authorized to harvest the fruit. Instead, save your photographs or well-sealed argan oil goods as keepsakes.
FAQs
Goats may be seen on trees in the southwestern region of Morocco, from Essaouira to Agadir.
Goats are climbing trees to get at the Argan fruits and leaves.
Goats do climb Argan trees in Morocco, although some people encourage them to do so in order to attract visitors.
Goats climbing trees in Africa are seen in Morocco, namely in the southwestern region between Agadir and Essaouira.
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