{"id":5725,"date":"2020-04-20T06:34:52","date_gmt":"2020-04-20T06:34:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.moroccoherps.com\/?page_id=5725"},"modified":"2020-04-20T15:10:13","modified_gmt":"2020-04-20T15:10:13","slug":"norte-y-este-de-marruecos-abril-2017","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.moroccoherps.com\/en\/norte-y-este-de-marruecos-abril-2017\/","title":{"rendered":"Herpetological trip to North and Eastern Morocco \u2013 April 2017"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/p>\n

DAY 1 <\/strong><\/p>\n

During the Easter holidays of 2017 I was in Morocco, repeating a trip similar to the one made a year earlier.<\/p>\n

We were 8 days non-stop, with the aim of seeing different species of amphibians and reptiles. In Morocco there are already species that can be found in the Iberian Peninsula, but most of the species are different, some very impressive indeed. To tell the truth, Morocco hooks!<\/p>\n

The previous year we went down south until we reached the Sahara. This time we went east, to the Algerian border. So we could find more new species.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Map with the visited places: 1. Riff mountains, 2. Fes and surroundings, 3. Jerada-Saidia, 4. Figuig, 5. Bouarfa, 6. Merzouga, 7. Medio Atlas, 8. Ben Slimane<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We were a group of 5 people: Rafael V\u00e1zquez and Ana Vidal from Galicia, Ra\u00fal Le\u00f3n from Ciudad Real, Gabri Mart\u00ednez from Madrid and I from the Basque Country. Herps machines and very big as people! It was a joy to take this trip with them.<\/p>\n

We arrived in Algeciras early and with a couple of hours to catch the ferry, we went to a nearby field that we knew from the previous year, with the intention of starting to look for herps. We couldn’t waste time, haha. Last year the matter went well for us, and this year we couldn’t complain either<\/p>\n

\"\"
To not disturb the owner of the land and he would have to open the gate, we told him that we could pass through the door. And then appeared the most funny moment before the Moroccan trip with the great Nocko. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From there, we took the ferry and to Africa! It took us a long time to cross the strait due to wind gusts, and we arrived in Morocco at night. We went straight did the Rif and started to see the first herps in Morocco<\/p>\n

\"\"
Sclerophrys mauritanica. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Mauremys leprosa. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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2 Mauremys leprosa, in situ. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Pelophylax saharicus. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Crab sharing stream with several\u00a0 Mauremys and Sclerophrys. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Adult Sclerophys mauritanica\u00a0 and juvenile Mauremys leprosa, in situ. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Mauremys leprosa, juvenile. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bufo spinosus in the middle of the road to the Riff mountains. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Tarentola mauritanica at th edge of the road. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Discoglossus scovazzi. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Several larvae of a larviparous population of Salamandra algira tingitana. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Salamandra algira tingitana, larvae. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We finished the day very tired but happy. The adventure had begun!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DAY 2<\/strong><\/p>\n

After the long day before, we slept next to an interesting pond in the Riff, and we started the second day exploring the pond and its surroundings<\/p>\n

\"\"
Our luxe hotel. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Emys orbicularis, basking. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Emys orbicularis. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Psammodromus algirus. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Podarcis vaucheri: male (left) and female, in situ. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Emys orbicularis, adult. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Emys orbicularis, head close-up. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Emys orbicularis, juvenile. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Hyla meridionalis. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Hyla meridionalis with a very different color of the previous photo. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Natrix maura. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Natrix maura, head close-up. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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An amazing male of Psammodromus algirus with mating color. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Amazing with the P. algirus male. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Pelophylax saharicus. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Discoglossus scovazzi. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Before noon, the place started to fill up with Sundays and we moved to a nearby area, even on the Rif<\/p>\n

\"\"
Soccer field flooded, the habitat of Emys orbicularis, Hyla meridionalis, Discoglossus scovazzi and many more. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Shy adult of Timon tangitanus. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Agama impaleris with completely brown color. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Coronella girondica, the first individual of the trip was in the shedding procedure. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Amazing Natrix maura with very reddish color. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Awesome reddish individual of\u00a0 Natrix maura with bilineata pattern. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Close-up of the same individual of the previous photo. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Natrix astreptophora is a rare species in North Africa so we felt lucky to see it. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Close-up of the Natrix astreptophora. Amazing the iris so red. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Next day we wanted to reach Fez so we drove a bit in that direction. Meanwhile we made several stops and enjoy of more herps.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Agama impalearis. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Sclerophrys mauritanica. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Pelophylax saharicus with the dorsal line strongly marked. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Macroprotodon brevis in the shedding procedure. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Saurodactylus fasciatus. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We ended the day in Ouezane, with the intention of sleeping ther and next morning begin searching for herps just there.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DAY 3<\/strong><\/p>\n

On the third day we wanted to make a difficult attempt. Specifically, look for a species of skink that has not been seen since 1970: Chalcides ebneri<\/em>. It was a very difficult (possibly impossible) attempt, but if we succeeded it would be a great discovery.<\/p>\n

In this territory agricultural land predominated. They were bad enough habitats to search for amphibians and reptiles, and we saw few species<\/p>\n

\"\"
Saurodactylus fasciatus. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Scorpion propbably of the genus Buthus. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Grasshopper. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Testudo graeca. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Athene noctua. Poto: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Mauremys leprosa basking together. In Situ. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Hyla meridionalis. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Pretty spider. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From Ouezane we were approaching Fez, making stops along the way. Still hoping to find the “missing” skink haha. As always, on the way we would check all the pits, to rescue the trapped animals.<\/p>\n

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Raulophis rescuing a Discoglossus scovazzi trapped in a pit. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Discoglossus scovazzi with a strange yellowish color. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We made an effort to look for the skink but to tell the truth, it was very difficult terrain to look for it. Lots of agricultural land and few hiding places for the skink. Maybe next time<\/p>\n

\"\"
Rafa and Fes. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Testudo graeca, juvenile. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Huge individual of Trogonophis wiegmanni elegans. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Adult of Testudo graeca. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We passed Fez and continued east to Jerada. We walked around the Jerada area and slept there<\/p>\n

\"\"
Saurodactylus mauritanicus, adult. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Saurodactylus mauritanicus, juvenile. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Malpolon insignitus, subadult. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Close-up of the individual of the previous photo. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

DAY 4<\/strong><\/p>\n

The fourth day we continue searching the same area of the previous night around Jerada, and we found several of our wished species.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Ophisops occidentalis was the first of the day and the most wished. During the morning we could see several individuals active. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Rafa (left), yo (center) y Ana (right) taking photos of a Chamaeleo chamaeleon. Photo: \u00a9 Gabri Mtnez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Chamaeleo chamaeleon. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Eumeces algeriensis, Rafa\u00b4s favourite animal. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From Jerada we drove to Saidia area, where we continue seeing more species.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Trogonophis wiegmanni wiegmanni. Like the photo shows, they have a much yellowish color that the elegans subspecies. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Chalcides ocellatus. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Acanthodactylus erythrurus. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Chalcides mauritanicus. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Macroprotodon abubakeri. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Close-up of the individual of the previous photo. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Mesalina olivieri. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Testudo graeca. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From there we drove to the South, in direction to Figuig.<\/p>\n

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We saw several trees full of Bubulcus ibis individuals. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bubulcus ibis. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After the fourth day, we had made the half of the trip. We were enjoying a lot, happy with the species found, and we still have 4 more days in Morocco.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DAY 5<\/strong><\/p>\n

The day numer five we drove to the South, to Figuig.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Agama impalearis. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Stenodactylus mauritanicus. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Photographic amplexus. Photo: \u00a9 Ana Mar\u00eda Fern\u00e1ndez Vidal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As soon as we took the detour to Figuig from Bouarfa, we immediately start to see the incredible Uromastyx nigriventris<\/em> individuals.<\/p>\n

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Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Uromastyx nigriventris, adult. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Uromastyx nigriventris, subadult. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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In Morocco is also possible to find a wide variety of scorpions. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Escorpio sp. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Androctonus sp. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Lycosa sp. found between Bouarfa and Figuig. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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In the sides of the road we could enjoy of many of these amazing reptiles. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Uromastyx nigriventris, juvenile. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Along the way we also encountered a cruel reality. We found an Uromastyx<\/em> caught with a lasso. We cut the rope and set it free, but if it was a trap set by an inhabitant of the next town, it will be caught again. Unfortunately, illegal trafficking of this species is quite common. I also leave you the link to the video made by Ra\u00falLe\u00f3n on this topic<\/a><\/p>\n

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Individual trapped with a rope to a big stone. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Much better without rope… Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Agama impalearis. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The amazing lanscape around Figuig. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Squirrels of the genus Atlantoxerus seemed to pose for our photos. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Agama impalearis, in situ. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Uromastyx nigriventris with dark color. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Another amazing spider of the desert habitat. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We arrived to Figuig at night, and continued searching in the surroundings.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Tarentola deserti. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Agama impalearis sleeping, in situ. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Another spider even more spectacular that the previous ones. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Ptyodactylus oudrii. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Stenodactylus petrii. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Close-up of the individual of the previous photo. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To end the night we made a bad decision. There were frogs and toads singing in a pond next to the border between Morocco and Algeria. It appears to be a dangerous border and we decided to make a quick visit. Take two photos and get out of there.<\/p>\n

That was the intention, but I entertained myself with the toad in the last photo, while the others returned to the van. While I was lying on the ground taking photos, a man appeared from the darkness (it was two o’clock at night), with an object in his hand, similar to a machete. I tried to explain, but we didn’t understand each other. I don’t know what he was saying but he was very angry. And I shit! Luckily I was able to get back to the van and we got out of there throwing pipes. I will never forget that photo of the toad! Although Morocco is a very safe country, you have to be careful and avoid borders and other troubled places at night.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Pelophylax saharicus. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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I will never forget the photo to this Sclerophys mauritanica… Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

DAY 6<\/strong><\/p>\n

Next day we made herping in the surroundings of Figuig.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Me in a rocky mountain close to Figuig, the mountains of the back are Argelia . Photo: \u00a9 Ana Mar\u00eda Fern\u00e1ndez Vidal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Couple of Anthia sexmaculata, mating. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Acanthodactylus dumerilii, male. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Acanthodactylus dumerilii, female. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Amazing sandy areas in the north of Figuig. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Strange caterpillar in the desert. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Tropicolotes algericus that we could see under a stone. Incredible the large amount of gecko species in the area. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Chalcides boulengeri. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Chalcides boulengeri, close-up. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Agama impaleris. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Female of Agama impaleris with its typical mating season colors. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Persian bee-eater (Merops persicus). Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Agama impalearis, male. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Acanthodactylus boskianus is the species that we could see inside the oasis at the north of Figuig. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Another male of Agama impalearis with the breeding colors. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After eating we returned to Bouarfa.<\/p>\n

\"\"
It\u00b4s impossible to get tired of this amazing reptiles. Uromastyx nigriventris. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Bufotes boulengeri. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We found a false cobra in the road, unfortunately dead, recently killed by a car, and it had inside a juvenile of Uromastyx nigriventris<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Rhagerhis moilensis DOR, with a juvenile Uromastyx nigriventris inside. Photo: \u00a9 Gabri Mtnez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At night we went to a rocky area around Bouarfa, with the idea of seeing a very species snake. We wanted to see the incredible Horned Viper (Cerastes cerastes<\/em>).<\/p>\n

\"\"
Another spider of the desert habitat, this one of the genus Eusparassus. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Tropiocolotes algericus. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Acanthodactylus maculatus. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Tarentola deserti. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although we looked for hard until late in the evening and first hour of the night, there was very cold and we didn\u00b4t find any C. cerastes<\/em>. To tell the truth, it was a great disappointment, but fortunately, the next morning things would be different.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DAY 7<\/strong><\/p>\n

After the failure of the previous day, we had little hope of finding a Cerastes cerastes<\/em>, but before moving from there, we had to make one last attempt.<\/p>\n

At once, Rafa found the tracks of a Cerastes<\/em>. Freshly made tracks!<\/p>\n

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Typical habitat of Cerastes cerastes. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Track of a small sized Cerastes crossing with some invertebrates tracks. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The viper must be close so we followed the tracks very carefully. Between the stones, we lost the tracks and that was not a easy work. When we had the tracks almost lost, Gabri lifted a bush up and… the viper was there! \u00a1A juvenile Cerastes cerastes<\/em>! \u00a1Amazing!<\/p>\n

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Cerastes cerastes, juvenile. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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One of the most iconic species in the Sahara Desert: Cerastes cerastes. Close-up of the head with the typical horns. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From Bouarfa we drove to Merzouga. In the way we saw the Ziz Valley. A very special and nice landscape, a green \u201criver\u201d\u00a0 of vegetation in the middle of the desert.<\/p>\n

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The amazing Oued Ziz. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Tarentola deserti with orange color. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Uromastyx nigriventris, also with orange color. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the way, we were checking pits, and we rescued a snake of the same species that we saw DOR the last day. A false cobra, that imitates the cobra spreading a wood. Very elegant!<\/p>\n

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Rhagerhis moilensis is called false cobra because the defensive behavior spreading the hood. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Gabri had built-in airation, and that was not unnoticed. Photo: \u00a9 Ana Mar\u00eda Fern\u00e1ndez Vidal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Checking pits in the surroundings of Merzouga, we found a dead juvenile Desert Monitor. Most of the animals that fall inside these traps are trapped, and soon or late, they die. A pity to find this species by this way.<\/p>\n

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Erg Chebbi is\u00a0 one of the most spectacular places of Morocco. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Raulophis rescuing. Photo: \u00a9 Ana Mar\u00eda Fern\u00e1ndez Vidal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Mesalina rubropunctata. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The great team (from left to right): Local person that invaded our photo, Raulophis, Ana, Rafa, Gabri\u00a0 and me. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Camel Spider. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Acanthodactylus dumerilii. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Juvenile Varanus griseus dead inside a pit. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was the hour to begin the return to home so at night we drove north, trying to rest kilometers for the next day.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DAY 8<\/strong><\/p>\n

In our last day,\u00a0 we had to drive to the ferry, although we had time to visit a couple of places. To begin, we did two stops in the Middle Atlas.<\/p>\n

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Scelarcis perspicillata. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Podarcis vaucheri. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Timon tangitanus. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Coronella girondica. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Psammodromus algirus. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Chalcides lanzai. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bufotes boulengeri. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Crossing the Middle Atlas we also could see some monkeys.<\/p>\n

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A pair of Macaca sylvanus. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Monkey flirtting with Rafa. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the Atlas, when we arrived to the Atlantic Coast, instead of continuing to the north, we move a bit west, to make the last stop of the trip around Ben Slimane. We had a small incident, but we could see the last herp species.<\/p>\n

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Amazing mantis with purple color. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Hyalosaurus koellikeri. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Same individual of the previous photo, whole body photo. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Discoglossus scovazzi. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Chalcides polylepis. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Eumeces algeriensis. Photo: \u00a9 Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From there we went to Tanger, took the ferry and headed home. Here ends our adventure.<\/p>\n

With the experiences lived for 8 days and the images of all the animals seen in the memory, we were very satisfied, with a very positive assessment. We were missing some species, but again, we found that Morocco does not disappoint.<\/p>\n

To finish, it is my turn to thank the traveling companions. Rafael V\u00e1zquez, Ana Vidal, Ra\u00fal Le\u00f3n and Gabri Mart\u00ednez, it is a luxury to take this trip with you! I hope I can repeat it!<\/p>\n

You can see this trip and many others on my personal website by clicking HERE<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Ander Izagirre Ega\u00f1a DAY 1 During the Easter holidays of 2017 I was in Morocco, repeating a trip similar to the one made a year earlier. We were 8 days non-stop, with the aim of seeing different species of amphibians and reptiles. In Morocco there are already species that can be found in the … <\/p>\n

Continue reading “Herpetological trip to North and Eastern Morocco \u2013 April 2017”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5725","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.moroccoherps.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5725","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.moroccoherps.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.moroccoherps.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.moroccoherps.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.moroccoherps.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5725"}],"version-history":[{"count":23,"href":"https:\/\/www.moroccoherps.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5725\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5920,"href":"https:\/\/www.moroccoherps.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5725\/revisions\/5920"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.moroccoherps.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5725"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}