Wetlands are more than just water and mud. If you take a moment to look closer, wetlands transform into vibrant areas teeming with life. You’ll spot fish zipping between mangrove roots, hear frogs croaking, watch insects flitting above the water, and see birds wading in the mud. Continuing with our wetland species feature, this week we’re shining a light on five more of these fascinating wetland residents.
The Giant Mangrove Crab, or Brown Land Crab, scientifically known as Cardisoma carnifex, is a large crab known as ‘Tyangoman’ in Creole. It has a reddish-purple carapace. The males brandish a large foreclaw. This giant crab is known for digging extensive burrows, sometimes up to 2 metres deep. They are a common species of terrestrial crab, typically found in mangrove habitats. They quickly scurry into their burrows when disturbed. They can also be seen running across coastal roads. The genus name Cardisoma is from the Greek words “cardi” (heart) and “soma” (body), which refer to the distinctive heart-shaped structure of their carapace. The giant crab can be seen on most islands.
In contrast, the Mangrove Periwinkle, scientifically named Littoraria scabra and also known as the Rough Periwinkle or ‘Pti mari’ in Creole, is small. This species of marine snail primarily inhabits mangrove trees. It migrates up and down mangrove trees daily to avoid submersion during low and high tides; moving upward during incoming tides to stay above water and downward during outgoing tides to feed. The specific name ‘scabra’ is Latin for ‘rough’, describing the texture of the snail’s shell. The periwinkle is an important part of mangrove ecosystems and can be an indicator of mangrove health, tidal dynamics, and even climate change impacts. Spot them on the leaves or bark of mangroves.
The only tree frog species in Seychelles is the Seychelles Tree Frog, Tachycnemis seychellensis, known as ‘Krapo’ in Creole. It displays sexual dimorphism, with males being smaller and brownish, while females are green and bigger. They mate during the wet season, with the peak of their breeding occurring around December. During this time, male frogs make calls to attract females, usually around suitable water bodies, such as pools, streams, and marshes. The Krapo is restricted to four granitic islands: Mahe, Praslin, La Digue, and Silhouette, ranging from the coastal plateau to high altitudes, with the highest abundance in mid-altitude forests. Try spotting them resting on tree leaves during the day.
A very shy, small, long-legged, yellowish heron, the Yellow Bittern, Ixobrychus sinensis, Makak in Creole, hides in vegetation around the edges of ponds and marshes. It is most likely to be seen in the early morning or evening. It eats tiny fish, frogs, and insects. Adults have orange-brown necks and beige upper parts, while the plumage of juveniles is striped and mottled.
Several species of Dragonflies and Damselflies, commonly known as Sigal in Creole, can be seen around wetlands. The Chalky Percher or Ground Skimmer, Diplacodes trivialis, is a common dragonfly found on granitic islands. Males have a powder-blue thorax and black-tipped abdomen. It breeds in ponds and similar habitats. The Orange damselfly, Ceriagrion glabrum, is also found in a variety of freshwater habitats, including marshes and ponds. The female is more green brown, but both sexes have green eyes. The Phantom Flutterer, Rhyothemis semihyalina, is a common dragonfly with a dark body and dark blue patches on its hind wings.