Argan Oil’s Secret: Goats Who Scale Moroccan Trees

Morocco’s arid landscapes host a truly unique sight: goats expertly climbing argan trees. This incredible feat allows them to access vital food sources, especially during dry spells when ground vegetation is scarce. These agile creatures ascend argan trees, some as tall as ten meters, their hooves gripping precariously thin branches to reach the sweet, pulp-filled fruits. Beyond satisfying their hunger, this climbing behavior is intrinsically linked to the preservation of the argan forest. The goats consume the fleshy part of the argan fruit, but the hard nuts pass through undigested. These nuts, often dropped or deposited in their waste, serve as seeds for future argan trees, making the goats unintentional cultivators of this rare Moroccan ecosystem. This symbiotic relationship benefits both the animals and the trees, a testament to nature’s ingenious solutions.