Nature Seychelles have achieved an outstanding conservation record in only 10 years. They have managed to undertake much proactive work on assessing the status of islands, organising predator eradications and translocations.
Three species – magpie robin, fody and warbler have had their populations increase and had their threat status reduced in the Red Data Book. This is as a direct result of Nature Seychelles' work, which makes them global leaders in reducing extinction risk. Their targeted research work in difficult terrain on the Seychelles scops owl improved our knowledge of this species, allowing the species to be downlisted in the Red Data Book from Critically Endangered. They have just moved 23 Seychelles flycatchers from La Digue to Denis – previously La Digue was the only island with this critically endangered species. Earlier in 2008 they moved 20 magpie robins from Cousin and Fregate to Denis – the fifth island on which this species now occurs.
Cousin is extremely successful both as a reserve for threatened species and as a model for ecotourism. It is visited by around 10,000 people each year, has won several awards and generates vital income for conservation work. It is wardened by around seven full-time local wardens who live in situ. A volunteer gap year program was recently started with logistical assistance from RSPB.
Nature Seychelles has good relations with a number of private island owners in particular Fregate, Denis, Darros and Cousine. These relationships are essential in facilitating new conservation initiatives such as island restoration and new introductions.
They have done research and assessment work, especially on the tiny and unique frogs of Seychelles and the critically threatened sheath-tailed bat, although generally this has been hampered by lack of available funds. Cousin is one of the most important sites in the Indian Ocean for marine turtles.
Nature Seychelles have an excellent record of conservation education primarily through the Wildlife Clubs and have been able to involve a substantial number of the island’s children in their activities. They developed a colour text book Learning for Sustainable Living in Seychelles which has been introduced in the curricula and in training of teachers at the National Institute of Education.
Nature Seychelles produces a superb colour magazine Zwazo, twice a year.
Species affected (not UK birds)
The focus of this work is on Seychelles' endemic species, in particular the Seychelles magpie robin, Seychelles fody, Seychelles flycatcher and Seychelles warbler. The islands, especially Cousin are also very important breeding sites for a number of seabirds including sooty tern, lesser noddy, greater and lesser frigatebirds, tropicbirds and shearwaters.