Seychelles, a haven for biodiversity
Seychelles has a very unique environment, which sustains a high biodiversity. It is special for several reasons. These are the oldest oceanic islands on Earth. The inner granitic islands here are also the only such islands based on continental rock.
Seychelles became detached from other land masses before modern mammals evolved. There are no large land mammals occurring here naturally, which has allowed particular kinds of biodiversity to develop. The mammals brought by human settlers, particularly rats, mice, cats and tenrecs, have disrupted vulnerable species here, and presented major challenges to conservation.
The islands are home to many species found nowhere else.
A unique flora of about 80 endemic species, and fauna, with invertebrates alone contributing over 2,000 endemic species, has evolved here. There are 42 granite islands and another 113 coral and sand islands.
The Exclusive Economic Zone of Seychelles covers about 1.2 million square kilometres, most of which is open ocean. Marine life, from inshore coral reefs to deep water, includes more than 1,000 fish species. The ocean’s health is fundamental to the Seychelles economy and to the people of the islands, through fisheries and tourism. Environmental and economic sustainability are closely linked, and this is perhaps even more apparent in Seychelles than elsewhere.
Seychelles has earned its reputation as a relatively unspoiled haven for people and wildlife. However, it remains under pressure in a variety of forms, including climate change, insensitive development, over-exploitation of resources, and invasive alien species. These species range from insects to plants, mammals, birds, marine organisms and disease-causing agents.
Seychelles’ conservation success stories have been an example to the world, and small island restoration efforts have been well rewarded, with the recovery of habitats and some of the most endangered species that depend on them. But there is still much to do. Nature Seychelles is taking action on many fronts, working with supporters and partners, and has been responsible for several important conservation successes.
You can learn more about our work on this website.
Seychelles is a paradise for birdwatchers, you can easily see its unique land birds, the important seabird colonies, and the host of migrants and vagrants. Some seabird colonies are enormous such as the sooty tern colony in Bird Island. You can visit Cousin and other islands to see both land and sea birds.
The best places for bird watching include:
- Coastal mudflats, where you can see waders
- Freshwater wetlands: where you can see small heron and egrets (e.g. Sanctuary at Roche Caiman)
- Native forest at any altitude, where you can see some of the endemic land birds
- Smaller, predator free islands, where you can see some of the rarer endemic land birds and seabirds (Aride, Cousin and Cousine)
Where to see Seabirds
Many of the seabird islands in the inner Seychelles are small and inaccessible; however some of the most impressive seabird colony islands are accessible.
The species present depends on the time of year. Generally the south east monsoon (May – September) is the best time, although many species remain around the colonies outside the breeding season. Cousin and Aride both host impressive colonies and are open to day visitors. Bird Island supports a huge colony of Sooty terns. Frégate Island Private and Cousine also hosts seabird colonies.
OCEAN & CORAL REEFS
Three main types of coral reefs have been described from the Seychelles: fringing reefs, platform reefs and atolls. Fringing reefs are characteristic of the granitic islands, the largest being found on Mahe and Praslin.
Seychelles reefs host a great diversity of corals, over 170 species of stony corals and 71 species of octocorallian corals such as sea fans and organ pipe corals. These grow in a variety of shapes, colours and sizes. Individual species are often difficult to identify, but it is fascinating to observe the different patterns of growth and marine life associated with different corals. Here are the general growth forms which can be observed on many reefs in Seychelles: Digitate, Massive, Fan, Foliose, Nodular, Columnar, Plate, Encrusting and Branching.
More than one thousand species of fish occur in the Seychelles waters, and divers and snorkellers are certain to encounter some of them. Nature Seychelles has published a book called ‘An insight into the marine life of Seychelles’ which help teachers, students and the general public to learn more about the natural history and ecology of the marine environment around the coastal areas of Seychelles, as well as how they can promote conservation of marine life.
Unfortunately, coral reefs in Seychelles have been affected by coral bleaching. Learn about our project to restore corals here.
