The tribe had a population of 54,000 people in 1994, and they inhabit a vast desert territory in eastern Morocco of 25,000 square kilometres.[1] They remain as Morocco's largest livestock farmers and they raise as many as 600,000 sheep, 200,000 goats, and 11,000 cattle in an average yield-year.[1]
Beni Guil sheep
The tribe Beni Guil has given its name to a famous breed of sheep in Morocco. The Beni Guil race, called locally as "Daghma" or "Hamra" in reference to its brown color. The flocks are considered a prized possession amongst the tribe.
The Arabian tribes which settled for over 1000 years in North-Africa, have brought with them their flocks, which explains the origin of this breed.
The Beni Guil male sheep breed has a dark brown head, but the head is slightly clear in the female sheep. This coloration extends to the rear of the horns and the lower jaw. It has a white fleece and brown legs. The legs and head are free of wool. The tail is short and fine; it does not exceed the point of hock. The Beni Guil breed of sheep have such a good conformation that makes them one of the best mutton breeds in Morocco.