Mountains of Morocco

An Alpine Garden Society tour by Greentours

13th – 26th March 2008

Led by Ian Green

The following tour report covers a longer trip that we ran for the Alpine Garden Society covering the Rif Mountains, the Tazzeka and the High Atlas south of Marrakech. I’ve only retained the latter part of the tour daily reports as they are the one’s relevant to the 2013 Alpine Garden Society tour to Morocco’s High Atlas. However the systematic lists cover the whole trip, so read with caution!

Day 11 March 23rd Mischliffen and the journey to the High Atlas

Drawing back the curtains we saw the snow scudding across the landscape. It was barely settling but as we had breakfast outside it was turning whiter. In fact there wasn’t so much but there was a capricious wind and it was certainly good timing when we got out as the snow was just starting to drift across the road in a couple of places. The snow turned to rain as we dropped into Azrou but given that we had rain for much of the next three hours we suspect that they did get a bit of a fall in Mischliffen in the end!

Needless to say there was little to encourage us to stop other than an off licence in Khenifra. This duly accomplished and a very pleasant cup of tea/coffee in the café of the Hotel de la France next door and we were off again. Nearing Zaouira-ech-Cheikh Christine spotted some Irises and so we came to a halt. A most fortuitous spot it was as there was much else besides. The Iris tingitana were lovely, the large blue flowers just touched with yellow and white and the arcing leaves covered in a silvery sheen. Allium roseum flowered in both white and red forms and tucked in amongst the Ferulas (both tingitana and communis) there were Scilla peruviana and Tassel Hyacinth. The orchids soon became the centre of attention. A few Pyramidal Orchids were found in flower with many more in bud. Ophrys were abundant with many species. Best was undoubtedly some lovely Ophrys dyris, the speculum grey haired on brick, and there were some great patches of lutea too. Ophrys speculum was good to see, especially the silver lipped form. Then there were a few Ophrys sphegifera and some Ophrys fusca types. Other plants of note were Helianthemum apenninum, a Cheilanthes, pale yellow Pallenis hierochuntica, Rubia tinctorum (naturalized) and many peas including Lathyrus setifolius, Vicia benghalensis, Vicia amphicarpa and Ononis laxiflora. There were daffodils on the rocks, now well past flowering, these appeared to be nominate romieuxii though we did find a few leaves of what was probably Narcissus peroccidentalis.

We moved on, passing Woodchat Shrikes and a Black-shouldered Kite on the wires, before stopping for lunch a few kilometres below El Ksiba. As with the last spot this turned out to be an old graveyard, possibly why the vegetation remained so good. Here were orchids again with Ophrys dyris, lutea and speculum this time joined by Ophrys tenthredinifera. Cistus

1 heterophyllus flowered pink on the hillside amongst small ‘bushes’ of Coronilla viminialis and the chunky wine-red heads of Anthyllis vulneraria reuteri. After lunch we tried to get up to flowering Narcissus above El Ksiba but ran out of time. We did find some good Anthericum liliago and Peter spotted a fine toadflax and the orange-red version of Anagallis monellii.

The afternoon was spent covering the remainder of the long journey to the High Atlas. With some 350km still to go at 14.45 Ahmet did very well to get us there a shade after half past eight. For the last few miles we would steeply up into the Atlas to Imlil, situated at 1760m below the mighty Toubkal. We were given a fine welcome and were shown to our rooms – very nice indeed! The tagine and soup that followed were also rather good!

Day 12 March 24th Oukaimeden

It was a beautiful morning and the view, I think, surprised us all. For up the valley rose Toubkal and its surrounding peaks in a great wall of rock and snow. And at 4167m Toubkal is a very big mountain. I pottered up through the village pre-breakfast admiring the views and the houses with their cherry and walnut orchards above and below. The idyllic appearance of the village and its agriculture was put in perspective by the harsh slopes rising above. Early birds included a pair of Levaillant’s Green Woodpeckers and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.

We boarded our bus and Ahmet took us down the gorge towards Asni. We made several stops, thankful for not having the interminable hours in the bus of the previous day. Wet cliffs were draped in Maidenhair Fern and nearby we found the white purple backed daisy Anacyclus pyrethrum. Chapman’s Green Hairstreak was seen and the first of the day’s Rock Buntings flew over. Further down below Asni as we admired the wares of various fossil sellers and the collection of camels and horses available for riding I located an Asphodelus cerasifolius.

It was quite a long haul up to Oukaimeden Ski Centre. It was after all steep with the road taking us up to a heady 2600m above sea level. The cloud rolled in mid way up and we feared that we’d not be able to see anything up there but thankfully, just as we turned into the bowl in which the ski centre sits we emerged into brilliant sunshine and were able to appreciate the magnificent snowy mountainscape in front of us. Toubkal is behind a ridge from here but we were right under a 3200+ peak and a 3600m peak headed the valley in which we stood. We immediately spotted some yellow in the wet turf by the stream below us. So was the lunch spot sorted out! There were lots of Romulea bifrons in the turf, a small kind of bulbocodium really but with bracteoles green. The yellow, and it was a bright golden yellow, proved to be some delicate little daffodils. These were the cause of some debate with opinions both within the group and within the literature varying from Narcissus tingitanus (obesus) to Narcissus bulbocodium subspecies nivalis. The long petiole (more than 7mm), the wide open corona, and the thick fleshy stems and leaves meant that we supported the recent flora of Morocco authors in believing these to be tingitanus (obesus).

We walked up the stream away, initially finding just a few more and little in the way of birdlife, except for a Northern Wheatear of the North African seebohmi race. However things got much better once we turned up a side valley. Initially it was the birds that impressed. There were quite a number of Crimson-winged Finches and a few Shorelark too. Rock Sparrows appeared and so too did a few Black Redstarts, a Kestrel and a Little Owl. There were more and

2 better Narcissus tingitanus and Christine found some olchicum triphyllum. Meanwhile skiers were taking to the heights in the ski-lift and whilst looking at them I spotted lots of yellow halfway up to the 3200m peak. There was nothing for it but to investigate. Sure enough these were Narcissus tingitanus too, but there were many, and such large specimens too. The largest had wide open coronas over 3cm across. On the way down I flushed quite a number of Barbary Partridges.

We had to descend but were soon halted by another little daffodil. This was a surprise as it was a form of romieuxii and indeed a rather bright yellow one. Bright, but a paler shade than tingitanus, and in comparison to those these had narrow leaves, stamens exerted and bunched, and there was no pedicel. These seemed to be the mesatlanticus subspecies of romieuxii. Further down we found the pink Rhodathemum atlanticum. Then after brief stops to take pictures of the amazingly situated hilltop hamlets along the valley, as well as some carpet and lantern shops, plus a cup of tea or coffee, we arrived back into the Dar Imlel at a quarter to seven. The evening’s chicken tagine was really quite special.

Day 13 March 25th Tizi n’Test

A long day in prospect we started at eight thirty though not before enjoying another of the Dar Imlel’s excellent breakfasts. Local driver Brahim had taken over from Ahmet and so we were soon winding our way up towards the Tizi n’Test pass. Brahim told us about the new reservoir and of the king’s Moufflon hunting grounds. We made several short stops when plants presented themselves along the route. Asphodelus fistulosus stopped us along with the sea lavender Limonium sinuatum. Then it was a cliff with lots of red and white Anacyclus pyrethrum, as well as Bupleurum laterifolium and a large white umbel with very rounded flowerheads. We encountered some fine plants of Erodium atlanticum growing on steep shaley cliffs. A Long- legged Buzzard drifted over with a snake in its talons.

Our first major stop was in the Holm Oaks near the top of the pass. Here the steep mountainside held a good population of the delightful ivory-white Narcissus waiteri. This beauty is easy to miss when walking across such slopes and actually stands out much better from a distance. There were perhaps forty or fifty flowers at this stop, spread widely on rocks and in the deep soil. However as we drove onwards we realised that most of the next mile had them too and in fact in places there were really quite a few. A very healthy looking population this year and presumably the large and very impregnable Moufflon fence may aid the population further.

Very pleased to have seen this local species we moved to the top of the pass where we were saddened to see that a house had been built on the prime Leucanthemum catanche site. There were a few plants in bud on a nearby slope but we couldn’t find any in flower. Coal Tits, Jays, Chaffinches, Wood Pigeons and Rock Buntings were common in the trees and we saw a fine Moussier’s Redstart. Berber Omelette and Te a la Menthe was served on the pass-top restaurant – very good – especially at 2100m.

The afternoon was spent slowly descending the pass stopping at a variety of points. First was a Tristram’s Warbler site which failed to yield the hoped for birds instead producing Subalpine Warbler and Rock Bunting. A little further and we stopped by a travertine cliff. The water

3 dripping down here had produced a lush looking growth with Maidenhair Fern, a mint and a sedge particularly enjoying the microclimate. An Eryngium, Ophrys apifera (in leaf), Reseda phyteuma and yellow-wort, Blackstonia perfoliata were seen here. We passed banks of Woad looking very bright in the warm afternoon sun. Then it was down to the first settlement near where Christine spotted some Irises. These appear to be Gynandriris monophylla – a fine little species with bright purple falls highlighted by a white and yellow eye. Further down still we stopped by a limestone bank where abundant Narcissus peroccidentalis had finished flowering some weeks previously. A Gagea was locally abundant as were lavenders with maerei, pedunculata and a multifida-like species present. Last stop was a good one for Barbary Partridges and also for Dipcadi serotinum and the Gynandriris. Two very fine plants for the afternoon were toadflaxes. There was the tall orange and brown stripey Linaria ventricosa and the climbing and clambering Linaria sagittaria.

Then it was the long journey back to Asni and thence to Imlil. We passed a Red Fox and a Cape Hare en route. And tonight the Dar Imlil treated us to a fine vegetable and lamb couscous and a most delicious salad adorned with herbs and lemon and orange juice.

Day 14 March 26th The Tizi n’Tamatert and Aksoual Mountain

After all the time spent in the minibus the previous day we decided to stay local today. So at nine Brahim took us up the track heading east from Imlil to the Tizi n’Tamatert a 2250 metre pass overlooking the village and thence along the flank of Aksoual, a 3900m peak to our south, close by the village of Tacheddirt, at almost 2500m apparently the highest village in the region. The scenery was spectacular with impossibly steep screes descending into deep valleys along the side of which perched houses and equally improbably, terraced fields showing hints of spring green. To our right the shattered rock slopes too steep to walk easily and in place near vertical suddenly gave way to an area of gentle damp turf where of course Narcissi lay shining in the sun. This was again Narcissus tingitanus (obesus) and along with it was plenty of Romulea bifrons/bulbocodium. Further along we spotted some white on the serpentenite bluffs that rose above the road, these otherwise free of vegetation. It was Narcissus watieri again. There were many of them and in superb condition. On the fines screes running down the bluffs there were some great specimens some with four or five blooms. The bluffs gave way to damp turf, and this larger area had very many Narcissus tingitanus (obesus) flowering on it.

We pulled up not long thereafter at a high point above the village. The landscape rose to our south in a great sweep up to snowy gullies and then peaks covered in abundant snow. We had covered only perhaps 8 kilometres from the Dar Imlil but what an eight kilometres. We took a wander up the slope meeting the local farmer who tended the hard hewn terraces. Birds were everywhere with Black Redstarts particularly common and so too Rock Buntings and Blackbirds. Flowers were restricted to the two Narcissi and some fine clumps of Daphne laureola. There was just a single plant of the amazing little daisy Anacyclus depressus subspecies gelidus the rather innocuous looking daisy flowers making one gasp when turned over so pure and bright was the scarlet on the underside of the ligules! David and Christine decided to walk back from here whilst the rest of us took the vehicle back another three kilometres before starting our walk, stopping to photograph the pretty little Bellis caerulea on the way.

4 Over lunch we enjoyed marvellous views of Moussier’s Redstarts. These were one of the commonest birds of the day. A Barbary Partridge stood on a rock and called loudly. Coal Tit and Blue Tit seemed rather more mundane. We passed a little more Narcissus watieri before stopping on the Tizi n’Tamatert, the 2250m pass before Imlil. Here a café provided us with some much needed Te a la menthe. We watched Ravens, Crag Martins and Chaffinches before setting off downhill. It was perhaps a couple of hours easy going walk back to the Dar Imlil and very enjoyable in the afternoon sun. Clouds emphasised the majesty of Toubkal as we descended through plantations of young pine and Atlas Cedar to the cherry and walnut orchards below. A large flock – around 120 birds – of Alpine Chough were very entertaining. They coursed back and forth, sometimes playing just above the road, or the houses, even the mosque! They found a plastic bag and played drop and catch over one house! As the main group played and chatted noisily one on its own suddenly appeared calling for the flock. Soon reunited they continued on their carousing. Great birds! We encountered villagers tending the fields, or taking a walk in the afternoon sun. Kids played football on the road, careening downhill after the ball when it went over the edge. David and Christine were invited into a Berber house for tea. Indeed, contrary to popular rumour, these mountain Berbers, and indeed all we met on the trip, were friendly and very hospitable.

Back at the Dar Imlil we imbibed some more mint tea and snacked on a luscious nut mixture then some went to the village after a bargain or two. After dinner I popped out for a nightwalk down the main valley. The little dump below town had three sets of bright eyes shown in the torch. A dog, a cat, and a Red Fox! I continued down hill quickly logging another four Red Foxes and a Tawny Owl.

5 Systematic List Number 1 Flora

The nomenclature and the systematic order for this list has been taken from ‘Checklist of Vascular Plants of North Morocco’ by Valdes et al (CSIC 2002 Madrid) with some borrowings from other literature for the Narcissus species (Archibald) and Orchids (Delforge Orchids of Europe 2006). Exceptions are where we have followed some of Blanchard’s treatment of the Narcissus species and we have adopted a treatment for the orchids that largely follows Delforge.

Selaginellaceae Selaginella denticulata Common on rocks in damp shady spots in the north

Isoeteceae Isoetes histrix/duriei Scattered in damp valley at Oukaimeden

Equisetaceae Equisetum ramosissimum Common along coasts and Oued Laou

Adiantaceae Chelianthes acrostica Scattered in the Rif, e.g. on walls in Chefchaouen. Also Tazzeka Adiantum capillus-veneris Common on wet cliffs and streamsides throughout

Pteridaceae Pteris vittata Wet banks in the lower Oued Laou Polypodium cambricum Scattered throughout Pteridium aquilinum Locally common especially in the Rif Asplenium ceterach Throughout Asplenium marinum Noted in the Grotte d’Hercule near Tanger. One of only two sites in Morocco Asplenium trichomanes Scattered Asplenium foreziense Cap Spartel and Taghramet areas Asplenium obovatum Noted in mountains between Chefchaouen and Al Hociema Asplenium adiantum-nigrum reasonably common in shaded mountain woods

Woodsiaceae Cystopteris fragilis Widespread in mountains especially the Tazzeka Cystopteris dickieana Imlil

Dryopteridaceae Polystichum setiferum Jebel Khissane Polystichum aculeatum Mountains east of Ketama

Blechnaceae Blechnum spicant Scattered in north

6 Pinaceae Pinus pinea Scattered in the north esp but not solely near coasts Pinus halepensis Widespread Pinus nigra The Rif Abies maroccana Part of the climax forest in the Talassemtane National Park, Rif Cedrus atlantica The climax forest in the Talassemtane National Park, Rif, also in the Moyen Atlas and the Tazzeka. Not so in the High Atlas where only plantations noted!

Cupressaceae Cupressus atlantica New plantings along the road to Tizi n’Test Tetraclinis articulata Locally abundant in Rif, Tazzeka and Atlas Juniperus oxycedrus Common in the north Juniperus phoenicea Common in the Moyen Atlas and noted in High Atlas Juniperus thurifera Locally dominant in the High Atlas

Ephedraceae Ephedra fragilis Oued Laou etc

Dicotyledons

Aristolochiaceae Aristolochia baetica Tanger area Aristolochia paucinervis Tanger area

Ranunculaceae Adonis annua Middle Atlas Adonis microcarpa ?possibly in the Tanger area Clematis cirrhosa Tizi n’Test Nigella damascena scattered Ranunculus calindrinioides striking large pink-white flowers. Mischliffen Ranunculus ficaria widespread Ranunculus isthmicus Noted near El Ksiba and probably in the Tazzeka Ranunculus macrophyllus noted in seed in the Rif Ranunculus muricatus in seed in Oued Laou Ranunculus paludosus scattered in the north Ranunculus peltatus nominate. A crowfoot. Ponds east of Asileh Ranunculus peltatus subspecies saniculifolius. A crowfoot. Oued Laou Ranunculus penicillatus a crowfoot. Leaves noted below Imlil Ranunculus repens Tizi n’Tamatert on Aksoual Mountain Ranunculus spicatus Middle Atlas on rocks Ranunculus trichophyllus a crowfoot. ponds above Bab Taza in the Rif Ranunculus trilobus like a small-flowered hairy buttercup. Noted in the north

Berberidaceae Beberis hispanica Talassemtane National Park

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Papaveraceae Glaucium corniculatum Tlal Azlaf area Glaucium flavum Al Hociema Papaver argemone Tlat Azlaf area Papaver hybridum Al Hociema area Papaver pinnatifidum Talambote Papaver rhoeas Tlal Azlaf area

Fumariaceae Fumaria bastardii Middle Atlas Fumaria capreolata scattered in the north Fumaria faurei Tazzeka Fumaria ouezzanensis subspecies ramosa. Tazzeka & Mischliffen Fumaria parviflora Middle Atlas Fumaria petteri below Oukaimeden Fumaria rifana Talassemtane National Park Fumaria rupestris Jebel Khissane & Talambote Fumaria vaillantii below Oukaimeden

Urticaeae Urtica membranacea Tanger area Urtica urens scattered

Fagaceae Quercus ilex Talassemtane National Park Quercus lusitanica Talassemtane National Park and the Rif generally Quercus suber widespread and locally dominant in Rif

Cactaceae Opuntia maxima scattered

Chenopodiaceae Anabasis prostrata Tlal Azlaf area

Caryophyllaceae Cerastium fontanum scattered Cerastium glomeratum scattered Herniaria fontanesii Gorge du Zifid Illecebrum verticillatum east of Asileh Rhodalsine geniculata Tanger area Spergularia rubra Tanger area Silene decipiens Oued Aliane Silene gallica coasts near Oued Aliane Silene obtusifolia Tazzeka Silene pomeli Talassemtane National Park Silene vulgaris Al Hociema area Stellaria media Talassemtane National Park Vaccaria hispanica Middle Atlas

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Polygonaceae Rumex intermedius Tlal Azlaf area Rumex vesicarius Tizi n’Test

Plumbaginaceae Limonium lobatum Tlat Azlaf area Limonium sinuatum Tanger area

Paeoniaceae Paeonia coriacea Spectacular flowers in the Talassemtane National Park

9 Malvaceae Althaea longiflora Middle Atlas Lavatera trimestris Middle Atlas Malva parviflora Tizi n’Test

Cistaceae Cistus albidus Taghramet Cistus clusii roadsides below Oukaimeden Cistus crispus Tanger area Cistus heterophyllus Gorge du Zifid Cistus ladanifer Tanger area Cistus laurifolius Taghramet Cistus monspeliensis Al Hociema area Cistus populifolius Al Hociema area Cistus salvifolius Tanger area Fumana fontanesii Tlat Azlaf area Fumana thymifolia Tanger area Halimium atlanticum Jebel Khissane Helianthemum appeninum Al Hociema area & Zaouira-ech-Cheikh Helianthemum croceum Jebel Khissane Helianthemum grosii Al Hociema area Helianthemum pergamaceum Gorge du Zifid Tuberaria guttata Tanger area

Violaceae Viola alba dehnhardtii Taghramet Viola arborescens Taghramet Viola munbyana Jebel Khissane Viola odorata Talassemtane National Park Viola reichenbachiana Talambote Viola riviniana Jebel Khissane

Tamaricaeae Tamarix canariensis Tlat Azlaf area Tamarix gallica roadsides below Oukaimeden

Cucurbitaceae Bryonia dioica Middle Atlas

Salicaceae Populus tremula Oukaimeden

Capparaceae Capparis spinosa Al Hociema area

Brassicaceae Arabis alpina Talassemtane National Park Biscutella baetica Talassemtane National Park

10 Biscutella didyma throughout Cakile maritima Oued Aliane Cardamine hirsuta scattered Cardamine resedifolia Asileh area Cardaria draba widespread Draba hispanica Talassemtane National Park Draba lutescens Gorge du Zifid Erophila verna Tazzeka Erysimum bocconei Tiz n’Test Isatis djurdjurae Talassemtane National Park Isatis tinctoria Tiz n’Test Hornungia petraea Tazzeka Lobularia maritima coasts Matthiola fruticulosa Noted from the Rif Mountains Matthiola parviflora Middle Atlas Matthiola tricuspidata Al Hociema area Nastrutium officinale Tizi n’Test Raffenaldia primuloides Talassemtane National Park Sinapis arvensis scattered Thlaspi perfoliatum Talassemtane National Park

Resedaceae Reseda decursiva Al Hociema area Reseda media Al Hociema area Reseda phyteuma Tizi n’Test Reseda stricta Al Hociema area

Ericaceae Calluna vulgaris in leaf in the Taghramet Erica arborea Taghramet & Jebel Bouhachem Erica australis Jebel Bouhachem Erica erigena Cap Spartel Erica multiflora Talambote Erica umbellata Taghramet

Sapotaceae Argania spinosa Tizi n’Test

Primulaceae Anagallis arvensis scattered Anagallis monelli nominate. Roadsides below Oukaimeden Primula acaulis Talassemtane National Park & Jebel Khissane

Crassulaceae Sedum sediforme Tlal Azlaf area Sempervivum atlanticum Tizi n’Test Umbilicus erectus scattered throughout

Saxifragaceae

11 Saxifraga carpetana Tazzeka Saxifraga globulifera Middle Atlas Saxifraga granulata Rif & Middle Atlas

Grossulariaceae Ribes grossularia High Atlas

Rosaceae Aphanes sp Talassemtane National Park Crataegus monophylla Tazzeka Potentilla micrantha strawberry-like. Jebel Khissane Prunus prostrata Tizi n’Tamatert on Aksoual Mountain Viburnum tinus scattered

Fabaceae Adenocarpus anagyrifolius roadsides below Oukaimeden Anagyris foetida Middle Atlas Anthyllis vulneraria throughout. Subspecies reuteri - Gorge du Zifid Argyrocytisus battandieri near Al Hociema Astragalus armatus subspecies numidicus. Spiny! Tlat Azlaf area Astragalus caprinus Talassemtane National Park Astragalus ibrahiminianus large yellow species. Imlil area Astragalus lusitanicus Al Hociema area Astragalus sesameus Tlat Azlaf area Bituminaria bituminosa scattered Ceratonia siliqua scattered Cercis siliquastrum Middle Atlas Calicotome villosa common in the north, also in Tazzeka Chamaecytisus albidus Tizi n’Test Colutea atlantica Tazzeka Coronilla valentina Taghramet etc. Subspecies pentaphylla - near Al Hociema Coronilla viminicolis Tazzeka Cytisus arboreus near Al Hociema Cytisus striatus near Al Hociema Cytisus villosus ?probably. Tazzeka Genista cephalantha Tlat Azlaf area Genista ferox ?probably this species in scrub below the Tizi n’Test Genista spartioides Tazzeka Hedysarum spinosissimum Tanger area Hippocrepis neglecta Middle Atlas Hippocrepis multisiliquosa scattered Lathyrus aphaca Tizi n’Tamatert on Aksoual Mountain Lathyrus ochruus Tanger area Lathyrus cicera Tanger area Lathyrus clymenum Tazzeka Lathyrus setifolius Gorge du Zifid Lathyrus tingitana Talambote Lotus corniculatus scattered Lotus creticus coasts in the north Lotus maroccana Tizi n’Tamatert on Aksoual Mountain

12 Lupinus angustifolia Tlat Azlaf area Lupinus cosentina Chefchaouen area Medicago arabica throughout Medicago lupulina throughout Medicago suffruticosa subspecies maroccana. Scattered Melilotus indicus Tizi n’Tamatert on Aksoual Mountain Nepa boivinii near Al Hociema Ononmis arvensis Middle Atlas Ononis laxiflora Middle Atlas Ononis natrix scattered Ornithopus isthmocarpus Tlat Azlaf area Pisum sativum scattered Retama raetum scattered Pterospartium tridentatum subspecies cantabricum. near Al Hociema Scorpiurus sulcatus Tanger area Scorpiurus vermiculatus Tanger area Teline segonnei ?probably this species in scrub below the Tizi n’Test Tetragonolobus purpureus Tanger and the north Trifolium dubium scattered Trifolium campestre scattered Trifolium resupinatum Asileh area Trifolium subterraneum Tanger area Trigonella gladiata Tizi n’Tamatert on Aksoual Mountain Ulex bourgiae Taghramet Ulex parviflorus subspecies Africana. Al Hoceima NP Vicia amphicarpa Middle Atlas Vicia benghalensis Gorge du Zifid Vicia bithynica Tlat Azlaf area Vicia lutea Tlat Azlaf area Vicia sativa Tlat Azlaf area

Lythraceae Lythrum junceum Tanger area

Thymelaeaceae Daphne laureola Talassemtane National Park

Rafflessiaceae Cytinus hypocistis Tanger area

Aquifoliaceae Ilex aquifolium Talassemtane National Park

Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia helioscopia Al Hociema area Mercurialis annua scattered in the north Ricinus communis Tlat Azlaf area

Rhamnaceae

13 Rhamnus alaternus roadsides below Oukaimeden

Linaceae Linim bienne scattered Linum villarianum Middle Atlas

Polygalaceae Polygala boissieri Taghramet area Polygala baetica scattered throughout Polygala rupestris nominate. Gorge du Zifid

Aceraceae Acer opulus subspecies granatense. Talassemtane National Park

14 Anacardiaceae Pistacia atlantica Tizi n’Test Pistacia lentiscus Talambote Pistacia terebrinthus Talambote

Rutaceae Ruta chalepensis scattered in the north

Zygophylaceae Fagonia cretica Al Hociema NP Fagonia glutinosa Tlal Azlaf area Fagonia zilloides scattered Zygophyllum fontanesii Tlat Azlaf area

Geraniaceae Erodium atlanticum Tlat Azlaf area & Tizi n’Test – beautiful! Erodium cheilanthifolium Tizi n’Tamatert on Aksoual Mountain Erodium cicutarium common in the north Erodium guttatum Tlat Azlaf area Erodium malacoides throughout Erodium salzmannii Talassemtane National Park Geranium purpureum Tazzeka Geranium rotundifolium Al Hoceima area

Araliaceae Hedera ilex scattered in the north

Apiaceae Bupleurum laterifolium Tizi n’Test Bupleurum fruticescens subspecies spinosum. Scattered. Also another Bupleurum species present Crithmum maritimum Cap Spartel etc Elaeoselinum meoides fine-leaved! Tanger area Eryngium atlanticum scattered Eryngium maritinum Oued Aliane Ferula communis scattered Ferula fontqueri Tlat Azlaf area Ferula tingitana Middle Atlas Scandix pectin-veneris Tanger area Smyrnium olusatrum noted in the Rif Thapsia transtagana Taghramet

Gentianaceae Blackstonia perfoliata subspecies grandiflora. Tlat Azlaf area Centaurium pulchellum Taghramet

Apocynaceae Nerium oleander scattered

15 Vinca difformis Tanger area Vinca major scattered

Asclepiadaceae Gomphocarpus fruticosus noted in the Rif Solanaceae Hyoscyamus albus scattered Mandragora autumnalis leaves in various areas Solanum alatum Tanger area Solanum sodomeum Oued Aliane Withania frutescens Tlal Azlaf area Withania somnifera Al Hociema area

Convolvulaceae Convolvulus althaeoides Taghramet etc Convolvulus gharbensis Middle Atlas Convolvulus pitardii Gorge du Zifid Convolvulus tricolor scattered – locally abundant Convolvulus valentinus Tlat Azlaf area

Boraginaceae Anchusa azurea Tanger area Anchusa undulata Middle Atlas Borago officinalis scattered in the north Buglossoides arvensis Tanger area Cerinthe gymnandra western Middle Atlas Cerinthe major east of Asileh Cynoglossum cheirifolium yellow! Scattered Cynoglossum clandestinum half-opening! Scattered in the north Cynoglossum creticum Tanger area Echium horridum Tlat Azlaf area Echium humile Tlat Azlaf area Echium plantagineum Tanger area Echium sabulicola Tlat Azlaf area Lithodora maroccana Taghramet Lithospernum arvense Tanger area Nonea vesicaria Tlat Azlaf area

Lamiaceae Ajuga chamaepitys Tlat Azlaf area Ajuga iva Tanger area etc Lamium flexuasum Middle Atlas Lamium amplexicaule scattered Lamium mauritanicum Middle Atlas Lavandula dentata Noted from the Rif Mountains Lavandula mairei Tizi n’Test. Leaves bipinnate. Lavandula multifida Noted from the Rif Mountains Lavandula pedunculata Tizi n’Test Lavandula stoechas widespread in the north

16 Marrubium alysson Tlat Azlaf area Marrubium vulgare scattered Rosmarinus eriocalyx Noted from the Rif Mountains Rosmarinus officinalis scattered Salvia aegyptiaca Tazzeka Salvia verbenaca scattered throughout Satureja graeca Middle Atlas Sideritis briquetiana Tlat Azlaf area Sideritis incana Gorge du Zifid Stachys arvensis scattered Stachys ocymastrum Middle Atlas Stachys rifana Tlat Azlaf area Teucrium capitatum Tlat Azlaf area Teucrium fruticans scattered in the Tanger area Teucrium pseudo-chamaepitys Tlat Azlaf area Teucrium pseudo-scorodonia in fruit in the north Thymus algeriensis Al Hociema area

Plantaginaceae Plantago afra scattered Plantago amplexicaulis Tlal Azlaf Plantago coronopus Oued Aliane Plantago lanceolata scattered

Oleaceae Fraxinus dimorpha Tizi n’Test

Scrophulariaceae Antirrhinum majus widespread Bartsia trixago in leaf near Tanger Digitalis laciniata Talambote Digitalis mauretanica in leaf in the Jebel Khissane Linaria arvensis Tazzeka Linaria heterophylla subspecies galioides? Gorge du Zifid & Imilil area Linaria latifolia Tanger area Linaria pedunculata blue. Oued Laou Linaria reflexa subspecies puberula? Tazzeka Linaria riffea Al Hociema area Linaria sagittaria Tizi n’Test Linaria triphylla Al Hociema area Linaria tristis subspecies pectinata. Talambote Linaria ventricosa Tizi n’Test Misopates oranense Middle Atlas – near Matmata east of Fes. May be newly confirmed for Morocco? Misopates orontium Middle Atlas Parentucellia viscosa in leaf near Tanger Scrophularia canina Tlat Azlaf area Scrophularia sambucifolia scattered Verbascum dentifolium Gorge du Zifid Veronica arvensis Asileh

17 Veronica cymbalaria common in the north Veronica persica Tizi n’Tamatert on Aksoual Mountain

Myoporaceae Myoporum latum Taghramet (introduced)

Globulariaceae Globularia alypum Al Hociema area Globularia houvillei recorded?

Orobanchaceae Orobanche ramosa scattered in the north

Acanthaceae Acanthus mollis Talassemtane National Park

Campanulaceae Phyteuma decursiva ?probably this species Talassemtane National Park

Rubiaceae Asperula hirsuta Middle Atlas Galium verrucosum Middle Atlas Sherardia arvensis scattered Rubia peregrina widespread Rubia tinctorum Zaouira-ech-Cheikh (Naturalized)

Caprifoliaceae Lonicera implexa Taghramet

Valerianaceae Fedia cornucopiae locally common in the north Fedia pallescens Tazzeka Valeriana tuberosa Tlat Azlaf area

Dipsacaceae Cephalaria leucantha Leaves in the Gorge du Zifid

Asteraceae Aetheorhiza bulbosa Tizi n’Tamatert on Aksoual Mountain Anacyclus depressus var gelidus. Or pyrethrum? Tizi n’Tamatert on Aksoual Mountain Andryala sp Tanger area Artotheca calendula Oued Aliane Aster tripolium (Tripolium vulgare) Oued Laou. Oddly doesn’t seem recorded in Morocco so this record needs confirmation, though it was in the right habitat and should be expected! Asteriscus maritimus Oued Aliane Bellis annua scattered Bellis caerulea High Atlas around Imlil

18 Bellis sylvatica scattered in the north Bidens aurea Oued Laou – in leaf Calendula arvensis widespread Calendula eckerleinii Middle Atlas Calendula stellata Middle Atlas Calendula suffruticosa widespread Centaurea calcitrapa Tiz n’Test Centaurea dilitata Tiz n’Test Centaurea eriophora Tlat Azlaf area Centaura involucrata Middle Atlas Centaurea pullata scattered in the north Cichorium intybus Middle Atlas Chamaemelum (Ormenis) scariosa yellow daisy. Tiz n’Test Chrysanthemum coronarium locally abundant Cladanthus arabicus locally common Cotula coronopifolia Asileh area Evax argentea Asileh area Galactites tomentosa scattered Glossopappus macrotus Middle Atlas Hyoseris radiata scattered Launaea sp Tizi n’Test Launaea arborescens Al Hociema NP Lecanthemum atlanticum road to Oukaimeden Leucanthemopsis longipectinata Taghramet area Pallenis hierochuntica Gorge du Zifid and Zaouira-ech-Cheikh Pallenis spinosa Oued Aliane Perralderia paui spectacular yellow-flowered daisy subshrub. Al Hociema area Phagnalon calycinum subspecies caroli-pauii. Tlat Azlaf area Phagnalon rupestre scattered Phagnalon saxatile Tazzeka Rhodanthemum atlanticum roadsides below Oukaimeden Rhodanthemum laouense Oued Laou Scorzonera hispanica Middle Atlas Senecio vulgaris scattered Silybum marianum widespread Sonchus tenerrimus Tlat Azlaf area Taraxacum officinale widespread Tolpis barbata Tlat Azlaf area Xanthium strumarium in leaf in the north

19 Monocotyledons

Alismataceae Alisma lanceolatum Asileh Alisma plantago-aquatica Tanger area Baldellia ranunculoides ponds east of Asileh Damasomium polyspermum ?ponds east of Asileh

Arecaceae Chamaerops humilis abundant throughout Phoenix dactylifera scattered in the south

Araceae Arisarum vulgare scattered Arisarum simorrhinum scattered Arum italicum scattered in the north

Juncaceae Juncus bufonius Asileh Juncus maritimus common in marshes at or near coasts Luzula multiflora Jebel Khissane Luzula nodulosa Middle Atlas

Cyperaceae Carex divisa Talambote Cyperus capitatus noted in the Rif Eleocharis palustris Tizi n’Test Scirpus holoschoenus common in wet areas

Poaceae Arundo donax Tizi n’Test Lamarckia aurea noted in the Rif Phragmites australis Tizi n’Test

Liliaceae Fritillaria lusitanica scattered in the Rif, some in good flower Gagea algeriensis scattered in the Rif Gagea durieui Talambote and Jebel Khissane Gagea elliptica scattered Gagea granatelli Middle Atlas Gagea maroccana widespread in high areas Gagea nevadensis Talassemtane National Park & Middle Atlas Tulipa australis in seed near Al Hociema

Colchicaceae Colchicum triphyllum Oukaimeden

20 Hyacinthaceae Bellevalia dubia Tanger area Dipcadi serotinum widespread Hyacinthoides hispanica in bid in the Rif and Middle Atlas Muscari atlanticum near Tanger Muscari comosum widespread Ornithogalum algeriense widespread Ornithogalum pyrenaicum Middle Atlas Ornithogalum sessiliflorum Al Hociema area Scilla monophyllos scattered Scilla peruviana scattered Urginea maura Tizi n’Test

Alliaceae Allium nigrum common in the north Allium roseum scattered Allium triquetrum common in the north

Asparagaceae Asparagus acutifolius Tazzeka Asparagus albus scattered almost throughout (not Tanger) Asparagus aphyllus Middle Atlas Asparagus horridus Middle Atlas Asparagus stipularis High Atlas area

Ruscaceae Ruscus aculeatus scattered in the Rif & Middle Atlas Ruscus hypophyllum Tanger area and the Rif, also Mischliffen area

Asphodelaceae Asphodelus acaulis Mischliffen Asphodelus cerasiferus below Imlil Asphodelus fistulosus Tizi n’Test Asphodelus macrocarpus Tazzeka Asphodelus ramosus widespread Asphodelus tenuifolius Tlal Azlaf

Anthericaeae Anthericum liliago cliff faces down Oued Laou, also Tanger, Tlal Azlaf and Middle Atlas

Aphyllanthaceae Aphyllanthes monspeliensis scattered

Amaryllidaceae Narcissus albimarginatus not seen in flower but leaves on pass west of Jebel Bouhachem Narcissus cantabricus quite a good population on the Jebel Khissane Narcissus papyraceus leaves showing and in seed in a number of localities, not seen in

21 flower Narcissus peroccidentalis leaves and seeds below the Tizi n’Test and probably near Narcissus romieuxii subspecies albidus. Common Talassemtane National Park. The plants near El Ksiba in the Middle Atlas may have been the nominate form. Also what may have been var. zaianicus noted west of El Ksiba Narcissus romieuxii subspecies mesatlanticus. This yellow form was found below Oukaimeden Narcissus rupicola subspecies marveri. Tazzeka

22 Narcissus tingitanus fine golden-yellow blooms at Oukaimeden and Tizi n’Tamatert on Aksoual Mountain, though the identity of these plants is still disputed Narcissus waiteri this fine daff was seen in flower on the Tizi n’Test and Tizi n’Tamatert on Aksoual Mountain Pancratium maritimum leaves at Oued Aliane

Iridaceae Crocus nevadensis leaves noted at Mischliffen Gladiolus communis Tanger area Gladiolus illyricus Tlal Azlaf and Tazzeka area Gladiolus italicus widespread Gynandriris monophyllos a fine population below the Tizi n’Test Gynandriris sisyrinchium scattered, commonest in the north Iris germanica scattered in the Atlas Iris tingitana in fine flower near Zaouira-ech-Cheikh Romulea bifrons seemed the most widespread of the Romuleas Romulea bulbocodium only note for certain near Oued Aliane, may have been more widespread – the identification of Romuleas in Morocco is very difficult! Romulea malenconiana noted in the Jebel Bouhachem Romulea ramiflora Cap Spartel

Smilacaceae Smilax aspera scattered, mainly the north

Dioscoreaceae Tammus communis Tazzeka

Orchidaceae Aceras anthropophorum Talambote Barlia robertiana Talambote Cephalanthea longifolia scattered Cephalanthera rubra leaves noted in lower Taghramet Dactylorhiza elata leaves near Imlil Ophrys apifera Talambote and Gorge du Zifid Ophrys bombyliflora scattered in the north Ophrys dyris Zaouira-ech-Cheikh and El Ksiba Ophrys fusca Oued Aliane & Talambote Ophrys lupercalis Zaouira-ech-Cheikh Ophrys lutea scattered throughout Ophrys picta Oued Aliane Ophrys speculum Zaouira-ech-Cheikh and El Ksiba Ophrys sphegifera Talambote & Zaouira-ech-Cheikh Ophrys tenthredinifera scattered throughout Orchis champagneuxii Jebel Bouhachem Orchis conica 2 plants in Gorge du Zifid Orchis mascula/langei in bud on the Jebel Khissane & Oukaimeden Neotinea maculata Talambote & Jebel Khissane

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24 Systematic List Number 2 Birds

The taxonomy and order of the following list largely follows Voous (1977, List of Recent Holarctic Bird Species). Species seen by only one observer are annotated with their initials under the comments section (IG = leader only, SG = Sally Gordon). An indication of the frequency of sightings is given by the number of days out of 13 (thus excluding arrival and departure day) the bird was seen on.

Itinerary was as follows – 14th March Cap Spartel area 15th March Oued Aliane & Taghramet 16th March Asileh and to Chefchaouen via Jebel Bouhachem 17th March Tissouka in Talassemtane National Park 18th March Talambote in Talassemtane National Park and the Oued Laou 19th March to Al Hociema via the Jebel Khissane 20th March Al Hociema Natural Park and to Taza via Tlat Azlaf 21st March Tazzeka National Park 22nd March to Mischliffen via the Zifid Gorge 23rd March Mischliffen to Imlil in the High Atlas 24th March Oukaimeden 25th March Tizi n’Test Pass 26th March Imlil – Tizi n’Tamatert & Aksoual Mountain

Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea A few offshore of Cap Spartel and Oued Aliane. 2/13 Mediterranean Shearwater Puffinus yelkouan 10+ offshore of Oued Laou Gannet Morus bassanus Noted in all coastal areas. 3/13 Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo At most coastal and wetland localities. 4/13 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Widespread and abundant. 13/13 Little Egret Egretta garzetta Scattered in the north. 3/13 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Scattered. Abundant at reservoir near Fes. 3/13 White Stork Ciconia ciconia Widespread with several good sized flocks. 9/13 Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea c.10 at reservoir near Fes and 2 at Oukaimeden Gadwall Anas strepera 1 at reservoir near Fes Teal Anas crecca 2 at reservoir near Fes Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Locally abundant. 3/13 Shoveler Anas clypeata Common at reservoir near Fes Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina 3 at reservoir near Chefchaouen Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus 1 near Beni Melal Black Kite Milvus migrans Widespread and sometime very common in north. Large numbers heading north over Cap Spartel. 9/13 Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus 1 over Jebel Bouhachem, and 1 on both visits to Zifid Gorge. 3/13 Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus 5 below Taghramet and 2 above Asni Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Scattered. 4/13 Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus 3 near Cap Spartel and 1 over Zifid Gorge Goshawk Accipter gentilis 1 over the Zifid Gorge Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Scattered records. 4/13

25 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo Scattered. 3/13 Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus 2 over the Jebel Bouhachem and singles twice in the High Atlas. 3/13 Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos A sub-adult near Talambote, Talassemtane NP Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus Scattered. 3/13 Bonelli’s Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus 2 harassing the Golden Eagle near Talambote, Talassemtane NP Osprey Pandion heliaetus 2 at Al Hociema Natural Park Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni Locally very common with a large colony in the Zifid Gorge and good numbers near Cap Spartel. 7/13 Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Widespread. 12/13 Hobby Falco subbuteo Singles near Cap Spartel and near Khenifra Peregrine Falco peregrinus 1 near Talambote, Talassemtane (SG only) Barbary Falcon Falco pelegrinoides A single seen very well on both visits to the Zifid Gorge Barbary Partridge Alectoris barbara Pairs and groups flushed in a number of localities 6/13 Coot Fulica atra Noted only at the reservoir near Chefchaouen Common Crane Grus grus 3 at Asileh Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus A few in all wetlands. 3/13 Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus 13 at Oued Laou Beach Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula 2 at Oued Laou Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus 4 at Oued Laou Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago 3 at Oued Laou Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus 2 at Oued Aliane Common Redshank Tringa totanus 1 at Oued Laou Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus 2 at Oued Laou Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos 1 at Oued Aliane and 1 at Oued Laou Great Skua Catharacta skua One offshore at Oued Laou Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus Only noted in the Tangr area. 2/13 Audouin’s Gull Larus audouinii c.8 at Cap Spartel and good numbers off Oued Laou and a few off Al Hociema. 3/13 Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus Scattered along coasts. 3/13 Yellow-legged Gull Larus cachinnans Noted along coasts. 4/13 Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica 4 at Oued Laou Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis 1 at Oued Laou Little Tern Sterna albifrons 2 at Oued Laou Rock Dove Columba livia Widespread. 13/13 Woodpigeon Columba palumbus Scattered – not in the Rif or Tazzeka. 6/13 Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Widespread. 10/13 Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis Noted in Tahanaoute south of Marrakech Scops Owl Otus scops 1 flew across in front of the minibus after dark some way west of Al Hociema (IG only) Little Owl Athene noctua Singles at various sites. 3/13 Tawny Owl Strix aluco 1 at Imlil (IG only) Pallid Swift Apus pallidus Locally common in Al Hociema, Taza and towns in High Atlas region. 5/13 Little Swift Apus affinis Noted in Tanger and at Casablanca airport. 2/13 Hoopoe Upupa epops A scatter of records. 3/13

26 Levaillant’s Woodpecker Picus vaillantii Heard at various places in the Rif, seen at Jebel Khissane, and at Mischliffen and common generally in the High Atlas, especially in the Imlil area. 6/13 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major Scattered throughout with an interesting record from Oued Aliane! 6/13 Crested Lark Galerida cristata Widespread. 12/13 Thekla Lark Galerida theklae Scattered throughout. A nest with eggs found on the Tizi n’Test. 5/13 Woodlark Lullula arborea 4 on the Jebel Bouhachim Shorelark Eremophila alpestris Quite common at Oukaimeden Sand Martin Riparia riparia a distant flock over the reservoir near Fes Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris Scattered. 5/13 Swallow Hirundo rustica Widespread and common. 13/13 Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica Scattered throughout. 4/13 House Martin Delichon urbica Frequent in the north, otherwise scarce. 3/13 Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis Jebel Bouhachem Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis Scattered. 2/13 Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava Very scarce, migrants seen only at Cap Spartel and at Oued Laou. 2/13 White Wagtail Motacilla alba Very scarce! 2/13 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Noted in the Rif and common in the High Atlas. 5/13 Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus Widespread. 13/13 Dipper Cinclus cinclus 1 at Talambote, Talassemtane NP. Heard at Imil a couple of times Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Throughout, more often heard than seen. 4(seen)/13 Robin Erithacus rubecula Widespread. 10/13 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros Widespread in high areas. 5/13 Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus 1 at Oued Laou Moussier’s Redstart Phoenicurus moussieri Locally common, especially in the Atlas. 7/13 Whinchat Saxicola rubetra 1 near Asileh Stonechat Saxicola torquata Widespread and common in the north. 8/13 Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Singles of the nominate race at Tissouka, Talassemtane NP and at Michliffen. A fine male seebohmi race at Oukaimeden. 3/13 Black Wheatear Oenanthe leucura 3 at Chefchaouen, 2 in the Zigid Gorge and noted on the Tizi n’Test. 3/13 Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius Scattered throughout. 8/13 Blackbird Turdus merula Widespread. 13/13 Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Small numbers widespread in the north. 8/13 Mistle Thrush Turdus philomelos Scattered throughout the high areas. 4/13 Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti Heard in the Oued Laou Fan-tailed Warbler Cisticola juncidis Widespread wherever vegetation in the north. 5/13. Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata 2 on the Jebel Khissane Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata A pair with nest material on south side of Tizi n’Test Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans Scattered. 4/13 Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala Widespread except in the High Atlas. 10/13

27 Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Scattered. 4/13 Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Scattered – north only. 4/13 Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus 1 below Oukaimeden Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Singles at various localities. 3/13 Coal Tit Parus ater Scattered in high areas. 3/13 Blue Tit Parus caeruleus Widespread. 13/13 Great Tit Parus major Widespread but much less common than Blue Tit. 7/13 European Nuthatch Sitta europaea Common in the Rif. 3/13 Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla Common in the Rif. 3/13 Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegalensis 1 seen well by SG below Talembote, Talassemtane NP. The rest of us heard it! Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis Scattered. 3/13 Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator Widespread. 10/13 Jay Garrulus glandarius Locally common in oak woods especially. 5/13 Magpie Pica pica Sadly the only one seen was from the car ear Marrakech so no chance to stop and appreciate its blue face markings! Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax gracilis Several very large flocks in the High Atlas. 2/13 Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Widespread. 7/13 Jackdaw Corvus monedula Widespread except in High Atlas. 9/13 Raven Corvus corax Widespread except in High Atlas. 11/13 Spotless Starling Sturnus unicolor Locally common. 9/13 House Sparrow Passer domesticus Widespread around habitation. 13/13 Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia Some at Oukaimeden Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Widespread and often abundant. 13/13 Serin Serinus serinus Widespread. 11/13 Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Scattered. 4/13 Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Widespread and common. 12/13 Linnet Carduelis cannabina Scattered. 5/13 Crimson-winged Finch Rhodopechys sanguinea 35+ seen at Oukaimeden Hawfinch Cocothraustes cocothraustes 1 on the Jebel Khissane (IG only) Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus 1 on the Jebel Bouhachem (SG only) Rock Bunting Emberiza cia Locally common in the High Atlas. 3/13 House Bunting Emberiza striolata 1 on the perimeter wall of Marrakech Airport! Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra Scattered. 4/13

28 Systematic List Number 3 Mammals

Barbary Ape Macaca sylvanus 10+ seen on Jebel Tissouka, Talassemtane NP, and 1 by the road at Mischliffen and many heard from the hotel there Rabbit Orcytolagus cuniculus Singles near Cap Spartel and Khenifra Cape Hare Lepus capensis 1 at Mischliffen on night walk and 1 near Asni Red Fox Vulpes vulpes 1 near Asni and 5 below Imlil on night walk Common Dolphin Delphinus delphinus A pod moving fast east offshore of Al Hociema Natural Park

Systematic List Number 4 Amphibians and Reptiles

The taxonomy of species listed follows ‘The Amphibians and Reptiles of North Africa, published by Koeltz and by Schleich et al.

Marsh Frog Rana saharica Widespread in wet areas Spur-thighed Tortoise Testudo graeca Noted in the north as singles on first three days, absent thereafter European Pond Terrapin Emys orbicularis David saw them in stream near Ksar-es-Seghir Atlas Gecko Quedenfeldtia trachyblepharus A few seen at Oukaimeden and on the Tizi n’Test Iberian Wall Lizard Podarcis hispanica Common, almost everywhere Large Psammodromus Psammodromus algirus Common, almost everywhere

29 Systematic List Number 5 Butterflies

The taxonomy and systematic order follows that found in Butterflies of Britain and Europe, a HarperCollins guide, by Tolman.

Papilionidae Scarce Swallowtail Iphiclides feisthamelii Singles seen on three days in the north Spanish Festoon Zerynthia rumina Scattered in the north

Pieridae Large White Pieris brassicae Widespread in low numbers Green-veined White Artogeia napi one in Imlil Bath White Pontia daplidice Noted in the Middle and High Atlas Green-striped White Euchloe belemia Noted south of Al Hociema and near Khenifra Greenish Black-tip Elphinstonia charlonia Several near Tlat Azlaf Moroccan Orange-tip Anthocharis bella Quite common especially in the north Desert Orange-tip Colotis evagore nouna 2 near Tlat Azlaf Clouded Yellow Colias crocea Scattered Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni noted in the Jebel Bouhachem Cleopatra Gonepteryx cleopatra Scattered throughout

Lycaenidae Chapman’s Green Hairstreak Callophrys avis One photographed on the Tizi n’Test. Other Green Hairstreaks seen during the trip (several) were either this species or Green Hairstreak Callophrys rubi Provence Hairstreak Tomares ballus Widespread in the north. Commonest butterfly on the trip Moroccan Hairstreak Tomares mauretanicus Noted at Cap Spartel and on the Tizi n’Test Pass Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas Only noted in Cap Spartel area False Baton Blue Pseudophilotes abencerragus 1 near Tlat Azlaf Common Blue Polyommatus icarus Few seen but widespread

Danaidae Plain Tiger Danaus chrysippus Just the one seen in the Hotel Continental garden in Tanger

Nymphalidae Large Tortoiseshell Nymphalis polychloros Locally common in Talassemtane National Park and Tizi n’Test Pass, also noted in the Jebel Bouhachem Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta Scattered throughout Painted Lady Cynthia cardui Widespread Queen of Spain Fritillary Issoria lathonia 1 at Oukaimeden

30 Satyridae Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus Scattered throughout Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria Widespread Wall Brown Lasiommata megera Widespread

Hesperiidae Red-Underwing Skipper Spialia sertorius ?probably this species on the Tizi n’Test Aden Skipper Spialia doris 1 near Tlat Azfal

31