Biodiversity, an essential component for the M'goun global geopark development (Morocco) - An overview

The M’Goun Geopark (Morocco) has a rich and varied geological and biological diversity. The objective of this paper was to determine the geosites inventory and valorization, fauna diversity and biodiversity conservation, and the human–carnivore conflict and threatened species management in the M'goun global geopark, central High Atlas of Morocco. The geosites of the M’Goun Geopark have a high geological value and are conducive to geotourism and geo-education valorization, mainly: natural bridge of Imi-n-Ifri, sedimentary structure in teepee in Rat Mountain, Tarkeddid syncline, glacial cirques and U-shaped valleys of M’goun. The central High Atlas Mountains are home to a variety of animal species, especially mammals with more than 24 wild mammal species, birth with more than 102 species, reptiles with more than 30 species, amphibians with more than six species, and a large number of invertebrates. Several studies indicated that biodiversity has been declining at an alarming rate in recent years in this area and blamed this decline on habitat destruction, impact of livestock grazing, the habitat and population fragmentation, the illegal capture and the effects of human activities. In this area, the effect of human is among the major problems responsible of the decline of carnivore species and the human-carnivore conflict may act as factors in the decline of carnivore populations. Several measures were recommended to protect biodiversity and geodiversity in the the M’Goun Geopark