A very long time ago, crocodiles lived in southern Morocco near the Drâa River and in some Sahara oases. At that time, the desert was wetter than it is today.
But between the 1950s and 1970s, severe droughts and hunting caused the West African crocodile to disappear from the country.
Last week, scientists and wildlife experts studied a project to bring the species back to the Bas Drâa region. The goal would be to recreate a small crocodile population in its former natural habitat.
Before any reintroduction, studies must confirm whether crocodiles could survive there again and whether local communities support the project.
Experts also explored desert areas where these impressive animals once lived naturally.
