Iriqui National Park, National park in Tata and Zagora Provinces, Morocco
Iriqui National Park is a protected area between the Draa River and the Anti-Atlas Mountains, spanning roughly 123,000 hectares. The landscape shifts between desert, wooded grassland, savanna, and seasonal wetlands, with Lake Iriqui as the central feature.
The park was established in 1994 to protect the wetland ecosystem of Lake Iriqui. Management efforts focus on reintroducing animal species like the North African ostrich and oryx that had disappeared from the region.
Bedouin communities practice traditional livestock herding across the park, moving seasonally through the desert following patterns passed down through generations. These practices shape how the landscape looks and is used today.
The area is reachable by road through connections to larger towns nearby. Visiting is best timed around wetter seasons when the lake fills with water and conditions are more favorable for exploring.
During wetter seasons, the lake temporarily transforms into a wetland that draws migratory birds like flamingos and coots. This gathering makes it a notable stopping point for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.
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