Atlantic coast, Western Sahara Photograph by SaharaMet   Palaearctic Deserts and Xeric Shrublands   15,400 square miles (39,900 square kilometers) -- about the size of Maryland and Connecticut combined Relatively Stable/Intact

· Desert Meets the Sea
· Special Features
· Did You Know?
· Wild Side
· Cause for Concern
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Desert Meets the Sea

Traverse the inland reaches of this narrow desert ecoregion by camel and you may miss the all-important coastal coves that harbor thousands of migrating shorebirds and the endangered Mediterranean monk seal.

Special Features

Located along the coastline of Western Sahara and most of Mauritania, the Atlantic Coastal Desert ecoregion forms the westernmost portion of the Sahara, the world’s largest desert. The coastal cliffs, which reach 66-164 feet (20–50 meters) high, are some of the highest lands in the ecoregion. Beyond them lies a hot and arid desert that receives most of its moisture from ocean mists. This is enough water to make this ecoregion the most densely vegetated part of the Saharan Desert. Succulent shrubs grow throughout the area. They include Euphorbia regis-jubae, E. echinus, and Senecio anteuphorbium. Saltwater tolerant plant species such as Suaeda, Atriplex, and Zygoplyllum grow along the coast.

	The Mediterranean monk seal is one of three species of monk seals; all were named for their brown or black coats, which reminded someone of a monk’s robe.

Wild Side

Flocks of water birds flash shimmering wings as they bank and dive and soar along the shores of this ecoregion. Sandpipers, plovers, and bar-tailed godwits are among the smaller shorebirds that stop here on migration or spend the winter. They are joined by the larger, brighter flamingos and spoonbills. In some of the same coves, several hundred Mediterranean monk seals live. These once-abundant marine mammals have become endangered because too many have been entangled and drowned in fishing nets or have been shot by fishermen who think the seals eat too many fish. Inland, hooved mammals such as the dorcas gazelles, dama gazelles, and addax graze while keeping a watchful eye out for predators such as jackals and striped hyenas. Fennec foxes, sand foxes, and sand cats join the list of predators in this coastal desert. Of all the animals that live here, the Algerian whip snake is the only one that is endemic.

Cause for Concern

Overgrazing and overhunting threaten the vegetation and wildlife of this ecoregion, even though few people live here. Currently only one protected area exists here, in Mauritania. However, a national park is proposed for Western Sahara, which will protect a large part of this ecoregion.

For more information on this ecoregion, go to the World Wildlife Fund Scientific Report.