[2] The term is also a botanically recognized plant association in the African and Mediterranean literature.

In the High Atlas, the Mediterranean conifer and mixed forests yield to the Mediterranean High Atlas juniper steppe at the highest elevations.

Endangered mammals in the ecoregion include the Barbary macaque (Macaca sylvanus) at locations such as the Djebel Babor Mountains,[5] Atlas deer (Cervus elaphus barbarus), and African leopard (Panthera pardus pardus).

Other mammals include the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), European otter (Lutra lutra), Cuvier's gazelle (Gazella cuvieri), and Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia).

Deforestation due to overuse by the local population is a major threat as are the effects of climate change.