However, some of the local people in some regions feel the need to preserve a few species of birds and sacred forests for posterity. In the Air Mountains near Tchirzorone, a local marabout (a religious leader)) prevents destruction of trees and animals. They are also preserved for their medicinal qualities. In fact, the arrival of Abdim's stork ("Ciconia abdimii") is an indication of the arrival of monsoon season giving a signal to the farmers to till their land for agricultural operations.