SPANA: Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad

Conservation

In developing countries, where just to survive is a daily struggle, the welfare of wildlife can be a low priority. Every country in which we work has endangered species that, due to negligence or ignorance, could soon become extinct. Through our conservation and education projects, we hope to protect vulnerable birdlife and animal species and help local people understand the reasons why they should do the same..

In 2000, the Moroccan government asked SPANA to manage the Sidi Bou Ghaba nature reserve, on the North West coast of Morocco. We handle the day-to-day running of the site and two of our vets visit regularly, running animal clinics for local animal owners, to ensure the goodwill of the community.

This unique 650-hectare reserve of red juniper and wild olive forest is vitally important for thousands of migrating birds. Without its permanent expanse of fresh water, they would have nowhere to feed and rest on their long journey through North Africa. Over 250 bird species visit the reserve. Many of them are rare and endangered, such as the marsh owl and purple gallinule. And a quarter of the world's marbled teal population spend the winter in this internationally renowned wetland region. This rare species is classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

The reserve also houses Morocco's National Centre for Environmental Education which includes an Eco-Museum, where visitors can learn about the area's biodiversity. Over 100,000 children have visited the centre since it opened in 1995, ensuring future generations will have the knowledge and enthusiasm to respect and conserve local wildlife.


SPANA manages the Sidi Bou Ghaba reserve – which provides sanctuary for many rare and endangered bird species.

Photo: SPANA