North Island conservation is envisioned in the Noah’s Ark Project – a plan initiated in the last decade to restore the island to its former glory and give the indigenous flora and fauna a chance to repopulate and rejuvenate. This involves removing coconut palms, planting indigenous flora (which in turn, naturally attract indigenous birds), monitoring the endangered Green and critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle populations, and monitoring the fish species that occur around the island.
The Aldabra Giant Tortoise, which was on the colonist menu until they were all eaten, has also been reintroduced, and their population now thrives. Nine hundred Indian Myna birds were eradicated in a single year, with an estimated 9-12 left on the island today. There are also various insect and terrapin studies on the go but it’s safe to say that the conservation team has done well here. They were deservedly given a National Geographic World Legacy Award for Restoring the Natural World in 2017. Before conservation work here began, the island was ruled by rats, coconuts and invasive birds.
The apex predator of North Island today is the Seychelles Kestrel – one of 13 species and 17 subspecies of birds found only in the Seychelles. (I love the uniqueness of islands…). There are also masses of these diurnal fruit bats the size of jet planes! The bird species that now occur are hugely prized, including the Seychelles White-eye, the Blue Pigeon and Moor Hen. I’m told that the ultimate goal is for the return of the Seychelles Magpie-Robin as well as the Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher – two species that a few of the other islands jealously guard, as this benefits their portion of the tourism trade – so much so that some Seychelles locals have threatened to reintroduce rats if their prized birds were brought to North Island…
Next: Seychelles #5: Food & Trivia
Previously: Seychelles #3: Life on North Island
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