In Morocco, visit the goats who stand in trees
13-12-2009 By DOMINICK A. MERLE / Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News
Dominick Merle is a freelance writer in Canada, USA
ESSAOUIRA, Morocco – An amazing animal show takes place each spring and summer in the Moroccan countryside. Goats climb trees and balance on the limbs like trapeze artists. The sure-footed Tamri goats have a sweet tooth for the leaves of the argan tree, which is indigenous to this area of western Morocco.
SUSAN MERLE/Special Contributor The sure-footed Tamri goats have a sweet tooth for the leaves of the argan tree, indigenous to western Morocco.
Consequently, the animals have become adept climbers, entering the tree via low-hanging branches or climbing the gnarled trunks.
This treetop grazing drives farmers wild. The goats also eat some of the nuts from the argan tree, and from these nuts comes the most prized and expensive oil of Morocco. Used sparingly on salads or as a bread dip, the oil is so treasured that some Moroccans carry small vials of it with them and add a drop or two to their couscous in restaurants.
The oil also is used in high-priced cosmetics.
I had heard about these daredevil goats on previous trips to Morocco, but I had never seen them. I wondered if they were the product of someone's imagination. But we were assured that the animal act was in full bloom.
"We may see them soon," predicted our guide Abel after about an hour's drive west of Marrakech. "They're often in this area."
And almost right on cue, just ahead, were several parked vans where the spectacle was taking place. There, perched on the limbs of a tree about 20 feet high, were a dozen goats, munching the tasty leaves and nuts.
The nimble animals seemed indifferent to our presence as they continued to strip the tree to its bare limbs. Black, brown and white, they stood almost motionless on the branches, resembling oversize Christmas tree ornaments.
The farmers have an ongoing feud with the goats, trying to harvest the almond-shaped nuts before the acrobatic goats get hungry. Often, the result is a draw, for once the goats have digested their treetop buffet, they leave manure that contains the large kernels from which the oil is extracted.
At this point, the farmers' wives take over, collecting the kernels, then grinding and pressing them to extract the precious oil, which often sells for up to $50 a liter.
Roadside stands in the area sell "argan oil," but it's often diluted with cheaper oil or colored with paprika. (Pure argan oil is much darker than olive oil.) Instead, buy at a store or market in Marrakech or other city.
It also would be wise to plan to see the nimble goats in action soon. Overgrazing and over-harvesting are endangering the argan tree. For now, however, it's still all-you-can-eat until the farmer comes.
Contact: Morocco National Tourist Office, http://www.visitmorocco.com/
Dominick Merle is a freelance writer in Canada.
(Bron: http://www.dallasnews.com/)
(Bron foto: Dallas News)
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