The magot or Barbary macaque
He lives in North Africa, in the mountains of Morocco and Algeria. A small population of Maggots has also been reintroduced to Gibraltar.
Maggots live in the mountains. They are very resistant. They can be at extreme temperatures, very hot or very cold. They really had to adapt in terms of their morphology, in terms of food.
And to adapt to their living conditions, some of their limbs have become shorter. They lost the tail to prevent it from freezing. Likewise at the level fingersthey are a little shorter so as not to be cold.
– Pierrick Boyer
The Barbary macaque is a very good dad
As soon as there is a birth, everyone will take care of the little one, not just the mother. So often, he rides on the back of a male, or another youngster. Everyone learns to take care of it.
Indeed, among the Magots, it is the principle of what is called the child king. Hélène, caretaker at the animal park
In case of conflicts, for example, if a hoard has to be reconciled with another, he will go and get a little one. They will take care of it together and it will really reunite the whole group. It’s a very, very important role for the little ones.
– Valerie Pohair
The magot is an endangered species
Maggots are hunted a lot, especially to become pets, or to put on markets.
When people try to collect magots from the wild, it is often necessary to eliminate a good part of the group to steal the little one, because they are very social animals. These stolen animals will then be in markets to take pictures with tourists. Once the little one grows, it becomes a bit disturbing. So we’re going to kill it and take some more.
It’s tragic and you shouldn’t contribute to that.. This is valid for nest eggs, taking pictures, but also for taking a ride on the back of an animal, an elephant, for example. These are things that can tempt tourists, but which are totally illegal since the species are protected.
– Pierrick Boyer
There are 25 nest eggs at the animal park of Auvergne which all have a first name! To meet them, just go to house number 37
– Auvergne animal park
The Auvergne animal park of Ardes sur Couze
The Auvergne animal park has been committed since 2012 to the protection of endangered species. You will discover species in danger of extinction. The park also financially supports wildlife protection programs around the world. 1€ of your ticket is donated to Play for Nature to support these programs
To discover the 350 animals of 65 different species and prepare your visit, head to the site of the Auvergne animal park in Ardes sur Couze. The park is open all summer from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.. Please note that pets are not allowed in the park.
Of many activities with animals are offered to you: day caretaker, family safari, privileged encounter…and new for 2022: breakfast with the animals before the park opens!
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– AlonzoDesign