Bird Island is a small uninhabited island in the Seychelles that is home to over 1.5 million sooty terns as well as other seabirds and marine animals. The island was facing environmental degradation until a 40-year restoration plan was implemented, which has led to a thriving colony of sooty terns and the return of other species. The island is now an ecotourism destination that balances conservation efforts with sustainable tourism through practices like controlling vegetation to provide suitable breeding habitat and supplying a limited number of sooty tern eggs to satisfy local culture while preventing overcollection.
The document summarizes the decline of the African penguin population due to various environmental pressures. It notes that their numbers have dropped by over 95% since the early 1900s due to overfishing reducing their food supply, climate change altering ocean currents and temperatures which affects fish distribution, and pollution like oil spills that can contaminate penguins. Conservation efforts aim to rehabilitate oiled or abandoned penguins and help manage fisheries and reduce pollution to improve conditions for the endangered penguins.
1) Divers in South Africa regularly encounter sevengill sharks in the kelp forests off Miller's Point. The sharks are bold and inquisitive.
2) Researchers are studying these sharks to learn more about their population dynamics, as commercial fishing threatens the species. Divers help by photographing the sharks' unique markings to identify individuals.
3) The area around Miller's Point appears to be an important pupping ground for sevengill sharks, though more research is needed to confirm this. The sharks' long gestation period and late maturity make them vulnerable to overfishing.
Butterflies and Birds of North Greece - Holiday Report 2015Edward Hutchings
This document provides a summary of a wildlife holiday trip to Lake Kerkini National Park in Greece from June 6-13, 2015. The trip was led by Julian Dowding and Ed Hutchings of Greenwings Wildlife Holidays and focused on observing butterflies and birds in the diverse habitats around the lake. Over the course of the trip, the group observed over 130 butterfly species, 300 bird species, and other wildlife. Each day consisted of multiple stops around the lake and surrounding areas where they observed and identified various species of birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and other wildlife.
This document discusses the extinction of numerous bird species from various locations around the world. It provides details on each extinct species such as their habitat, population trends over time, and primary factors contributing to their extinction including hunting, habitat loss, introduction of invasive species, and other human impacts. Many of the extinct birds were endemic to isolated islands which made them especially vulnerable.
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching over 2,600 kilometers off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It supports a wide diversity of marine life and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. The reef is made up of billions of tiny coral polyps and is the world's largest structure built by living organisms. It faces threats from climate change, runoff, bleaching events and crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park helps manage activities like fishing and tourism to protect the ecosystem while also generating $1 billion annually for the local economy.
The Galapagos Islands are a collection of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean that are home to unique endemic wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. The article describes a trip to the Galapagos aboard a small ship, visiting several islands over four days. On the islands, visitors encounter giant tortoises, marine iguanas, sea lions, lava lizards, and diverse bird species up close. The landscapes are also dramatic, varying from dry lowlands to lush highlands. The islands illustrate Charles Darwin's theories of evolution, as the plants and animals are uniquely adapted to their island environments.
The document discusses the success of an artificial kingfisher nesting bank created at Wakehurst to replace natural nesting areas flooded by the construction of Ardingly Reservoir. Over 15 years, the author has observed kingfishers digging nest tunnels, courting and feeding behaviors, and a near miss of a kingfisher by a sparrowhawk. Since the artificial nesting bank was built 17 years ago, kingfishers have nested there three times a year every year, with over 100 young fledging from the created habitat, exemplifying opportunities to restore habitats for wildlife.
This document contains information about various endemic species found on California's Channel Islands, including myths, legends, and interesting facts. It describes the Island Fox, Ashy Storm-Petrel, Island Night Lizard, California Brown Pelican, and Island Scrub-Jay. For each species, it provides details about their diet, habitat, behaviors, threats, and interesting evolutionary adaptations they developed due to island isolation.
The document summarizes the decline of the African penguin population due to various environmental pressures. It notes that their numbers have dropped by over 95% since the early 1900s due to overfishing reducing their food supply, climate change altering ocean currents and temperatures which affects fish distribution, and pollution like oil spills that can contaminate penguins. Conservation efforts aim to rehabilitate oiled or abandoned penguins and help manage fisheries and reduce pollution to improve conditions for the endangered penguins.
1) Divers in South Africa regularly encounter sevengill sharks in the kelp forests off Miller's Point. The sharks are bold and inquisitive.
2) Researchers are studying these sharks to learn more about their population dynamics, as commercial fishing threatens the species. Divers help by photographing the sharks' unique markings to identify individuals.
3) The area around Miller's Point appears to be an important pupping ground for sevengill sharks, though more research is needed to confirm this. The sharks' long gestation period and late maturity make them vulnerable to overfishing.
Butterflies and Birds of North Greece - Holiday Report 2015Edward Hutchings
This document provides a summary of a wildlife holiday trip to Lake Kerkini National Park in Greece from June 6-13, 2015. The trip was led by Julian Dowding and Ed Hutchings of Greenwings Wildlife Holidays and focused on observing butterflies and birds in the diverse habitats around the lake. Over the course of the trip, the group observed over 130 butterfly species, 300 bird species, and other wildlife. Each day consisted of multiple stops around the lake and surrounding areas where they observed and identified various species of birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and other wildlife.
This document discusses the extinction of numerous bird species from various locations around the world. It provides details on each extinct species such as their habitat, population trends over time, and primary factors contributing to their extinction including hunting, habitat loss, introduction of invasive species, and other human impacts. Many of the extinct birds were endemic to isolated islands which made them especially vulnerable.
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching over 2,600 kilometers off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It supports a wide diversity of marine life and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. The reef is made up of billions of tiny coral polyps and is the world's largest structure built by living organisms. It faces threats from climate change, runoff, bleaching events and crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park helps manage activities like fishing and tourism to protect the ecosystem while also generating $1 billion annually for the local economy.
The Galapagos Islands are a collection of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean that are home to unique endemic wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. The article describes a trip to the Galapagos aboard a small ship, visiting several islands over four days. On the islands, visitors encounter giant tortoises, marine iguanas, sea lions, lava lizards, and diverse bird species up close. The landscapes are also dramatic, varying from dry lowlands to lush highlands. The islands illustrate Charles Darwin's theories of evolution, as the plants and animals are uniquely adapted to their island environments.
The document discusses the success of an artificial kingfisher nesting bank created at Wakehurst to replace natural nesting areas flooded by the construction of Ardingly Reservoir. Over 15 years, the author has observed kingfishers digging nest tunnels, courting and feeding behaviors, and a near miss of a kingfisher by a sparrowhawk. Since the artificial nesting bank was built 17 years ago, kingfishers have nested there three times a year every year, with over 100 young fledging from the created habitat, exemplifying opportunities to restore habitats for wildlife.
This document contains information about various endemic species found on California's Channel Islands, including myths, legends, and interesting facts. It describes the Island Fox, Ashy Storm-Petrel, Island Night Lizard, California Brown Pelican, and Island Scrub-Jay. For each species, it provides details about their diet, habitat, behaviors, threats, and interesting evolutionary adaptations they developed due to island isolation.
This document discusses several endangered animals around the world and in Michigan. It provides details on polar bears, hummingbirds, dolphins, sea turtles, gray wolves, Kirtland's warblers, Mitchell's satyr butterfly, and Indiana bats. These species are endangered due to threats like habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and human activity. The document encourages readers to help endangered animals by adopting them, preserving habitats, building birdfeeders, recycling, and visiting nature centers and zoos.
This document discusses wildlife crime in the UK and calls on paddlers to help monitor for such crimes. It notes that early spring sees an increase in wildlife crime due to longer days and breeding seasons. While the National Wildlife Crime Unit works to combat these crimes, they rely on public assistance as wildlife cannot report crimes. The document encourages paddlers to be vigilant while on the water and provides tips for reporting any suspected wildlife crimes witnessed. It also highlights several native UK wildlife species that are vulnerable to crime, such as badgers, bats, seals and birds of prey.
Vanishing Wildlife: Ten American Species Our Children May Never See is a report from the Endangered Species Coalition. Learn more about our work and ways you can take action to protect endangered species at www.endangered.org and @endangered on Twitter.
This document provides an overview of a trip to Sicily for foodies. It discusses Sicily's rich soil that allows for abundant fresh produce, pleasant climate, and history steeped in Greek myths. It summarizes experiences in Taormina including dining at luxury hotels overlooking the sea, touring nearby islands and Mount Etna, and enjoying simple, delicious meals highlighting local specialties like lemons, capers, and almonds. Reminders of past rulers like Greeks, Romans, and Arabs can still be seen in Sicily's architecture and cultural influences.
The document provides information about attractions in Darwin and Northern Territory, Australia. It describes Darwin as a beautiful, multicultural city home to many fascinating native creatures. It discusses Florence Falls, aboriginal caves near Uluru and Katherine that showcase Aboriginal art and culture. Wildlife mentioned includes saltwater crocodiles, wedge-tailed eagles, and frilled neck lizards. The document also notes amenities available in Darwin like hotels, restaurants, a golf course and swimming pool.
Fishes-student's project of Sto. Tomas College-Danaoisamae27
This document summarizes information on 10 extinct, 10 endangered, and 3 threatened fish species. Among the extinct fish are the Blackfin Cisco and Blue Walleye from the Great Lakes which were driven to extinction by overfishing and invasive species. Endangered fish discussed include the Atlantic Halibut, Beluga Sturgeon, and Acadian Redfish which face threats from overfishing, bycatch, and habitat loss. The document also profiles the Pelagic Thresher shark, Eulachon fish, and Canary Rockfish as threatened species.
Dwesa Nature Reserve is a small protected area along the Wild Coast of South Africa that packs a mighty biodiversity punch. Despite its small size, it is home to nearly 300 bird species, large mammals like rhinos, eland and leopards, and diverse coastal and forest habitats. The reserve protects one of the few places in the world where rhinos can be seen grazing against an Indian Ocean backdrop. It also hosts nocturnal "beach parties" where rhinos spend nights on the sand to escape parasites. Dwesa faces challenges like poaching but remains a treasure along the Wild Coast where wildlife still moves freely between habitats along the coastline.
The document summarizes the remote Desroches Island in the Seychelles. Giant tortoises roam the island, which has a single luxury resort. The island offers a remote and unmanicured experience where the preferred mode of transport is bicycle. Guests can explore the island's beaches and waters which are home to colorful fish and are protected areas for conservation. The island aims to be sustainable and has initiatives to protect native wildlife and plants.
The document summarizes a newsletter from the Santa Barbara Audubon Society about their annual Christmas Bird Count. It provides details on the count, including the date (December 31, 2005), compilers (Joan Lentz), and signup information. It lists bird species that could use additional sightings before the count and details on the compilation dinner after the count. The newsletter also announces field trips in December and January to locations like Lake Cachuma, Figueroa Mountain, and the Santa Barbara harbor to identify and count local bird populations.
Several animal species in Greece are endangered due to factors such as climate change, loss of habitat, and human activity. This includes the silver pelican, lynx, brown bear, wild goat, red deer, otter, Mediterranean seal, jackal, gray wolf, turtle, dolphins, and ibex. Their populations have declined and some, like the lynx, have almost disappeared from Greece. Conservation organizations are working to protect endangered species and their habitats but continued threats like hunting, pollution, and habitat degradation remain.
Salmon undergo distinct life stages, feeding on smaller fish as juveniles and larger prey like squid as adults. They migrate from freshwater streams to saltwater to feed and grow before returning to spawn. Females lay a large number of eggs, between 3,000-15,000, because only some will survive to adulthood and ensure the continuity of the species. Their populations have declined due to human impacts like dams, logging and development.
This document provides information about various animals and plants found in Malta. It discusses 30 species of ladybirds that eat aphids and help crops, a freshwater crab that is rare due to lack of water, a yellow trumpet-shaped flower called Cape Sorrel, the Maltese honey bee which is a subspecies adapted to the climate, 10 species of bats that hunt insects using echolocation, and over 500 non-dangerous spider species including large orb-weaving spiders.
The Philippines has many endangered species due to deforestation and habitat loss. Some of the major endangered species include the Philippine Eagle, Hawksbill Sea Turtle, Philippine Freshwater Crocodile, Tamaraw, Philippine Tarsier, Mindoro Bleeding-heart, Red-vented Cockatoo, Philippine Forest Turtle, Philippine Naked-backed Fruit Bat, Rufous-headed Hornbill, Visayan Warty Pig, Philippine mouse deer, sea cow, and whale shark. Many of these species are endemic to the Philippines and face threats of hunting and habitat destruction. Conservation efforts are needed to protect these biologically diverse but threatened species.
1. Several famous celebrities own private islands including Richard Branson, Johnny Depp, Mel Gibson, David Copperfield, Aristotle Onassis, Leonardo DiCaprio, Shakira, Nicholas Cage, Eddie Murphy, and Celine Dion.
2. They have purchased islands in locations like the Caribbean, Bahamas, Fiji, Greece, Belize, and Quebec for prices ranging from millions to tens of millions of dollars.
3. The islands provide ultra-luxurious and private getaways with features like white sand beaches, coconut trees, freshwater ponds, and spectacular ocean views.
Parrotfish have the ability to change color, gender, and shape. When the dominant male dies, the dominant female will change into a male to take over his role in leading the school. Parrotfish grind coral with their teeth and the sand they produce from chewing coral can form beaches. They are normally found living on coral reefs but some varieties can be seen at the Shedd Aquarium in their Caribbean reef and Waters of the World exhibits.
Ecological importance of the parrot fishStefano Chin
Parrotfish play a vital role in maintaining coral reef ecosystems. As herbivores, they help control algae growth that could otherwise overtake corals by scraping algae from the reef. Their feeding also produces the sand that forms beaches and protects shorelines. With their specialized jaws and teeth, parrotfish are able to efficiently feed on the reef and remove dead coral and algae, allowing new coral to grow. Their grazing behavior is critical to the health of the reef.
The document discusses three endangered species: the Vaquita porpoise, which is on the brink of extinction due to illegal fishing nets in Mexico's Gulf of California that have caused the population to decline by over half in the last three years; the Magellanic penguin, which scientists believe is being pushed further from its traditional nesting grounds in Argentina due to climate change-related shifts in ocean currents and temperatures; and the leatherback turtle, the largest living reptile that is now seriously threatened despite surviving for hundreds of millions of years, with the Pacific population being the most endangered due to fishing bycatch and Atlantic populations facing threats from rising sea levels and beach temperatures.
Tigers are endangered due to poaching and habitat destruction, with their population declining from over 100,000 in the early 1900s to approximately 2,000 today. Blue whales' migration patterns may be disrupted by climate change effects like warming oceans and melting ice, endangering their food supply. Venus flytraps have a unique carnivorous trapping mechanism and only live in North and South Carolina bogs. Common causes of species endangerment include habitat loss, pollution, invasive species, and overhunting. Protecting endangered plants and animals preserves future benefits to medicine, ecology, and human enjoyment.
The document summarizes information about three endangered animals: the angler fish, where the tiny male fuses with and is absorbed by the female; the monito del monte, a small South American marsupial that can double in size by storing fat in its tail; and it hopes the reader enjoyed learning about these little-known threatened species.
Nairobi, Kenya's capital city, has transformed dramatically over the past century from an unplanned railhead settlement to a modern metropolis of over 3.5 million people. A 48-hour visit offers a taste of Nairobi's contrasts - from the bustling city streets to nearby natural areas hosting diverse wildlife. Key sights include the National Museum, Nairobi Arboretum, Railway Museum, and day trips to Nairobi National Park and the Giraffe Center to see elephants, giraffes and other native species. Meals provide flavors from local coffee to Indian curries, while craft markets and art galleries offer glimpses into Kenyan culture.
This document discusses issues facing the West Coast rock lobster fishing industry in South Africa. It notes that rock lobster populations have declined dramatically to only 3% of original levels due to overfishing. While the fishery has been carefully managed, a recent dispute emerged when government disregarded scientific advice and maintained catch limits, damaging conservation efforts. Additionally, rock lobsters are shifting locations and growing more slowly due to climate change and overfishing. Conservation groups are working to raise awareness of sustainable seafood choices.
This document discusses several endangered animals around the world and in Michigan. It provides details on polar bears, hummingbirds, dolphins, sea turtles, gray wolves, Kirtland's warblers, Mitchell's satyr butterfly, and Indiana bats. These species are endangered due to threats like habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and human activity. The document encourages readers to help endangered animals by adopting them, preserving habitats, building birdfeeders, recycling, and visiting nature centers and zoos.
This document discusses wildlife crime in the UK and calls on paddlers to help monitor for such crimes. It notes that early spring sees an increase in wildlife crime due to longer days and breeding seasons. While the National Wildlife Crime Unit works to combat these crimes, they rely on public assistance as wildlife cannot report crimes. The document encourages paddlers to be vigilant while on the water and provides tips for reporting any suspected wildlife crimes witnessed. It also highlights several native UK wildlife species that are vulnerable to crime, such as badgers, bats, seals and birds of prey.
Vanishing Wildlife: Ten American Species Our Children May Never See is a report from the Endangered Species Coalition. Learn more about our work and ways you can take action to protect endangered species at www.endangered.org and @endangered on Twitter.
This document provides an overview of a trip to Sicily for foodies. It discusses Sicily's rich soil that allows for abundant fresh produce, pleasant climate, and history steeped in Greek myths. It summarizes experiences in Taormina including dining at luxury hotels overlooking the sea, touring nearby islands and Mount Etna, and enjoying simple, delicious meals highlighting local specialties like lemons, capers, and almonds. Reminders of past rulers like Greeks, Romans, and Arabs can still be seen in Sicily's architecture and cultural influences.
The document provides information about attractions in Darwin and Northern Territory, Australia. It describes Darwin as a beautiful, multicultural city home to many fascinating native creatures. It discusses Florence Falls, aboriginal caves near Uluru and Katherine that showcase Aboriginal art and culture. Wildlife mentioned includes saltwater crocodiles, wedge-tailed eagles, and frilled neck lizards. The document also notes amenities available in Darwin like hotels, restaurants, a golf course and swimming pool.
Fishes-student's project of Sto. Tomas College-Danaoisamae27
This document summarizes information on 10 extinct, 10 endangered, and 3 threatened fish species. Among the extinct fish are the Blackfin Cisco and Blue Walleye from the Great Lakes which were driven to extinction by overfishing and invasive species. Endangered fish discussed include the Atlantic Halibut, Beluga Sturgeon, and Acadian Redfish which face threats from overfishing, bycatch, and habitat loss. The document also profiles the Pelagic Thresher shark, Eulachon fish, and Canary Rockfish as threatened species.
Dwesa Nature Reserve is a small protected area along the Wild Coast of South Africa that packs a mighty biodiversity punch. Despite its small size, it is home to nearly 300 bird species, large mammals like rhinos, eland and leopards, and diverse coastal and forest habitats. The reserve protects one of the few places in the world where rhinos can be seen grazing against an Indian Ocean backdrop. It also hosts nocturnal "beach parties" where rhinos spend nights on the sand to escape parasites. Dwesa faces challenges like poaching but remains a treasure along the Wild Coast where wildlife still moves freely between habitats along the coastline.
The document summarizes the remote Desroches Island in the Seychelles. Giant tortoises roam the island, which has a single luxury resort. The island offers a remote and unmanicured experience where the preferred mode of transport is bicycle. Guests can explore the island's beaches and waters which are home to colorful fish and are protected areas for conservation. The island aims to be sustainable and has initiatives to protect native wildlife and plants.
The document summarizes a newsletter from the Santa Barbara Audubon Society about their annual Christmas Bird Count. It provides details on the count, including the date (December 31, 2005), compilers (Joan Lentz), and signup information. It lists bird species that could use additional sightings before the count and details on the compilation dinner after the count. The newsletter also announces field trips in December and January to locations like Lake Cachuma, Figueroa Mountain, and the Santa Barbara harbor to identify and count local bird populations.
Several animal species in Greece are endangered due to factors such as climate change, loss of habitat, and human activity. This includes the silver pelican, lynx, brown bear, wild goat, red deer, otter, Mediterranean seal, jackal, gray wolf, turtle, dolphins, and ibex. Their populations have declined and some, like the lynx, have almost disappeared from Greece. Conservation organizations are working to protect endangered species and their habitats but continued threats like hunting, pollution, and habitat degradation remain.
Salmon undergo distinct life stages, feeding on smaller fish as juveniles and larger prey like squid as adults. They migrate from freshwater streams to saltwater to feed and grow before returning to spawn. Females lay a large number of eggs, between 3,000-15,000, because only some will survive to adulthood and ensure the continuity of the species. Their populations have declined due to human impacts like dams, logging and development.
This document provides information about various animals and plants found in Malta. It discusses 30 species of ladybirds that eat aphids and help crops, a freshwater crab that is rare due to lack of water, a yellow trumpet-shaped flower called Cape Sorrel, the Maltese honey bee which is a subspecies adapted to the climate, 10 species of bats that hunt insects using echolocation, and over 500 non-dangerous spider species including large orb-weaving spiders.
The Philippines has many endangered species due to deforestation and habitat loss. Some of the major endangered species include the Philippine Eagle, Hawksbill Sea Turtle, Philippine Freshwater Crocodile, Tamaraw, Philippine Tarsier, Mindoro Bleeding-heart, Red-vented Cockatoo, Philippine Forest Turtle, Philippine Naked-backed Fruit Bat, Rufous-headed Hornbill, Visayan Warty Pig, Philippine mouse deer, sea cow, and whale shark. Many of these species are endemic to the Philippines and face threats of hunting and habitat destruction. Conservation efforts are needed to protect these biologically diverse but threatened species.
1. Several famous celebrities own private islands including Richard Branson, Johnny Depp, Mel Gibson, David Copperfield, Aristotle Onassis, Leonardo DiCaprio, Shakira, Nicholas Cage, Eddie Murphy, and Celine Dion.
2. They have purchased islands in locations like the Caribbean, Bahamas, Fiji, Greece, Belize, and Quebec for prices ranging from millions to tens of millions of dollars.
3. The islands provide ultra-luxurious and private getaways with features like white sand beaches, coconut trees, freshwater ponds, and spectacular ocean views.
Parrotfish have the ability to change color, gender, and shape. When the dominant male dies, the dominant female will change into a male to take over his role in leading the school. Parrotfish grind coral with their teeth and the sand they produce from chewing coral can form beaches. They are normally found living on coral reefs but some varieties can be seen at the Shedd Aquarium in their Caribbean reef and Waters of the World exhibits.
Ecological importance of the parrot fishStefano Chin
Parrotfish play a vital role in maintaining coral reef ecosystems. As herbivores, they help control algae growth that could otherwise overtake corals by scraping algae from the reef. Their feeding also produces the sand that forms beaches and protects shorelines. With their specialized jaws and teeth, parrotfish are able to efficiently feed on the reef and remove dead coral and algae, allowing new coral to grow. Their grazing behavior is critical to the health of the reef.
The document discusses three endangered species: the Vaquita porpoise, which is on the brink of extinction due to illegal fishing nets in Mexico's Gulf of California that have caused the population to decline by over half in the last three years; the Magellanic penguin, which scientists believe is being pushed further from its traditional nesting grounds in Argentina due to climate change-related shifts in ocean currents and temperatures; and the leatherback turtle, the largest living reptile that is now seriously threatened despite surviving for hundreds of millions of years, with the Pacific population being the most endangered due to fishing bycatch and Atlantic populations facing threats from rising sea levels and beach temperatures.
Tigers are endangered due to poaching and habitat destruction, with their population declining from over 100,000 in the early 1900s to approximately 2,000 today. Blue whales' migration patterns may be disrupted by climate change effects like warming oceans and melting ice, endangering their food supply. Venus flytraps have a unique carnivorous trapping mechanism and only live in North and South Carolina bogs. Common causes of species endangerment include habitat loss, pollution, invasive species, and overhunting. Protecting endangered plants and animals preserves future benefits to medicine, ecology, and human enjoyment.
The document summarizes information about three endangered animals: the angler fish, where the tiny male fuses with and is absorbed by the female; the monito del monte, a small South American marsupial that can double in size by storing fat in its tail; and it hopes the reader enjoyed learning about these little-known threatened species.
Nairobi, Kenya's capital city, has transformed dramatically over the past century from an unplanned railhead settlement to a modern metropolis of over 3.5 million people. A 48-hour visit offers a taste of Nairobi's contrasts - from the bustling city streets to nearby natural areas hosting diverse wildlife. Key sights include the National Museum, Nairobi Arboretum, Railway Museum, and day trips to Nairobi National Park and the Giraffe Center to see elephants, giraffes and other native species. Meals provide flavors from local coffee to Indian curries, while craft markets and art galleries offer glimpses into Kenyan culture.
This document discusses issues facing the West Coast rock lobster fishing industry in South Africa. It notes that rock lobster populations have declined dramatically to only 3% of original levels due to overfishing. While the fishery has been carefully managed, a recent dispute emerged when government disregarded scientific advice and maintained catch limits, damaging conservation efforts. Additionally, rock lobsters are shifting locations and growing more slowly due to climate change and overfishing. Conservation groups are working to raise awareness of sustainable seafood choices.
1) The document describes a zoologist observing and photographing a family of bat-eared foxes in their den in Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve.
2) It details the daily routines of the fox family, including the female foraging at night while the cubs play outside the den in the mornings.
3) The zoologist works to get close-up photos of the cubs by hiding under a vehicle near their den in the early mornings, enduring insects and scat to get fox-eye level shots of their behavior.
This document provides an overview of tiger sharks and new research enhancing understanding of them. It discusses how tiger sharks have an undeserved reputation as man-eaters, and how a research team in South Africa is using tagging and observation to learn about tiger shark behavior, movements, habitat use, and diet. Their findings reveal that tiger sharks play an important role in regulating dolphin populations and consume a wide variety of prey. This research is improving knowledge of tiger sharks and aiding conservation efforts for the species.
The document provides an overview of the Tana River in Kenya and the threats facing its way of life. It describes the Tana River Delta's unique ecosystems and the communities that depend on it, including the Pokomo people. However, the delta is now under threat from large development projects, including a proposed super-port. While such projects could bring economic growth, they risk damaging the environment and disrupting the livelihoods of local communities. The document advocates for protecting the delta through conservation efforts that would allow sustainable development while preserving the region's ecological and cultural heritage.
The document describes a three-day visit to Reilly's Rock, a lodge located within Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary in Swaziland. The lodge and surrounding sanctuary provide a peaceful oasis surrounded by nature, where guests can observe various wildlife from their rooms or during guided tours. Ted Reilly, who grew up on the property and established the sanctuary, gives tours highlighting the sanctuary's conservation efforts and successes in protecting and propagating threatened species.
The Shark Spotters program is a non-government organization that was formally adopted in 2004 by the City of Cape Town to help minimize the risk of shark attacks at beaches. They employ spotters who use binoculars and radios to monitor beaches for sharks from vantage points. When a shark is sighted, they raise flags and sound sirens to clear people from the water. The program is aimed at balancing human use of beaches with conservation of sharks, as opposed to past lethal control methods. It is the only program of its type worldwide and has helped increase understanding of sharks.
The document summarizes the work of photojournalist Cheryl-Samantha Owen who has been diving and documenting reefs along East Africa's Swahili Coast. Some of the most vulnerable and overfished reefs in Africa, scientists have made important discoveries about how to strengthen their resilience to climate change. The photographs show researchers measuring coral size in Kenya, a fisherman catching coral grouper, acropora coral spotted in Aldabra Atoll, and scientists monitoring whale sharks in the Gulf of Tadjoura to better conserve the species.
Cheryl-Samantha Owen is a conservation photographer from Kenya who uses her photography to inspire conservation action. She believes that for people to want to save something, they first need to love it. Her photos capture animals and environmental issues in a way that highlights both beauty and threats. Currently, she is leading a campaign to protect coastal wilderness in Kenya where biodiversity and culture are endangered.
The document summarizes the author's 47 visits to and deep love for the Seychelles islands over 24 years. It describes the natural beauty and marine life the author discovered underwater, as well as the complex history and politics of the islands. The author formed close connections with the Seychellois people and culture, viewing the islands as an "emotional centre" where they found balance.
This document summarizes a thesis submitted by Cheryl-Samantha Owen in partial fulfillment of a masters degree in Conservation Biology at the University of Cape Town. The thesis examines whether the supply of trophy elephants to the Botswana hunting market is sustainable. It develops a population model to simulate elephant population dynamics in northern Botswana under different hunting pressures, calf survival rates, and carrying capacity limits. The model suggests the current hunting quota is sustainable and unlikely to threaten the availability of trophy-quality elephants. Increased quotas could reduce large trophy animals but not compromise male elephants suitable for trophy hunting. However, a decrease in calf survival could greatly reduce the trophy elephant supply.
Vipul Kumar Singh has over 8 years of experience as a consultant and corporate trainer in various Microsoft products and technologies including Windows Server, System Center, and private cloud. He has conducted training for many large corporations in countries around the world. Vipul has several Microsoft certifications and has worked as a senior trainer and consultant for KoenigSolutionsPvt. Ltd. since 2009, where he trains overseas and corporate clients on System Center and Windows Server projects.
Woodward Governor Company needed organizational change due to issues with its marketing mix, product quality, pricing, and responsiveness to customer needs. A change program was developed with goals of achieving $500 million in sales, 40% market share, and 20% earnings by 2003. The program included restructuring the company's market approach and internal capabilities. However, implementation of the change program was slow and faced resistance, with results taking longer than expected to materialize.
Current Challenges in International BusinessOliver Parker
This document discusses current challenges in international business and implications for education. It outlines issues like intellectual property protection, security threats, evolving communication and business models, changing government policies, and the rise of new global powers. International business relationships and knowledge management are also transforming. This requires professional education to adapt programs with topics like emerging markets, e-business, ethics, and public-private partnerships. Flexible learning models incorporating online, blended, and corporate training options better prepare students for a shifting global business environment.
This document summarizes the threats facing turtle conservation and provides information about several turtle species. It discusses major threats such as consumption of turtle eggs, artificial lighting, beach armouring, beach nourishment, predators, commercial fisheries, oil and gas exploration, ingestion of marine debris. It also provides details about specific turtle species like the hawksbill sea turtle, green sea turtle, leatherback sea turtle and olive ridley sea turtle. The document concludes by suggesting actions people can take to help turtle conservation like not eating turtle eggs and not destroying turtle habitat.
The document summarizes the variety of bird species found across different regions in southern Italy and Campania. It describes over 130 species recorded at the Astroni Crater nature reserve near Naples, including peregrine falcons, wrens, and aquatic birds along the Big Lake. Vesuvius National Park is along a migration route and home to around 150 species such as imperial ravens, buzzards, and owls. The coastline also hosts many seabirds across rocks, beaches and islands including cormorants and oystercatchers near the island of Vivara, where birds are observed and banded.
Turtles are ancient reptiles that first appeared over 200 million years ago. There are two main categories of turtles - hidden-necked species that pull their heads directly back into their shells, and side-necked species that pull their heads to the side. Four species of sea turtles are commonly found in Malaysia - green turtles, hawksbill turtles, leatherback turtles, and olive ridley turtles. Sea turtles face many threats including consumption, nest destruction, marine debris ingestion, and commercial fishing.
The document describes several islands located off the coast of NEOM, Saudi Arabia. It discusses 11 islands that are always above sea level, including Tiran, Sanafir, Sindalah, Shusha, Al Farshah, Baraqan, Shujayrat, Umm Qusur, Yuba, Wallah and Sila. These islands offer beautiful scenery and are home to rare wildlife like sea turtles, birds, and marine life. Certain islands provide exclusive resorts and activities like those on Sindalah Island.
The Aldabra giant tortoise is found exclusively on the islands of Aldabra in the Seychelles, with an estimated population of 200,000. They have a dark grey shell and feed by grazing on various grasses and herbs. Aldabra giant tortoises reach sexual maturity between 20-30 years of age and the breeding season is from January to April, with females laying 9-25 eggs that take 120-130 days to hatch. While overhunting nearly drove them extinct, the Aldabra atoll is now a protected world heritage site and captive breeding programs have helped revive other isolated populations.
This document provides information on the various sea bird species that breed at St Abb's Head National Nature Reserve. It describes the kittiwake, herring gull, fulmar, shag, guillemot, and razorbill. For each species it outlines physical characteristics, breeding behaviors, nesting locations, current population levels, and other interesting facts. The purpose is to educate visitors to the nature reserve on the different breeding sea birds found in the area.
This presentation is about an Giant Aldabra Tortoise. It covers the basic information about the specie in short brief, to help you know about the specie in the simplest form and to help you with understand its beauty.
1) The document provides information on seasonal wildlife viewing opportunities across Australia from November to June, including bird breeding on Lord Howe Island in November, crocodile nesting between August and April, turtle nesting and hatching between October and May across Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia, seal breeding and pupping between November and January in several states, and red crab migrations on Christmas Island in November and December.
2) Key seasonal events also include coral spawning between March and December on the Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, wildflower blooming across Western Australia between June and November, whale migrations along the east and west coasts between June and November, and whale shark aggregations
The document is a field guide for Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge (GHNWR). It provides information about the refuge, including that it was established in 1990 to conserve habitat for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. It protects about 1,500 acres of intertidal mudflats, salt marsh and upland habitat that are important for migrating shorebirds. The field guide contains maps, photos and descriptions of the estuary, birds, animals and plants commonly seen at the refuge to help visitors observe and learn during their visit. It also provides tips on how to protect habitat and wildlife both at the refuge and elsewhere.
The document is a travel article that describes the beautiful scenery and wildlife of the Seychelles islands. It summarizes that the Seychelles are a cluster of over 100 islands in the Indian Ocean known for their clear waters, white sand beaches, and coral reefs. It highlights some of the unique aspects of the islands like the Vallee de Mai nature reserve, home to the rare Coco de Mer palm, and the pristine, untouched forests. The article conveys the sense of paradise and isolation one can experience while visiting the various islands of the Seychelles archipelago.
The Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve:
- Is located in Romania and is the second largest river delta in Europe, supporting over 5,000 plant and animal species across 30 ecosystem types.
- Was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1990 to protect its biodiversity while allowing sustainable human activities.
- Supports large breeding populations of endangered birds like white pelicans and Dalmatian pelicans, making it an important wetland habitat.
The Lightning Whelk is a species of large predatory sea snail found in southeastern North America. It lives in sandy or muddy substrates in shallow coastal waters, where it preys primarily on bivalves. Lightning Whelks have been around for thousands of years and were used as tools and food by Native Americans. They have a left-handed or sinistral shell with low spires and knobs that are usually dull in coloration.
The wardens transport visitors to Cousin Island Special Reserve by boat, as no other vessels are allowed to land. During a tour led by Olivier, visitors see nesting Lesser Noddies and are shown how wardens help free birds trapped in the sticky resin of Pisonia fruits. They also observe nesting White-tailed Tropicbirds, a rare Seychelles Magpie Robin, Giant Tortoises, and Bridled Terns. The tour offers scenic views from the hilltop and involves light work like clearing invasive plants before visitors depart.
1. The document discusses several endangered species found on the Greek island of Samos, including plants like the tiny Viola Heldreichiana flower and animals such as the golden jackal, sea turtle, monk seal, and chameleon.
2. It provides details on the unique biodiversity of Samos, which is attributed to the island's location close to Asia Minor and its mountainous terrain containing different microclimates.
3. The document describes several of the endangered species in more depth, like the chameleon's camouflage abilities and the historical significance of the golden jackal in various religions.
The green sea turtle, or green turtle, is a large sea turtle found in tropical and subtropical oceans around the world. It has a teardrop-shaped shell and paddle-like flippers. Unlike other sea turtles, green sea turtles are mostly herbivorous and inhabit shallow lagoons, feeding on seagrasses. Females nest on beaches at night, laying eggs which later hatch. Green sea turtles face threats from human activities such as hunting, pollution, and habitat loss. The hyacinth macaw is the largest parrot species, native to central and eastern South America. It is endangered due to habitat loss and trapping for the pet trade.
Tenerife is a volcanic island off the coast of Africa known for its natural beauty and biodiversity. It contains the third highest volcano in the world, Mount Teide, and features diverse landscapes including cloud forests, beaches, and alpine forests. The island is also home to over 600 plant species and a variety of bird and marine life, including 28 species of whales and dolphins that are seen in the surrounding waters. Efforts are underway through organizations like the Atlantic Whale Foundation and NOGODODO to raise awareness of threats to biodiversity and encourage people to help protect vulnerable species from extinction.
Green sea turtles are large sea turtles found in tropical and subtropical oceans around the world. They have a dorsoventrally flattened body and paddle-like flippers adapted for swimming. Adults typically inhabit shallow lagoons and feed on sea grasses. Throughout their life, green sea turtles inhabit different habitats - they lay eggs on beaches, spend their early years in open ocean waters, and mature in coastal areas with sea grass beds. Major threats include hunting, accidental capture in fishing gear, pollution, habitat destruction, and infectious diseases. Conservation efforts include protecting nesting beaches and reducing accidental turtle captures.
The document provides information about Australia and some of its major tourist attractions and festivals. It then focuses on describing the Great Barrier Reef, including its location, size, biodiversity, and environmental threats. It provides brief descriptions of several other Australian landmarks, including the Flinders Ranges, Freycinet Peninsula, and Sydney and the Sydney Opera House.
This document summarizes the key characteristics of insular fauna for several islands, including Continental islands like Britain and Ancient continental islands like Madagascar and New Zealand. It notes that Continental islands were connected to mainland during ice ages, so their fauna is similar to the mainland. Oceanic islands like Galapagos and St. Helena never had land connections and thus have unique fauna, often with flightless birds and reptiles adapted to the island environment. Specific details are then provided on the fauna of Galapagos, St. Helena, Madagascar, New Zealand, and Britain.
The Lightning Whelk is a species of large predatory sea snail that lives in sandy or muddy substrates of shallow coastal waters from southeastern North America to the Gulf of Mexico. It has a left-handed shell and feeds primarily on bivalves. Lightning Whelks have been an important resource for Native American groups for thousands of years for food, tools, and ornamentation.
Plan the shoot, shoot the plan. The article discusses the importance of planning in photography, using the analogy of planning dives to avoid decompression issues. It describes how award-winning photojournalist Sam Owen planned her shot of penguins being released after an oil spill, practicing with a toy penguin and sketching the shot before capturing what she envisioned. Some level of planning, like researching sun/moon times, local events, and compiling shooting lists, can improve travel photography results.
Uganda has a tumultuous political history but is emerging as a nature tourism destination with its unspoiled wilderness areas still holding Africa's original allure. The author visits Kidepo Valley National Park where she witnesses abundant wildlife including lions, elephants, and rare shoebill storks. She also tracks mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, an important habitat for the endangered species. While responsible tourism can help conservation, the author hopes Uganda's forests and savannahs are protected from overdevelopment as the country grows.
The document describes two elephant culling operations witnessed by conservationist Clive Walker in Zimbabwe and South Africa in the 1980s. In Zimbabwe, Walker accompanied sharpshooters who tracked and rapidly shot 17 elephants on foot within 35 seconds. In South Africa, elephants were darted from a helicopter with a paralytic drug and then shot by ground crews. Culling operations aimed to control elephant populations but stirred debate between those who saw it as necessary population management and those who condemned it as inhumane.
The Tana River Delta in Kenya is an important wetland ecosystem that is home to diverse habitats and over 22 species of internationally important birds. It is a critical area for thousands of resident and migratory waterbirds, as well as a vital breeding and nursery ground for fish. The delta supports significant wildlife such as elephant, crocodile, hippo, and the rare East African coastal subspecies of topi. However, the delta is currently facing destruction from a major sugar cane project that would convert over 33,000 hectares of wetland. Conservationists are fighting to save the delta from this threat.
The document discusses several contributors' favorite places in Tanzania. Dean Polley describes communing with chimpanzees in Mahale Mountains National Park and the strict viewing protocols. Cheryl-Owen discusses the variety of habitats and wildlife in Arusha National Park, including flamingos, giraffes, and recommending Maps Edge for local operators. Tim Jackson highlights the unique coastal location and wildlife of Saadani National Park.
This document summarizes the photographer's experience documenting an oil-covered Cape gannet being treated at the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB). The photographer was drawn to the bird's "tragic beauty" and followed its recovery. Though too weak to be cleaned initially, the gannet grew stronger with rehydration treatments and swims. The photographer waited for moments to photograph the gannet, such as when it slept with the sun highlighting its oil-coated feathers.
1. 34 A F R I C A G E O G R A P H I C • apri l 2 0 0 8
35w w w. africageographic . co m
Cheryl-Samantha Owen travels
to the ends of the earth, and finds
herself in the magical world of Bird
Island. Rescued from environmental
purgatory by a 40-year restoration
plan, this tiny cay in the Seychelles
archipelago has a thriving (not to
mention incredibly noisy) colony of
sooty terns, as well as several other
animal attractions.
of terns,tides turtles&
2. I
n that golden hour before sunset,
which only the tropics set alight
with this much warmth and colour,
I leave the rustic comfort of my
chalet and walk barefoot across the
island. Hopscotching along the sandy
path in an attempt to avoid the prickly
casuarina seeds that lie along its length,
I notice that their parent trees are all
that separates the inland from the idyl-
lic white beach beyond. Here, on Bird
Island, no concrete walls or sprawling
buildings blockade the tide, forcing the
sand to re-route unnaturally and alter-
ing the original coastal vegetation. A
flurry of grey feathers interrupts my
reverie and, scurrying along, I remind
myself to take the beach route on my
return and steer clear of this particular
brown noddy that is taking its chick-
guarding post so seriously.
At this time of year (in the middle of
the south-east monsoon), even if you
were blindfolded and wore earplugs,
the tern colony would be unmissable.
Nothing, not even the cacophony, pre-
pared me for what spilled out at the
end of a long narrow path through the
coastal scrub. More than 1.5 million
sooty terns Sterna fuscata sat, hovered,
circled, soared and flew. This highly
pelagic seabird avoids landing on water
as it is unable to swim, and returns to
Bird Island en masse each year from
May to September to breed and fledge
its chicks.
In what must surely be nature’s most
spectacular bird symphony, the sounds
crescendoed with the setting sun until I
felt as though I was sitting amidst a
giant orchestra performing one of
Tchaikovsky’s loudest masterpieces. Had
I been on the island in March and April,
when the terns start to gather in
increasingly large numbers before land-
ing and establishing their individual
territories, I would have seen a swirling
mass of hundreds of thousands of birds,
patterning the sky with long, out-
stretched wings.
At the end of the breeding season,
the sky changes again, becoming
speckled with fledglings testing their
new wings in erratic sorties over the
36 A F R I C A G E O G R A P H I C • M A R C H 2 0 0 9
water. Like learner pilots, they stick
close to the wings of their parents, dip-
ping to the ocean to collect seaweed
and darting over shoals of fish bub-
bling near the surface.
B
ird Island is the most northerly
of the Seychelles archipelago
and is a young coral cay, little
more than a sandbank, that
probably emerged between 2000 to
4 000 years ago following a drop in sea
levels. Covering less than 688 square
metres, the island perches on the north-
ern rim of the Seychelles Bank and a
one-kilometre snorkel out to sea reveals
the dramatic edge of the bank itself.
Here, the bottom of the sea changes
abruptly from light to dark as the floor
plummets from 12 metres to impenet-
rable black depths. The island’s nearest
neighbour, Mahé, is 111 kilometres
away and, from a bird’s-eye view, this
golden orb is barely a smudge in the
Western Indian Ocean.
In 1776, a passing ship reported that
the island was ‘covered with birds
OPPOSITE However, the lack of small
trees in the Linyanti woodlands is a
concern for biodiversity. Seedlings like
this camel thorn acacia are found,
BELOW However, the lack of small
trees in the Linyanti woodlands is a
concern for biodiversity. Seedlings like
this camel thorn acacia are found kds.
37w w w. africageographic . co m
N
U
0 100
metres
- Frigatebirds Fregata ariel .minor
- Sooty tern Sterna fuscata
- Brown/common and lesser noddies tern
Anous stolidus and .tenuirostris
- White-tailed tropicbird Phaeton lepturus
KEY
I N D I A N
O C E A N
BIRD ISLAND
from a bird's eye view, this golden
orb is barely a smudge in the
Western Indian Ocean
_
3. 39w w w. africageographic . co m
innumerable’, suggesting that early vis-
itors to the island had a similar experi-
ence to mine. In the 200 or so years
that followed, however, circumstances
did not always favour the island’s feath-
ered residents.
Lust for guano, used as a fertiliser in
the sugar-cane fields of Mauritius,
stripped 17 000 tonnes of this white
gold between 1896 and 1906, leaving
the island bare. A coconut plantation
was then established, together with
cash crops such as papaya and cotton,
which covered the sooty terns’ breeding
grounds. This was a disaster for the col-
ony as the terns scrape out shallow
depressions in the bare ground in which
they lay their eggs, with little or no nest
lining. Nest densities are greatest in
open areas with only 30 to 50 per cent
vegetation cover. By 1967, when the
current owners, Guy Savy and his part-
ners, took over, the sooty terns had all
but vanished.
In the past 40 years, a concerted con-
servation effort involving careful man-
agement of the vegetation to restore the
breeding colony has successfully broken
the island’s unnatural silence. Sooty tern
numbers have risen from around 18 000
in the 1960s to more than 750 000 pairs
today. Studies have shown that many
adults come back to Bird Island each year
and, what’s more, their chicks return as
adults to breed at their natal colony.
Sooty tern eggs are considered a deli-
cacy in Seychellois culture, but over-
collection and the killing of adults and
chicks have led to a steep decline and
even extinction on several other
islands. The managers of Bird Island,
in keeping with their nature-based
tourism philosophy, have achieved a
sustainable balance and are able to
supply Mahé with a number of sooty
tern eggs each year. This, in turn, helps
to stem the trade in poached eggs
while satisfying traditional culture.
A
lthough sheer numbers make them
the obvious stars, sooty terns are
not the only participants in Bird
Island’s conservation and tourism suc-
cess story. At least 20 other bird species
can be seen throughout the year – the
island’s northerly location means that it
is the first landfall for many migratory
birds and vagrants that are sometimes
blown off course by the westerly squalls
that occur during the monsoon.
A total of more than 15 000 pairs of
brown noddy terns .stolidus are found
on the islands of Aride, Cousin, Cousine
and Bird, with Bird Island holding the
largest population. Courtship involves
an engaging ‘dance’ of nodding heads
(of particular amusement to Japanese
guests) but, as I discovered, brown nod-
dies are especially aggressive towards
intruders near their nest sites. Unlike
the lesser noddy tern Anous tenuirostris,
which nests only in trees, these noddies
make themselves at home at the base of
coconut palms and even in coral cavi-
ties and on ledges.
The introduction of rats to various
islands in the Seychelles, including
Bird Island, devastated populations of
brown noddies and many other bird spe-
cies. The eradication of these rodents,
together with rabbits, has contributed
greatly to the successful breeding of
brown noddies, wedge-tailed shearwa-
ters and white-tailed tropicbirds.
Homicidal noddies aside, life here can
take on a fairytale-like feel, with some
species looking as though they’ve
stepped from the pages of a book of
fables. One such character is the fairy
tern Gygis alba. Its pure white feathers
give it an angelic appearance that is quite
startling against a vivid blue sky and,
when the heavens are white, its translu-
cent wings render it almost invisible.
Fairy terns lay a single egg on a bare
branch. It looks precarious, but the
adults sit patiently behind the egg with
their lower breast feathers fluffed out,
falling away and backwards as they fly
off in search of fish. After about three
weeks, the chick hatches, complete
with well-developed claws to cling to
the branch of its birth, while the adults
ferry small blue and silver fish to it sev-
eral times a day, carrying up to six
neatly in their bills.
Once upon a time, in the pristine
seagrass beds around Bird Island, a
character that fuelled the imagination
of sailors and sparked the myth of mer-
maids really did exist, giving the island
its temporary title Ile aux Vaches, island
of the cows. The dugong Dugong dugon
was once common around the
once upon a time, in the pristine seagrass
beds around Bird Island, a character ... that
sparked the myth of mermaids really did exist
38 A F R I C A G E O G R A P H I C • M A R C H 2 0 0 9
OPPOSITE However, the lack of small
trees in the Linyanti woodlands is a
concern for biodiversity. Seedlings like
this camel thorn acacia are found,
BELOW However, the lack of small
trees in the Linyanti woodlands is a
concern for biodiversity. Seedlings like
this camel thorn acacia are found kds.
4. 41w w w. africageographic . co m40 A F R I C A G E O G R A P H I C • m arch 2 0 0 9
islands of the Seychelles, but for the
past century, hunting, fishing-related
fatalities and habitat degradation, com-
bined with its long lifespan (50-plus
years) and slow rate of reproduction,
have made it all but a ghost in these
waters. Listed as Vulnerable to extinc-
tion on the IUCN Red List and on the
verge of being regionally extinct in the
Western Indian Ocean, dugongs have,
until recently, only occurred in
Madagascar, Mozambique and the
Comores. Since 2001, however, sight-
ings around the Aldabra Atoll, some
1150 kilometres to the south-west, indi-
cate that these shy marine mammals
might be returning. If they could repop-
ulate Aldabra’s waters and be allowed
safe passage north, Bird Island’s healthy
marine environment would be an ideal
habitat for their reintroduction.
Although no siren’s song serenaded
me on my walk back from the colony, I
did hear the scrunching sound of beach
excavation and, as I squinted through
the darkness, the large shell of a green
turtle Chelonia mydas gradually ap-
peared, masked by a spray of sand. This
is one endangered species that has
found its way to the safety of Bird
Island, and on nights throughout the
year, especially between June and
September, females clamber onto the
beaches above the high-tide mark to
nest and lay between 100 and 200 eggs.
Like the sooty terns, mature turtles
often return to the beach of their birth,
and Bird Island has a wealth of healthy
seagrass meadows upon which adult
turtles feed almost exclusively. After
this female had dug her egg chamber
and started to lay, the island’s resident
ecologist gathered guests to watch as
she buried her clutch and returned to
the water. There are no lights here,
which can disorientate nesting green
turtles and their hatchlings as they
make their way back to the sea. As part
of the island’s conservation programme,
females that come ashore are tagged
and nests are monitored, contributing
to a wider turtle–monitoring project
within the Seychelles.
Bird Island also hosts a population of
the critically endangered hawksbill turtle,
whose sharp, curving beak enables it to
feed on sea sponges and toxic jellyfish.
Perhaps because it is one of the few plac-
es where it is undisturbed by humans,
this is the only known place in the world
where hawksbill turtles come ashore dur-
ing the day to nest. Their peak nesting
period stretches from November to mid-
February, and hatchlings start emerging
some 58 days after the eggs are laid.
P
ollution, overexploitation, con-
flicting use of resources and
other harmful consequences of
human development are serious
and sharply increasing threats to the
marine ecosystem of the Seychelles.
Yet, the conservation and sustainable
use of the archipelago’s biodiversity is
essential for the development of its two
major economic sectors: tourism and
fisheries. The cumulative degradation
of the marine environment caused by a
combination of natural and anthropo-
genic disturbances, including the indi-
rect effects of global climate change,
such as coral bleaching, is therefore a
serious problem.
Amongst the flurry of words used to
describe ecotourism ventures, it is not
easy to differentiate those that are
guided by conservation principles with
nature at their core from the green-
washers and glitzy marketeers. In a
world where damage to the marine
habitat through dredging and land rec-
lamation has led to the destruction of
entire mangrove forests, coral reefs and
seagrass beds in favour of luxury five-
star resorts and real-estate develop-
ments, Bird Island offers an escape to a
place that truly is at peace and in har-
mony with nature.
like the sooty terns, mature turtles often
return to the beach of their birth, and Bird
Island has a wealth of healthy seagrass
meadows upon which they feed
OPPOSITE However, the lack of small
trees in the Linyanti woodlands is a
concern for biodiversity. Seedlings like
this camel thorn acacia are found,
BELOW However, the lack of small
trees in the Linyanti woodlands is a
concern for biodiversity. Seedlings like
this camel thorn acacia are found kds.
infotravel
Don’t think that because Bird Island
is free from modern trappings (no
television, air conditioning or thirsty
swimming pools) and prizes its cast-
away image, that it spoils you any
less. Bird Island has balanced conser-
vation and tourism with the running of
an ecologically sound operation. The
classic sandy beaches are protected
by a barrier reef, making swimming
safe and better than in
any chlorinated pool, and the natural-
ly ventilated chalets allow the various
birdcalls intermingled with the sounds
of a 200-year-old tortoise to infuse
the air.
For more information, tel. (+248) 22
4925; fax (+248) 22 5074; e-mail res-
ervations@birdislandseychelles.com or
visit www.birdislandseychelles.com