| Talassemtane National Park | |
| Location: | Morocco |
| Area: | 589.5sqkm |
| Established: | 2004 |
Talassemtane National Park is a national park in the Rif region of Northern Morocco. The 589.5sqkm park was created in October 2004 to conserve the last of Morocco's threatened fir forests.[1] [2]
Talassemtane is part of the Transcontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean.The park's proximity to the popular tourist destination, Chefchaouen makes it a common hiking destination. The park's elevation ranges from 350 meters to 1,050 meters.[3]
It is a very original territory characterized by unique biodiversity and landscapes.[4]
Popular hiking destinations include the Bridge of God, a natural bridge formation, and the villages of El Kalaá and Akchour.[5]
The park is situated within the Spanish/Maghrebi biodiversity hotspot. Over 1380 plant species have been recorded, 47 of which are endemic to Morocco. The only Spanish firs native to Morocco can be found in the heart of the park, under the highest level of protection. Other species that live in the park include the endangered Atlas cedar and Andalusian Belladonna.[6]
The Bearded vulture and over 100 other birds have been observed at the park.[7]
This site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List on 12/10/1998 in the natural category.[8]