Witness an extraordinary sight in Morocco’s arid landscapes where goats defy gravity, scaling argan trees with incredible agility. These remarkable animals ascend to dizzying heights, balancing precariously on branches to access a vital food source. This seemingly impossible feat is not just about hunger; it’s a sophisticated survival strategy that plays a crucial role in the regeneration of Morocco’s unique argan forests.
The stars of this natural show are the argan trees, indigenous to the Sous Valley. Their branches bear small, olive-like fruits rich in a sweet, nutritious pulp. When ground vegetation dwindles during the dry season, these resourceful goats climb up to 10 meters high. Their specialized hooves provide exceptional grip, enabling them to navigate the branches and reach the most succulent fruits. This behavior ensures their survival when other food sources are scarce.
The ecological significance extends beyond their diet. Each argan fruit contains a hard nut, housing the seed essential for new argan tree growth. Goats, unable to digest these nuts, often pass them through their digestive systems or drop them from the trees. These dispersed seeds are then given a chance to germinate in the challenging desert climate, effectively making the goats unintentional forest gardeners. Their actions are vital for the continued existence of these precious trees.
Local farmers recognize and utilize this symbiotic relationship. Following the goats’ arboreal feast, they gather the undigested nuts. These nuts are then processed to extract the highly valued argan oil, a product renowned globally for its culinary and cosmetic applications, originating from Morocco’s unique ecosystem.