West of Merzouga is Dayet Srji, a salt lake. Springtime is the only time of year that the lake has water. Spring migrations of birds such as pink flamingos, ducks, ruddy sheldrack, and Kittllitz's plower, among others, can be observed. Available to bird watch year round are Tristram's desert warbler, the Egyptian nightjar, the Arabian buzzard and falcons, and the desert sparrows. Reptiles such as snakes and sand lizards can be found here as well. Gerbils, desert Hedgehogs, and the elusive desert fox are among other mammals making their home in this part of the desert. No one would ever guess that the Sahara Desert in Morocco housed so much wildlife, both dangerous and interesting, such as brown scorpions and scarab beetles who reside in the more rocky areas.

Written by: Carole Morris
Provided by: Morocco Travel at Journey Beyond Travel