Al Hoceima National Park

Lore & Background

Al Hoceima National Park was created in 2004 and covers 480 square kilometers, with 196 square kilometers of sea. Its terrestrial part lies on the Ibaqouyen Rif mountain range and includes partial territories of five communes: Bni Boufrah, Senada, Rouadi, Izemmouren, and Ait Kamara. The park is bordered on the north by 50 kilometers of Mediterranean coast and on the south by National road 16.

Reader's Guide

The park's significance lies in its preservation of unspoilt coastal and marine environments. It hosts 110 species of vascular plants, including barbary thuya, Aleppo pine, and carob tree, as well as 264 species of seaweed in its marine zone. The fauna includes a large colony of ospreys, three dolphin species (common, common bottlenose, and striped), and the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. Loggerhead, leatherback, and green sea turtles feed in the area, and over a hundred fish species have been recorded, along with the rare giant ribbed Mediterranean limpet. The park's high limestone cliffs and wild rocky coast have experienced little exploitation, making it a key site for biodiversity conservation in northern Morocco.

Did You Know?

• The park includes 196 km² of sea, part of its total 480 km² area.
• It is home to a large colony of ospreys.
• Three species of dolphin inhabit its waters: common, common bottlenose, and striped.
• The endangered Mediterranean monk seal sometimes shelters in sea caves within the park.