We want to produce the first ever documentary focusing on the North African Fire salamander (Salamandra algira), to help protect it better.

Who we are :

Fauna Morocco is a passionate conservation team dedicated to making morocco's incredible wildlife visible and accessible to all, through a free online encyclopedia. We believe understanding leads to awareness, and awareness leads to conservation.

The Team :

• Rayane Vuillemin (Founder & Photographer): Both Swiss and Moroccan, he directs all

fieldwork logistics across Morocco.

• Colin Ruffieux (Biologist): Long-time reptile specialist, he is the scientific backbone of the

team.

• Haytam Iallaten (Zoologist & PhD student): The second Moroccan of the team, he helps with fieldwork, partnerships and logistic aspects of the expeditions.

• Clément Castella (Project Facilitator): Expert field scout with keen eye for elusive species.

The special member for the expedition:

• Timothée Crettaz: videographer and editor. Works in the audiovisual industry as a teacher and a content creator, and is volunteering his skills freely for this expedition.

We just need to cover his field expenses.

Last year, we successfully photo-documented all subspecies of the North African Fire salamander (Salamandra algira), the only salamander native to Africa. We noticed the threats it is facing firsthand and decided we had to act. Now we are returning to film it and show the world why it matters.

Why this expedition and documentary?

We want to shine light on the species, and create a solid foundation through which we can inspire the world into saving the species long term. Our goals for the expedition are the following :

Goal 1

Film a documentary on the North African Fire Salamander, to show the threats it faces, and highlight the beauty and importance of Northern Morocco, the place it calls home.

Goal 2

Assess Salamandra algira populations locality after locality, focusing on the threats they face and the health of these populations.

Goal 3

Complete our Encyclopedia by finding the 5 final amphibian species we're missing: 4 toads and 1 newt. Of these, 2 are endemic to Morocco and already critically endangered.

Why now?

Rain triggers the salamander activity in December, making them visible. Our time window is short and we need to make the best out of it. We'll cover Northern Morocco extensively: from Rabat and Tangier across to the eastern Algeria border and into the Atlas Mountains.

What we will create, and Why it matters

A documentary featuring Africa's only salamander and showing the biodiversity hotspot of Northern Morocco, a region critically underappreciated and overlooked conservation-wise. But here's the strategic part: this film is the foundation for real conservation.

Right now, these species are invisible to the world. Invisible species don't get protected. Our expedition and documentary will:

• Provide visual evidence of the threats weighing upon endemic species in their natural habitat

• Create compelling material for foundation grants (we're already planning to approach major conservation funders in 2026-2027)

• Raise global awareness about Morocco's wildlife challenges

• Build the undeniable argument for habitat protection policies

This expedition isn't just about making a nice movie. It is the first critical step toward toward initiating tangible conservation mesures.

You can help us make this project a reality :

Learn more about our work on our website!