Abdelghani Mida depicts the wildlife of Morocco [Portrait]

Abdelghani Mida discovered his passion for wildlife photography in Tazekka Park, in the province of Taza. Colors and sounds meet there, transforming this natural environment into a canvas whose lens captures magic and life in all its diversity.

But before becoming interested in nature photography, Abdelghani’s attention was first focused on historical monuments and portraits. He tells Yabiladi that due to Taza’s proximity to Tazekka, the largest national park rich in biodiversity, frequent excursions to this space with its breathtaking view have developed a particular enthusiasm for him. In 2017, a Barbary squirrel caught his attention, marking the turning point in his direction towards wildlife photography. “That moment sparked my true passion,” he said.

Building on the experience acquired at Tazekka Park, which is home to 27 species of mammals, including the Barbary deer and the aurochs, 80 species of birds, 28 species of amphibians and a rich local forest cover, including the cedar of the Atlas, the holm oak and the beech, Abdelghani continued his photographic adventures in other Moroccan regions known for their wildlife and diverse landscapes.

To photograph certain animal species, Abdelghani, 42, often has to wait several days in the same place. “Sometimes I set up my equipment and wait for hours without being able to capture anything. I keep going back, until I manage to leave with some material. For example, it took me almost three years to capture the African golden wolf,” he explains.

Wildlife photography also presents other challenges, starting with the risk posed by human proximity to certain wildlife species. Abdelghani tells us a memory: “One day, I was busy with my cameras and I suddenly realized that I was surrounded by 16 Barbary boars. I was lucky to escape unscathed.”

Turn your passion into a profession

Despite the risks, Abdelghani, who also works in audiovisual production, fuels his passion through his encounters with wildlife. “The adrenaline rush you get when you manage to capture a perfect image is incomparable,” he says.

In this sense, blending into the environment is a key element, notes Abdelghani, who has been passionate about nature documentaries for years. “I always choose my clothes according to the environment: green and brown for forests, yellow for desert areas.”

In his telephone conversation with Yabiladi, Abdelghani briefly paused in front of a singular scene. “There was an osprey fighting with another bird above me, but unfortunately my camera is in the car!” he joked, expressing his deep connection with nature.

What started as a hobby for Abdelghani has become a full-fledged professional activity. He sells his photographs on various animal platforms and participates in national and international competitions, notably those organized by the Moroccan Ministry of Culture. He has also collaborated with private entities and international organizations, such as the German Cooperation Organization, to document the wildlife of Tazekka Park.

Abdelghani was scheduled to take part in a National Geographic documentary that was to be filmed in Morocco, but the filming location was eventually moved to Egypt.