Category: Mahe

Is there a connection between White-tailed Tropicbirds and the popularity of fast food?

December 30, 2019

In my recent blog about our discovery of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters occupying burrows on Mahe, I mentioned that White-tailed Tropicbirds were the only seabird that had survived in numbers as a breeding species on the larger granitic islands of Seychelles. They had survived despite a large and still increasing human population and the commensal predators that … More Is there a connection between White-tailed Tropicbirds and the popularity of fast food?

Are Wedge-tailed Shearwaters breeding on Seychelles’ main island, Mahe?

December 19, 2019

Seychelles was first settled by westerners in the late 18th century. Previous exploratory visits by French ships had established that Mahe had abundant timber for home and boat building, and fresh water for drinking would provide vital resources for establishing a permanent base. Giant Tortoises would provide food for residents and passing ships. Crocodiles were … More Are Wedge-tailed Shearwaters breeding on Seychelles’ main island, Mahe?

An update on plastics in Bird Island’s Sooty Tern colony

December 18, 2019

In my blog of 16 July, I described some work that we had started in an attempt to explain how small fragments of plastic, mainly blue and green, appeared on the ground in the Sooty Tern colony on Bird Island. Joanna Suares, the island’s conservation officer, continued the weekly monitoring of the fixed quadrats in … More An update on plastics in Bird Island’s Sooty Tern colony

Another new addition to Seychelles’ fauna – another invasive alien species?

August 12, 2018

On 22 July I was astounded to see a Swallowtail butterfly in a garden at Pointe au Sel. I am familiar with the other large butterflies in Seychelles, the resident Diadem and migrants African Monarch and Painted Lady, but this Swallowtail I had not seen in Seychelles before. My first assumption was that it must … More Another new addition to Seychelles’ fauna – another invasive alien species?

Endemic Seychelles Kestrels entertain in Seychelles International Airport

August 8, 2017

During a recent visit to the International airport Christine and I heard loud bird calls coming from the roof space. My first thought was that the airport authorities had installed bird scaring devices. But the source of the calls soon became apparent when a Seychelles Kestrel flew out of one of the ledges in the … More Endemic Seychelles Kestrels entertain in Seychelles International Airport

An unseasonal season

July 25, 2017

Seychelles experiences two seasons per year. The north-west monsoon generally lasts from November to April. It is characterised by warm humid conditions, with calm periods interspersed with periods of heavy rain, including occasional torrential downpours. From late-May/early-June to October the islands are subjected to the south-east trade winds – steady winds from the south-east that … More An unseasonal season