Family Seychelles: Rain Forests and Reefs of the Indian Ocean March 17—29, 2017 In 1990, 2009, and 2013, Museum Curator Chris Raxworthy and research teams traveled to the Seychelles, where they scoured lush canyons, rocky shores, and steep cliff sides to survey amphibians and reptiles of the Indian Ocean. The information, observations, and genetic samples collected during these expeditions are helping scientists understand the evolutionary history of these organisms and have proven critical to the development of conservation strategies in the region. Embark on your own expedition custom-designed exclusively for Patrons Circle Members by Dr. Raxworthy to highlight the extraordinary biodiversity of the Seychelles’ verdant tropical rain forests and spectacular coral reefs. Activities created by Museum educator Jean Rosenfeld make learning a fun and exciting adventure for the entire family. HIGHLIGHTS EXPLORE the forests of Silhouette Island during the day and at night to search for native wildlife. WONDER at the iconic Coco de Mer, the world’s largest nut of 130-foot-tall palm trees, and hunt for a giant gecko that went missing to science for more than one hundred years. MEET conservation specialists who monitor bird populations on Aride Island, home to the most significant seabird population in the Indian Ocean. SPOT abundant endemic species on Cousin Island, a former coconut plantation that has been reclaimed as a diverse ecosystem, and get close to giant Indian Ocean tortoises. SNORKEL with rare marine life such as hawksbill and green turtles, octopuses, and a kaleidoscope of fish species found on the vibrant reefs of Mahé and Praslin Islands. DISCOVER the history of Victoria, Seychelles’ charming capital city, including the ornate Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple, the only Hindu temple in the Seychelles. HAVE FUN LEARNING through activities created by a Museum educator experienced in teaching science and engaging young people. TRAVEL HASSLE-FREE throughout the trip with a professional tour manager who attends to every detail. ENJOY MEMBERSHIP in the Museum’s Patrons Circle and continue your exploration of the natural world throughout the coming year. Family Seychelles: Rain Forests and Reefs of the Indian Ocean March 17—29, 2017 Page 2 of 7 Leader Bios Christopher J. Raxworthy, American Museum of Natural History curator-in-charge the Department of Herpetology, studies amphibian and reptile evolution and conservation, mainly in Madagascar, where he has worked since 1985. His research is focused on snake, gecko, and chameleon systematics, and the use of remotely sensed data to help predict distributions and model the ecological niches of species. Dr. Raxworthy led the Constantine S. Niarchos Expedition in 2013, a survey of the Seychelles island system and Mascarene Islands, which provided valuable data about the distribution of endemic and introduced reptiles. The information his team collected is helping researchers learn more about what happens in an ecosystem after extinction, and how reptile communities are rebuilt. Jean Rosenfeld is the associate director of the Science and Natural Program and manager of The Science Alliance Program for middle school students. Over the course of her 25-year career as an educator, Ms. Rosenfeld has inspired students of all ages with her enthusiasm for teaching and her love of nature. Her ability to spark children’s natural curiosity to investigate and explore the world around them has had a lasting impact on the many children that she has taught throughout her 18-year tenure at the Museum. Itinerary FRIDAY and SATURDAY, MARCH 17–18, 2017 HOME > MAHÉ, SEYCHELLES Depart from home on independent flights to Mahé, Seychelles. SUNDAY, MARCH 19 MAHÉ > SILHOUETTE Transfer from the airport to the pier and board your boat to Silhouette Island (45 minutes). Ninety-three percent of the island was declared a national park in 2010 and it lies within a marine protected area that is one of the most important biological hotspots in the Indian Ocean. After settling into your room and a bit of relaxation, stroll through La Passe, the only settlement on the entire island. The small population of 135 residents now work to protect the island’s wildlife and habitats. After a delicious Creole lunch, the afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner at the resort. Overnight at the Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa for three nights. MONDAY, MARCH 20 SILHOUETTE Enjoy a full-day excursion exploring Silhouette’s unspoiled forests and astonishing barrier reef. Learn about exotic orchids, carnivorous pitcher plants, diminutive frogs, strange caecilians (amphibians), chameleons, and the Seychelles sheath-tailed bat, against a backdrop of dramatic views. Head to the coast for a picnic lunch at the idyllic Anse Mondon beach. After lunch, snorkel among colorful fishes and examine the striking variety of corals on Silhouette’s barrier reef. Return to the hotel by boat. TUESDAY, MARCH 21 SILHOUETTE After breakfast, set out for a hike to Jardin Marron and across the island to Grand Barbe, where you can see the iconic Coco de Mer trees and spot endemic animals such as the giant millipede, Seychelles Bulbul and different species of skinks. In the evening, grab your flashlight and search for wildlife in the forest at night, such as geckos, uncommon chameleons, and frogs. Explore the same trails surveyed by Chris Raxworthy and the team in 2013, where they found new populations of rare species. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22 SILHOUETTE > PRASLIN After breakfast, board a boat back to Mahé and then transfer to Praslin Island by ferry (one hour). Sparsely populated Praslin is the second-largest island in the Seychelles and its famously beautiful beaches are rivaled by its rich Family Seychelles: Rain Forests and Reefs of the Indian Ocean March 17—29, 2017 Page 3 of 7 natural history. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the amenities of the hotel or relax on the beach. Overnight at Constance Lemuria Seychelles for four nights. THURSDAY, MARC 23 PRASLIN Travel to Vallee de Mai, where the world-renowned Coco de Mer, the world’s largest nut, grows high on ancient 130-foot palms. Listen for the haunting calls of unusual birds; and discover frogs, caecilians, giant geckos, lizards, stick insects, chameleons, and the Seychelles Black Parrot—one of the rarest birds on Earth. The Vallee de Mai is managed by the Seychelles Island Foundation, and was surveyed by Chris Raxworthy and team for rare chameleons. End this magical day with an optional visit to the breathtaking beach of Anse Lazio, with its powder-soft sand and clear azure water. FRIDAY, MARCH 24 PRASLIN > ARIDE > PRASLIN Depart by boat for a full-day excursion to Aride Island. This enchanting uninhabited island is a protected reserve, home to the most important seabird population in the Indian Ocean with more breeding species than any other island in the Seychelles. The resident research staff introduces you to conservation strategies, the various bird colonies, and the local flora. Enjoy a buffet lunch and a swim before returning to Praslin in the afternoon. SATURDAY, MARCH 25 PRASLIN > COUSIN > PRASLIN This morning, depart by boat (20 minutes) for Cousin Island, a nature reserve that was once a coconut plantation. Through intensive restoration efforts, the island has regenerated into a diverse ecosystem that is now home to various land and seabirds, hawksbill turtles, and a few Aldabra giant tortoises. Reserve staff members explain the unique biodiversity of the island and take you on a nature walk to discover an abundance of wildlife. Cruise back to Praslin for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. SUNDAY, MARCH 26 PRASLIN > MAHÉ Today, board a boat for the hour-long journey back to Mahé, the largest island in the Seychelles. In the afternoon you may choose a hike through the Morne Seychellois National Park to view fruit bats and many other types of wildlife; or take a thrilling zip-line ride through the forest canopy; or rock-climb on a 60-foot natural granite rock face. Overnight at the Constance Ephelia for three nights. FRIDAY, MARCH 27 MAHÉ After breakfast, travel to the west coast of Mahé. On the way, stop at La Misere Exotics Garden. Watch for birds as you wander along winding paths of this meticulously landscaped and lush tropical garden that features nearly 300 plant varieties. Enjoy lunch in the capital city, Victoria, before visiting the Seychelles Natural History Museum, with its biological and anthropological displays. Stop at the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens, a great place to see fruit bats and other creatures, before returning to the hotel. SATURDAY, MARCH 28 MAHÉ Enjoy a private excursion by boat to Ste. Anne Marine Park located just 30 minutes away. Snorkel in the crystal clear water of the park’s reef, home to green and hawksbill turtles, bottlenose dolphins, octopuses, and an abundant array of colorful tropical fish and coral species. Cruise to Cerf Island for a barbecue lunch and leisure time on the beach. End the day and your Seychelles adventure with a festive farewell dinner at the hotel. SUNDAY, MARCH 29 MAHÉ > HOME The morning and lunch is on your own to prepare for the journey home. Depart for the airport in the early afternoon. Family Seychelles: Rain Forests and Reefs of the Indian Ocean March 17—29, 2017 Page 4 of 7 What to Expect This is a relatively active program and you should be in good physical condition to participate. Hiking through forests necessitate walking unassisted without handrails, sometimes over steep, slippery, and uneven terrain. Inter-island transfers will be by boat and although seas are generally calm at this time of year, there is a possibility of rough seas. Day excursions may involve smaller boats and disembarking in shallow water. If you are unable to participate in any of the activities, we are happy to arrange an alternative at an additional cost.