Morocco’s Argania goat tree is so unique. With its rough, thorny bark and fuzzy, crooked branches, the Argania tree isn’t the most attractive plant on the planet. The swarms of goats on the limbs of these Moroccan trees, however, continue to fascinate travelers.
After years of damage and logging, the Argania is now a rare and protected species that grows only in Morocco. The tree provides an annual fruit harvest, which attracts legions of local goats that climb into the branches in search of a tasty meal.
The animals consume the seasonal bounty while amazingly balancing on the exceedingly thin branches. The creatures like to climb the trees in huge groups, pushing each other down at times. Lol, Argania, the Goat tree, become their throne; only the strongest will avoid being pushed down.
Local farmers participate in and even master this strange foraging activity by keeping goats off the trees until the fruit ripens and then releasing them at the appropriate moment.
The goats’ eating habits provide an additional advantage in addition to drawing visitors from Morocco’s main towns. They leave precious clusters of seeds after devouring the tree’s fruit and nuts, from which the nourishing Argan oil is produced.
Unfortunately, since goats can be quite lucrative for their owners, an increasing number of them have moved into the region, causing the surviving Argani trees to suffer from a general deterioration in health.
All one can hope is that the adorable goats don’t consume all of the precious trees. Despite the fact that it is unlawful, thieves often tie goats to trees in the blazing heat in the hopes of getting money from visitors for shooting photos. If this occurs, do not be fooled by the provocation and fund animal brutality.
When visiting Africa, many tourists focus on the greatest beaches in Morocco, but they should not overlook the country’s other attractions, such as natural wonders.
