The Jbel Moussa Bird Fair 2025: A Strategic Hub for Raptor Conservation in Morocco
The 2025 edition of the Jbel Moussa Bird Fair has established itself as a major event for biodiversity, successfully bringing together Moroccan and foreign researchers, birdwatchers, and key representatives from the conservation sector.
The event was marked by the notable presence of executives from the National Water and Forestry Agency (ANEF), representatives of local authorities, and the environmental brigade of the Royal Gendarmerie. Organized by the Moroccan Association for the Protection of Birds and Wildlife and the Center for Ornithological Documentation and Research, this fair served as a platform for the launch of a crucial initiative for the future of birds of prey in Morocco.
Launch of the national strategy for birds of prey
The highlight of the event was the official presentation of the Strategy for the Conservation of Birds of Prey in Morocco 2024-2034. This fundamental document, developed jointly by ANEF and IUCN MED, constitutes an ambitious roadmap. Its main objective is to significantly improve the conservation status of 12 key nesting raptor species in Morocco by 2034.
Jbel Moussa: A symbol of migration and reintroduction
The choice of Jbel Moussa for the launch of this strategy, coinciding with World Vulture Awareness Day, is highly symbolic. Located in the heart of the Strait of Gibraltar, this site represents a vital migratory corridor for countless birds of prey traveling between Western Europe and Africa.
This place is also the birthplace of an exemplary conservation initiative: the griffon vulture reintroduction program. Launched in 2020 thanks to close collaboration between AMPOVIS and ANEF, this project reached a historic milestone in 2023 with the birth of the first chicks in the wild, demonstrating the effectiveness of conservation efforts in the field.
Sharing knowledge and celebrating stakeholders
The fair was a hub of intense scientific exchange, with conferences and presentations of work carried out by researchers from Morocco, Spain, and India.
A highlight was the recognition of conservation stakeholders. A well-deserved tribute was paid to researchers, ANEF agents, and the dedicated staff of the vulture rehabilitation center for their unwavering commitment.
The preview screening of the documentary “Le Gardien des Vautours” (The Guardian of the Vultures) offered a poignant testimony, recounting decades of documentation on vulture migration and the challenges inherent in their protection.
Field observations and awareness raising
The practical aspect was not overlooked. A field trip allowed participants to observe vultures directly and better understand their crucial role in the balance of ecosystems. Visits to Laila Island and the Dalia site, where a dozen species of birds of prey were recorded, enriched the experience.
The photography competition captured the beauty of the local wildlife. The jury awarded the trophy to Salvador Solis Gomez for his spectacular video of a pair of Bonelli’s eagles bathing, a rare sequence obtained using the digiscoping technique.
Future prospects
The Jbel Moussa Bird Fair has firmly established itself as an unmissable event for the ornithological community and nature conservationists. The success of this edition, made possible by the decisive support of ANEF, IUCN MED (through the PPIOSCAN program), and the involvement of local authorities, lays a solid foundation for future editions. It reinforces Morocco’s position as a key player in the conservation of raptors across the Mediterranean.
