DOCSLIB.ORG

Aldabra Atoll, a Unesco World Heritage Marine Site in the Seychelles, Is the World’S Largest Raised Atoll

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Aldabra Atoll, a Unesco World Heritage Marine Site in the Seychelles, Is the World’S Largest Raised Atoll .... THE GLOBAL EDITION OF THE NEW YORK TIMES ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT SATURDAY-SUNDAY,JUNE 27-28, 2009 | 5 Aldabra Atoll, a Unesco World Heritage marine site in the Seychelles, is the world’s largest raised atoll. Its unique ecosystem evolved in near isolation for 125,000 years The atoll is located in the Indian Ocean. SPOTLIGHT | An isolated sanctuary Aldabra Atoll: ‘Wonder of nature, given to humanity by the people of Seychelles’ Annual meeting in Seville ldabra Atoll is a windswept, unwel- breakers that churn in and out of its vast la- the few places where nature is not com- important tourist destination. Tourist reven- Seychelles’s people and government, The 33rd Session of Unesco’s coming crumb of land, floating in open goon twice daily. Some visitors never even promised or affected by humans. She ues and entry fees are used by the SIF, whose environmental record, Vejarano World Heritage Committee A ocean far from anywhere and see the island. The seas may be too rough notes: ‘‘The ecosystem is still intact, and which also manages the Vallée de Mai, to says, is admirable. ‘‘They have environment- NATURA Meeting takes place in Seville, covered with razor-sharp limestone and pet- to view anything but dunes and surf. one can experience the feeling of awhole cover the cost of maintaining Aldabra. The ally aware people and programs, and the FOTO Spain, on June 22-30. This rified coral. It has no airstrip or fresh water, Aldabra’s natural fortifications have pro- system, not only a handful of species in an two sites’ survival are intimately linked. ‘‘This government is behind them,’’ says Vejarano. / intergovernmental annual event, but it is among the greatest intact wildlife tected it from people; the little there is to ex- otherwise degraded or heavily managed arrangement is practical,’’ says Marc Patry, ‘‘Their leaders realize they belong to an inter- which convenes nearly 1,000 sanctuaries in the world. ploit has also helped preserve it. During the area. One can almost feel the interactions a Unesco program specialist. ‘‘It ensures national community and are guardians of people, is built around two main Located in the archipelago of the 1960s, the U.K. government wanted to build there as they happen.’’ that Aldabra’s management costs are something they gave to mankind 30 years ALDABRA themes: nomination of new World Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, northeast of a military base, but growing awareness in The atoll has three different marine envir- covered. But it’s risky. Should something ago. They are Aldabra’s trustees. They’re TEAM Heritage sites, and review of the Madagascar, Aldabra is the world’s largest the scientific community onments: its vast lagoon, happen to the tourism industry, or should proud of that and take their responsibility state of conservation of sites raised atoll. Its ecosystem is unique, having convinced the government Aldabra Atoll is home the channels connecting the Vallée de Mai no longer be an important seriously.’’ This awareness, he says, has be- already listed, including reports evolved in near isolation for 125,000 years. to look elsewhere; it eventu- the lagoon with the Indian destination, the whole model could fall come part of the Seychelles’s culture. on 150 World Heritage sites. Aldabra is one of the last natural environ- ally decided to establish a to more than 100,000 Ocean, and the outer reefs apart.’’ The SIF, aware of this, is seeking At one end of the atoll, abronze plaque, EXPEDITION Review of the year’s activities, ments still dominated by reptiles (the giant base in Diego Garcia. giant tortoises along the atoll. These coral ways to diversify financing and reduce standing on fossilized coral, reads: ‘‘Aldabra, budget issues and future projects tortoise), and it has the planet’s largest pop- The atoll is kept closed reefs are home to sea costs: renewable energy for Aldabra is one wonder of nature, given to humanity by the are also on the agenda. Chaired ulation of them (more than 100,000). because environmental organizations — creatures of all varieties: dolphins, sharks, possibility, notes Fleischer-Dogley. people of Seychelles.’’ Vejarano says: ‘‘Of- by María Jesús San Segundo, Aldabra and the Galapágos Islands are the Unesco’s World Heritage Centre, which in- sponges, rays and crabs. The last surviving Carlos Vejarano, a Spanish board mem- ten when people get the World Heritage la- Spain’s permanent delegate to only remaining islands playing host to impor- scribed it in 1982; the Seychelles Islands flightless bird indigenous to the Indian ber of the SIF, was behind the 2005 found- bel, they think, ‘They’re going to give us Unesco, the committee consists tant giant tortoise populations; once wide- Foundation (SIF), which has managed it Ocean, the Aldabra rail, is found only here. ing of the Aldabra Foundation (www.aldabra something.’ It creates expectations. What’s of representatives from 21 spread, they have become systematically since 1979; and the more recent Aldabra These elements make Aldabra apoten- foundation.org), a Geneva-based group that commendable about the Seychelles govern- signatories of the World Heritage extinct upon the arrival of humans into their Foundation —want to maintain Aldabra as tially valuable example to other protected sponsors research on the island, as well as ment and people is they see it another way. Convention. For more information, ecosystems. an example of a pristine atoll wilderness. As marine areas in determining precisely how educational activities, such as an itinerant They have areal sense of taking care of the visit http://whc.unesco.org Visitors to Aldabra are rare. Those who a time capsule, or blueprint for evolution, it much human presence and what types of exhibit. To this end, it is helped by the place.’’ [ arrive by infrequent boats cannot stay — is of considerable scientific importance, ‘‘a protective strategies are required to sustain there are no hotels, only a lone research out- perpetually observable storehouse of data its unique biodiversity. post staffed by 12 rangers. Any trip is limited on biodiversity in amanner no longer possi- Maintaining the atoll is costly, however. to a few hours, and this depends on the ble in much of the world,’’ according to the Aldabra lies 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) tides. Even those who do make the trek to Aldabra Foundation's mission statement. away from the main island group of the the far-flung outpost in the Indian Ocean Aldabra is special for Dr. Frauke Fleis- Seychelles (population 80,000). A second shouldn’t expect picture-postcard, white- cher-Dogley, SIF’s chief executive officer, be- World Heritage site, the Vallée de Mai, is lo- sand beaches. The entire atoll is battered by cause it ‘‘feels like a different planet,’’ one of cated in the main island group, which is an EXPLORING | Another way of sharing heritage Virtual tourism: A World Heritage site goes to the people ost Unesco World Heritage sites the vegetation that surrounds it. Sounds encourage tourism, but Aldabra and smells are part of the show, as are mul- M Atoll is an exception. Inhospitable timedia programs, photos, tactile screens and remote, it is basically a no-go zone. The and games for children. There are replicas atoll is 35 kilometers (25 miles) long and 15 of its giant tortoises and amodel reef. Chil- kilometers wide, but a mere one-20th of it is dren can send e-cards. The exhibit also tells accessible, and only two locations are open the story of World Heritage and explains how to visitors; what goes on there is research Aldabra was photographed for the exhibition and preservation work. The atoll is one of —an undertaking not without hardship. nature’s crown jewels, however, and Carlos Since the land is practically impenetrable, THE HIGHEST WATCHMAKING FOR THE DEEPEST DIVING. Vejarano, founder of the Aldabra Foundation NATURA most of the filming had to be done in or on (www.aldabrafoundation.org), says, ‘‘Every- FOTO the water. one can’t go, but I can bring it to you.’’ / Not many World Heritage sites can say Vejarano has long been involved in envi- they tour with major, six-month shows at the ronmental activities, such as high-mountain world’s top museums, but it is only through ALDABRA reforestation programs in Nepal. He recalls photos that most people can get to Aldabra. how he originally sought to make Aldabra TEAM Vejarano is raising awareness —virtually — better known. ‘‘I thought Icould create sup- turning it into aWorld Heritage site that can port by going out and asking people to con- come to people. tribute,’’ he says. ‘‘But that wasn’t working. ‘‘Each person tries to find a way to help,’’ EXPEDITION Instead, Isaw one needs to photograph the says Vejarano. ‘‘I decided to photograph and place and do exhibits of it.’’ Exhibits, he says, Aldabra in images: Traveling exhibits are one way make exhibits, bringing Aldabra to people so are the perfect vehicle for creating aware- of sharing the atoll with the world. we all can share it.’’ Bringing humanity its ness of this unusual spot. ‘‘Suddenly you’re heritage, so people can all better appreciate sharing this World Heritage site, but in an- seum last year (attracting 360,000 visitors it, has a message in itself, he points out. other way. In this form, it can go to a lot of in five months). Its next stop could be ‘‘The exhibit has got people talking about people, especially children.’’ Monaco’s Oceanography Museum, which Aldabra,’’ he says, ‘‘and it is another way to Realizing that neither the scientific impor- would be fitting, since Jacques-Yves Cous- make them aware of the environment, tance nor the wonders of Aldabra can be ad- teau, the museum’s director for more than aware that nature is us and is our heritage.’’ equately described, Vejarano thought the 30 years, was one of the first to reveal to He is particularly eager to target young public could get agood idea through acol- the world the wonders of Aldabra, in the people.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Relationships Between Length and Weight of the Aldabra Giant Tortoise, Dipsochelys Dussumieri, in Mauritius
    The relationships between length and weight of the Aldabra giant tortoise, Dipsochelys dussumieri, in Mauritius L. Aworer & R. Ramchurn* *Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mauritius, Réduit, MAURITIUS [[email protected] / [email protected]] Abstract: In the Republic of Mauritius Aldabra giant tortoises, Dipsochelys dussumieri (also known as Geo- chelone gigantea), are kept in captivity mainly in private parks, public gardens, a few sugar estates and by some people as pets . The study was carried out in two private parks: Casela and La Vanille and two public gardens, SSR Botanical Garden at Pamplemousses and Balfour Garden. The private parks were better managed and maintained by virtue of their commercial purpose. Improvements were needed for Balfour Garden. Regressions were established between straight, curved carapace lengths and weight of juveniles, adults, both males and females. Regressions for adult males and females were compared using two different methods (straight and curved carapace lengths). A strong positive relationship was observed between the weight and straight carapace length of juveniles (R2=0.96) and adult males (R2=0.88), whereas, for adult females there was a weaker relationship (R2=0.69). The same coefficient of regression was observed when the curved carapace length was regressed with weights for juveniles. A strong positive relationship was observed between weight and curved carapace length of adult males (R2=0.94), and for adult females there was a positive relationship (R2=0.74). From the work carried out, it had been found that both methods could be used to estimate weights of the tortoises using their respective equations. The equation for straight carapace length was Log Y = 2.47Log X + 0.2 (Y = weight in grammes; X = length in cm).
    [Show full text]
  • Human Translocation As an Alternative Hypothesis to Explain the Presence of Giant Tortoises on Remote Islands in the Southwestern Indian Ocean
    See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/298072054 Human translocation as an alternative hypothesis to explain the presence of giant tortoises on remote islands in the Southwestern Indian Ocean ARTICLE in JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY · MARCH 2016 Impact Factor: 4.59 · DOI: 10.1111/jbi.12751 READS 63 3 AUTHORS: Lucienne Wilmé Patrick Waeber Missouri Botanical Garden ETH Zurich 50 PUBLICATIONS 599 CITATIONS 37 PUBLICATIONS 113 CITATIONS SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE Jörg U. Ganzhorn University of Hamburg 208 PUBLICATIONS 5,425 CITATIONS SEE PROFILE All in-text references underlined in blue are linked to publications on ResearchGate, Available from: Lucienne Wilmé letting you access and read them immediately. Retrieved on: 18 March 2016 Journal of Biogeography (J. Biogeogr.) (2016) PERSPECTIVE Human translocation as an alternative hypothesis to explain the presence of giant tortoises on remote islands in the south-western Indian Ocean Lucienne Wilme1,2,*, Patrick O. Waeber3 and Joerg U. Ganzhorn4 1School of Agronomy, Water and Forest ABSTRACT Department, University of Antananarivo, Giant tortoises are known from several remote islands in the Indian Ocean Madagascar, 2Missouri Botanical Garden, (IO). Our present understanding of ocean circulation patterns, the age of the Madagascar Research & Conservation Program, Madagascar, 3Forest Management islands, and the life history traits of giant tortoises makes it difficult to com- and Development, Department of prehend how these animals arrived
    [Show full text]
  • Atoll Research Bulletin No. 365 Issued by National
    ATOLL RESEARCH BULLETIN NO. 365 ISSUED BY NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATU HISTORY SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A. June 1992 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE SOVIET- ERICAN EXPEDITION TO THE SEUCHELLES ISWDS The First Soviet-American Expedition in arine Biology to the Seychelles Islands was organized by the Institute of arine Biobgy, Far East Branc of the USSR Academy of Sciences, at the request of the SeycheIles Government. The Republic of the Seychelles Islands sought informari on the marine plane resources and productivity of benthic and planktonic corn Seychelles Bank. After discussing the program of w rrnent of Development of the Republic of the Seychelles Islands with the Deputy lvine Jandron, the following research objectives were established for the expedition: 1) To study the benthic marine biota and fouling processes of the Seychelles Islands, which represents a poorly investigated region of the Indian Ocean. 2) To provide the first analyses of the species composition of algal communities for several remote island groups (Farquhar Atoll, CBeeivy Atoll, Cosmoledo Atoll, hirantes Group) and to supplement previous knowledge on the algae of Aldabra Atoll, ah6 Island and Praslin Island. 3) To study the distribution of autotrophic organisms over the various reef systems and determine the depth ranges of algae, seagrasses and corals. 4) To evaluate the common algal and seagrass resources in the area of study, particularly species of commercial interest. 5) To estimate the production potential of the major producers of organic matter on Seychelles reefs; i.e., benthic macroalgae, seagrasses, reef building corals and phytoplankton. 6) To assess the prevalent environmental parameters of the various island groups studied: e.g., optical characteristics of the water, seawater temperatures, nutrient contents, oxygen levels, pH and current velocities.
    [Show full text]
  • ALDABRA GIANT TORTOISE Aldabrachelys Gigantea
    ALDABRA GIANT TORTOISE Aldabrachelys gigantea Location: The Aldabra giant tortoise inhabits the Aldabra Islands, a coral atoll comprised of 4 islands in the Seychelles, which is located between the coast of Kenya and the northern tip of Madagascar. The Aldabra giant tortoise occurs in many different habitats. The largest tortoise concentrations are found on the grasslands called platins; the grasslands are often dotted with trees and bushes. It also frequents scrublands, mangrove swamps and coastal dunes. Diet: These animals are primarily herbivores with the ability to both graze and browse. In the drier areas, they graze mostly on sedges, and a combination of native species of grasses and herbs. Many of these distinct plants are naturally dwarfed and grow their seeds not from the tops of the plants, but closer to the ground to avoid the tortoises’ close cropping jaws. In the wooded and scrub areas, tortoises browse on many types of woody plants. A number of species are readily eaten, and some show a conspicuous browse line about 3 feet above the ground, which is about as high as the tortoises can stretch their necks. Life Cycle: Aldabra giant tortoises are found both individually and in herds. They mainly feed in the mornings and continue until the temperature becomes too hot. Sheltering trees or bushes are necessary to escape the extreme mid- day sun; some tortoises cool themselves in pools or mud holes. Mating of Aldabra giant tortoises usually occurs between February and May. The eggs are carried within the female’s body for about 2.5 months. During the dry season, the female digs a flask-shaped cavity where she deposits her eggs.
    [Show full text]
  • ON the NATIVE FAUNA of ALDABRA ATOLL, SEYCHELLES Ferai Cats
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by I-Revues THE IMPACT OF THE FERAL CAT (FELIS CATUS) ON THE NATIVE FAUNA OF ALDABRA ATOLL, SEYCHELLES Wendy SEABROOK* Ferai cats (Fe lis catus) have colonized and caused considerable damage to island ecosystems throughout the world (Merton, 1978 ; Croxall et al., 1984 ; Veitch, 1985). In this paper the results of an examination (1985-86) of the distribution and ecology of the ferai cat on Aldabra Atoll in the Indian Ocean (9.5" S., 46.5" E.) are summarized, and the impact of cats on native fauna is assessed. Prior to this study very little was known about the cat population. Only sightings and signs of them had been reported on the four main islands of the Atoll (Stoddart, 1971 ; Racey Nicoll, 1984). Considering Aldabra's status as a World Heritage Site and its rich endemie fauna (eg. Giant tortoise (Geochelone& gigantea) and White-throated rail ( Dryo­ limnas cuvieri aldabranus)), a preliminary ecological study on the cats was necessary to design an eradication or control programme. Any proposai to eliminate an alien predator from an island should be justified on biological grounds, and the likely ecological consequences must be considered (Merton, 1978), especially if, as on Aldabra, other alien predators are also present. Because of the considerable financial investment and persan-power required, eradication and control programmes must also be evaluated with reference to other mana­ gement objectives. Aldabra is one of the finest examples in the world of a raised coral atoll ecosystem (Stoddart Savy, 1983).
    [Show full text]
  • Download Pdf (1886Kb)
    Getting to Know the Locals August 29, 2017, Seychelles, Desroches Island The Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea) is unique to Seychelles. When humans first arrived in the Western Indian Ocean there were at least nine species of giant tortoises living on islands in the region (five in the Mascarenes, two on Madagascar, and two in Seychelles). In Seychelles, there were giant tortoises living on the granitic (inner) islands and also in the remote southern Aldabra group of islands. Sadly, humans drove them all to extinction, except for those living on Aldabra Atoll, which is the most remote island group in the Seychelles; but even at Aldabra, the tortoise population was much reduced by the late 19th century. Tortoises did not naturally occur in the Amirantes group of islands when Europeans discovered the islands in the 16th century. This is probably because the Amirantes are young sand cay islands that emerged above sea level only about 4,000 years earlier. So, a breeding colony of Aldabra giant tortoises was established on Desroches, comprising individuals from the Aldabra population. 1 The giant tortoises on Desroches are under the care of the Island Conservation Society (ICS), which oversees the running of the tortoise breeding program and works to ensure the well-being of the entire Desroches population, which includes more than 150 animals. While staying at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, guests are encouraged to visit the Tortoise Sanctuary, where they can learn more about their habits and way of life. For example: • An Aldabra giant tortoise drinks through its nose.
    [Show full text]
  • Roxtons-Blue-Safari-Brochure.Pdf
    25 High Street, Hungerford, Berkshire RG17 0NF England Tel: +44 (0)1488683222 Email: [email protected] Website: www.roxtons.com THE SHEER REMOTENESS OF THE OUTER ISLANDS ARE Mahé ABUNDANT WITH AN EXTRAORDINARY SELECTION OF WILDLIFE, FLORA AND FAUNA, CULMINATING IN AN 40 min UNPARALLELED BIOME OF DIVERSITY. Poivre Atoll 60 min Desroches Island These magnificent islands and atolls, consisting of the Alphonse Group of Islands – the stunning trio of Alphonse Island, St François Island and Bijoutier Island and the other beautiful atolls of Cosmoledo Atoll, Astove 30 min Atoll, Poivre Atoll and the resplendent Amirante Islands are found south Cosmoledo Atoll of the equator in the heart of the Indian Ocean. These range between 400 and 1 055 kilometres south-west of Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles. Alphonse Island They are blessed with one of the world’s healthiest climates, with miles of unblemished shorelines, lagoons and sea flats. The isolation of these islands and atolls creates an atmosphere of undisturbed solitude where you Bijoutier Island can immerse yourself in the natural wonders and exceptional experiences 60 min they have to ofer. 120 min Considered some of the untouched Edens of the world, these outer islands and atolls of the Seychelles have an unparalleled biome of diversity and St François Island Astove Atoll abundance, making them a nature lover’s paradise which begs to be dis- covered and explored. What is Blue Safari Seychelles? Safari is a Swahili word taken from the Arabic, safar ‘to journey’. Blue is the predominant colour in the area, and if it’s your time to journey into the unknown; to seek out excitement and adventure, to walk amongst mangroves, free-living giant land tortoises and wild spaces, then read on..
    [Show full text]
  • L'atoll D'aldabra, Icône De La Biodiversité Une Exposition Sur L'un Des Plus Grands Sanctuaires Naturels Encore Intacts Se Tient À Paris
    LES ECHOS 28 AVR 08 16 RUE DU QUATRE SEPTEMBRE Quotidien Paris 75112 PARIS CEDEX 02 - 01 49 53 65 65 Surface approx. (cm²) : 550 Page 1/2 SCIENCES/NATURE L'atoll d'Aldabra, icône de la biodiversité Une exposition sur l'un des plus grands sanctuaires naturels encore intacts se tient à Paris. Situé aux Seychelles, il est classé au Patrimoine mondial de l'Unesco. uèlques baraquements de rareté de I écosystème d Aldabra la planete dont I étendue et la diver- revolution sur Terre résume Carlos bois salement défraîchis Le second plus grand atoll emeige site ont permis le developpement de Cassrna Vejarano Son importance Q par I érosion permanente de la planete apiesKuitimati abrite communautés taunistiques et flons- scientifique est donc inestimable II de I ocean Indien un dis- sm son colkei emeiaude de 35 km tiques aussi variées avec un taux peut nous raconter notre propre his- pensaire medical tenant dans une sm 15 cerclant un vaste lagon de eleve d endemisme 26 plantes i ai es toire et la façon dont notre espèce va boîte a chaussures une toile de plas- 224 km2 environ 152000 toi tues (sm un total de 178 espèces) et pouvoir s'adapter aux change- tique en guise del efectoire Pour la géantes (Geochelone gjgantea) dix 380 insectes (sut un milliei d espèces ments » douzaine de gai des et de chercheurs fois plus que dans les Galapagos Et répertoriées sm I atoll) Cest I un qui se lelaient sm I atoll d Aldabra pasdesmorndies lesplusgiossesde des seuls endroits sur Terre dit-on a Création d'un institut la vie sous les cocotiers tient plus de la planete
    [Show full text]
  • Protected Areas Management Plan 2018-2022
    Alphonse Group Protected Areas Management Plan 2018-2022 Alphonse Protected Areas Management Plan 2018-2022 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Andrew Grieser Johns and Joanna Prosper of GOS-UNDP-GEF Programme Co-ordination Unit Seychelles (PCU) provided welcome guidance and thanks are due for input from a variety of people and organisations in Seychelles: Adrian Skerrett, Edwin Palmer, Michelle Murray, Pierre-Andre Adam, Jeanne Mortimer, Gerard Rocamora and Rahim Hipolyte at Island Conservation Society on Mahé, Francois Baguette ICS Silhouette Conservation Officer, and particularly Pep Nogués of ICS Alphonse; Glenny Savy of Islands Development Company, Alain de Comarmond, Marie-May Muzungaile, Ashley Dias, Dominique Dina & Denis Matatiken of the Ministry of the Environment, Energy & Climate Change, Vincent Lucas, Jan Robinson, Aubrey Lesperance, Jude Bijoux & Nathalie of Seychelles Fishing Authority, Andy Rylance, Daig Romain, Lisette Rose and Guylly of PCU, Justin Prosper of Ministry for Environment, Energy & Climate Change, Ryan Daly of D’Arros Research Centre, David Rowat of Marine Conservation Society Seychelles, Hannah Harries of Wise Oceans, Louis Desnousse of Seychelles Tourism Board, Flavien Joubert of Seychelles National Parks Authority, Charles Morel of Seychelles National Herbarium, Virginie Lagarde and Jean- Claude Hoareau of the Seychelles Fishing Boat Owners Association on Mahé, the Praslin Fishing Boat Owners Association and the wider Praslin & La Digue fishing community, Paul Morin of the Association of Members of Seychelles Sea Cucumber
    [Show full text]
  • Seychelles & Madagascar with Aldabra Atoll
    SEYCHELLES & MADAGASCAR WITH ALDABRA ATOLL ABOARD THE SILVER DISCOVERER OCTOBER 20–NOVEMBER 6, 2018 Pitta-like Ground Roller was found near a freshly dug nest in Amber Mountain NP (Photo M. Valkenburg) LEADER: MACHIEL VALKENBURG LIST COMPILED BY: MACHIEL VALKENBURG VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS, INC. 2525 WALLINGWOOD DRIVE, SUITE 1003 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78746 WWW.VENTBIRD.COM By Machiel Valkenburg When I learned about the option of leading this fascinating Zegrahm cruise for VENT, I jumped right on it, as I knew it would deliver some spectacular birds, mammals, and landscapes. Oooh man I was right! The trip started in paradisiacal surroundings on the island of Mahe, the largest of all islands that together form the Seychelles. Before embarking the Silver Discoverer , we planned some pre-tour birding. In the afternoon we made an outing to find the rare Seychelles White-eye, Seychelles Blue-Pigeon, and Seychelles Sunbird. Rapidly they were found, and good looks were enjoyed by all. In the evening after dinner we went out for probably the rarest and most difficult bird of the entire tour, the Seychelles Scops-Owl. For a long time we heard no response, but just before we decided to leave the designated spot we heard one quick rasping call. Soon after, we found the bird in full delight—just amazing! The enchanting Seychelles Sunbird has a very restricted range (photo M.Valkenburg) Our journey would take us from several Seychellois islands to Madagascar, visiting the world-famous Aldabra Atoll on the way, ending the trip with visits to Reunion and Mauritius. This adventure was one-of- a-kind, with our program visiting so many difficult to reach places where we had the chance of finding many of the world’s most hard-to-get endangered species.
    [Show full text]
  • Environmental Impact Assessment: Proposal to Return Giant Tortoises to Madagascar to Conserve Threatened Forests
    Environmental Impact Assessment: Proposal to return giant tortoises to Madagascar to conserve threatened forests Hume Julian Submitted by Biodiversity Conservation Madagascar April 2016 EIA: Tortoise reintroduction to Beanka April 2016 Summary Madagascar’s fragile ecosystems have been severely degraded and the future survival of some species and ecosystems appears bleak, despite concerted conservation efforts. The extinction of key species has upset the ecological balance and left remnant ecosystems and their inhabitants poorly adapted to future pressures such as habitat destruction, fire, climate change and invasive species. Restoring the large grazers and seed dispersers which once created and maintained Madagascar’s ecosystems and their inhabitants is vital for their future persistence. In this document, we propose to reintroduce a surviving lineage of one of the Madagascan giant tortoises to Beanka Protected Area in western Madagascar. Reintroducing giant tortoises has shown to be a low-cost, landscape based approach to conserving endemic forests which are threatened by annual wildfires. We, Biodiversity Conservation Madagascar, La Vanille Nature Park and Bioculture (Mauritius) Ltd, believe that this innovative approach to aiding in the long- term restoration of threatened habitats will attract global attention and provide a useful framework for managing similarly threatened habitats across Madagascar. The purpose of this document is to explain the project and to provide an environmental impact assessment of the reintroduction evaluating any potential risk and how these can be mitigated. 1 EIA: Tortoise reintroduction to Beanka April 2016 Introduction The richness and spectacular array of Madagascar’s native wildlife is just a fraction of what once resided on the island.
    [Show full text]
  • Eco Camp Fact Sheet
    Cosmoledo Atoll ECO CAMP FACT SHEET THE ULTIMATE BLUE SAFARI EXPERIENCE... www.bluesafari.com 28 JUNE 2018 MAHÉ 40 min St Joseph Island D’Arros Island Desroches Island Poivre Island 60 min Cosmoledo Atoll 30 min Located 1 030km south-west of Mahé, Cosmoledo Atoll is situated a stone’s throw away from the world heritage site of Aldabra, which is often referred to as the Galapagos of the Indian Alphonse Island Ocean. Menai and Wizard Islands occupy the eastern and western points of the atoll and were named after the two ships that explored the atoll on the Moresby Expedition in 1822. South Island stands near the main entrance to the inner lagoon, while the second, smaller entrance is just south of Menai. It’s a huge atoll measuring 17km from north to south. The perimeter of the atoll is covered with vast, wadeable sand flats dotted with islands of various shapes and sizes, all of which is the perfect habitat for its fish and wildlife population. Moscow London Frankfurt Ottawa Paris Milan Chicago New York Rome China Washington Los Angeles Dallas Aldabra Atoll Doha 120 min Miami Dubai Hong Kong COSMOLEDO ATOLL Equator Singapore Seychelles Johannesburg Mauritius Assumption 60 min Island Astove Island AT A GLANCE • Located 560 nautical miles south-west of Mahé in the Seychelles, and 18 nautical miles away from Astove Atoll. • Situated only 9º south of the equator. • Cosmoledo comprises of a larger white sand lagoon surrounded by vast sand flats dotted with over 20 islands, islets and cays of various shapes and sizes.
    [Show full text]