Terrestrial fauna in the Aït Baha quarry: inventorying for a better protection

This project aims to enhance the calcareous quarry of Aït Baha (Souss-Massa region), through its rehabilitation to natural pseudo-steppe. The ecological value of the biodiversity adapted to this type of environment, which evolves slowly, needs to be measured with method and objectivity, for better conservation. Our approach is to inventory animal species that thrive in this site, while areas with ecological value will be identified, prioritized and mapped, in order to develop them and improve their attractiveness for rustic fauna and increase their connectivity with neighboring habitats. Cliffs will serve as resting and nesting sites for certain species of birds, while rocks and scree will be converted into habitats for small mammals and reptiles, notably lizards and snakes. New developments can be proposed for improving the quarry to encourage its recolonization by fauna and flora. The ultimate goal is to make the quarry a conservation site, attractive for fauna adapted to rocky environments (scree, protosols and rocky cliffs) and more generally a refuge for animal biodiversity.