Djurdjura National Park: Barbary macaques found dead at Akouker

A somber discovery has been made within the pristine landscapes of the Djurdjura National Park, where six Barbary macaques, an endangered species, were found deceased at the Akouker site. This macabre find has prompted an immediate investigation by the park administration, which has retrieved the carcasses for detailed examination at the taxidermy laboratory.

Preliminary findings from the examination indicate that the animals' bodies were largely devoid of flesh, particularly the viscera. This suggests that the macaques were likely consumed by predators or scavengers after succumbing to their fate. The park administration has moved to dispel any speculation of poisoning, noting that the troop's usual habitat on the Akouker ridges is remote from areas typically associated with such threats. Furthermore, troops of macaques near tourist areas, which are more habituated to human presence, remained unharmed, lending credence to the theory that the Akouker group perished due to natural causes.

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The carcasses showed that they were almost devoid of meat, particularly the viscera, following their consumption by predators or scavengers acting after the death of the individuals.

The most plausible hypothesis currently points towards a tragic encounter with the elements. It is believed that successive snowfalls, possibly culminating in an avalanche, trapped and buried the macaques for several days. This explanation aligns with the troop's known behavior of frequenting the high-altitude ridges of Akouker. The park administration has expressed gratitude to park users who reported the incident, emphasizing the importance of alerting authorities before disseminating information on social media to prevent unofficial interpretations and ensure the accuracy of information.

As a species endemic to North Africa and classified as endangered by the IUCN, the Barbary macaque faces numerous threats, including climate change, fires, and human pressures. Algeria has had protective measures in place for this species for over four decades, with a conservation plan active from 2018 to 2027. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of these protected populations and the ongoing challenges posed by environmental factors to their survival within their natural habitats.

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The death would be caused by successive snowfalls, and probably an avalanche that would have trapped these monkeys and buried them for several days.