Tree Climbing Goats of Morocco

Goats are skilled climbers and are known to scale steep rock faces and mountains in search of food. The ones in Morocco climb trees for the same reason – food, which is otherwise scarce in this drought-ridden region. The goats are drawn to the fruit of the Argan tree, which ripens in June each year.

Traditionally, the goats were a part of the oil producing business. The local Berber people would allow the goats to eat the fruit, but the hard nut would pass through the animal’s digestive system unharmed. The goat excrete would then be collected, the seeds removed and grinded or pressed to extract oil, which is used in salad dressing and cosmetics.

Removing the soft pulp is the most labor-intensive part of the oil-extraction process which is why the goats were employed.

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During the past two decades, argan oil has soared in popularity and price to become the world's most expensive oil (about $300/liter).

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The goats native to this region have cloven feet. Each hoof has two toes which can spread out, providing balance and leverage, while the soles of their feet are soft and yielding, helping them to grip the bark.

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The amazing sight of goats climbing trees near Taroudant and Agadir in Morocco.

They climb to search for scarce food in the form of Argan Nuts which grow in the trees.