In many ways the Seychelles are the stereotypical tropical paradise. This is a view of Cousin, an island near Praslin that is owned by Birdlife international. It is run as a nature reserve and receives hundreds of visitors each year who come to see the tropical birds, fairy terns, Seychelles warbler, magpie robin, giant tortoises, lizards and turtles. Not only is the island of interest to amature naturalists but it also attracts scientists who sometimes have the privilege of staying in the hostel accommodation provided by Birdlife. Taking a walk on Cousin is like walking through Jurassic Park. Most of the birds will ignore you or give a half-hearted sqwak as you pass, you have to watch where you are going to avoid treading on lizards or crabs and every now and again you might hear a hiss! as you disturb a living dinosaur grazing in the woods. To find out more contact Birdlife international in the Seychelles.

The island of Curieuse is also located off the coast of Praslin. It was a leper colony at one time but now the island is run by the Seychelles Marine Parks Authority (MPA) and hosts hudered of toursits each year for beach picnics. The MPA are trying hard to maintain an established giant tortoise population on the island. This involves running a giant tortoise breeding programme and trying to eradicate cats and rats that have been introduced by man.  Guided walks are hosted by MPA rangers who will tell you of the history and biology of the island. Some of the best mangroves in the Seychelles and the legendary Coco de Mer are to be found on the island. Marine Parks Authority

Some of the giant tortoises on Curieuse are much more tame than their relations on Cousin and will raise their necks to allow you to tickle them under the neck. At the tortoise farm on Curieuse you can see tortoises from a few months to over 60 years old. Male giant tortoises are HUGE and can be told apart from the females by their concave ventral shell.

 

Another interesting feature of Curieuse is some of the granite that is to be found near turtle lagoon. The Seychelles are the last isolated remains of Gondwanaland and the exposed granite found here has seen millions of years of exposure to the tropical climate.

When you wander amongst the beautifully wierd granite formations you can't help feeling that you are on a set from a Star Trek movie. On the rocks are evidence that the islands have risen, or sea-level has fallen at some time. Fossilised coral and molluscs can be seen wedged in nooks and crannies in the granite.

Seychelles Marine life