Climate change could expand the range of Morocco’s black scorpion
Climate change could expand the areas suitable for Morocco’s black scorpion, particularly in the north and northwest. A study projects an expansion of its potential habitat under all three climate scenarios examined.
Researchers studied Androctonus mauritanicus using presence data and environmental variables. Their findings appear in the October 1 issue of Toxicon, following online publication in July.
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The most favorable conditions are already concentrated in northern and central Morocco. Projections indicate an expansion mainly toward the north and northwest, with a net gain in potential habitat of about 27% to 34%.
Soil moisture also plays a role
Temperature is not the only determining factor: soil moisture also helps explain the species’ distribution. The maps produced are intended to help guide monitoring and prevention.
The health risk is documented in the center of the country. An other study, conducted between 2021 and 2024 in Béni Mellal, Fquih Ben Salah and Khouribga, recorded 2,206 scorpion stings and 41 deaths, involving all species.
In that survey, 53% of stings occurred inside homes and 28% nearby. Androctonus mauritanicus was among the four species identified in the provinces studied.
