WILDLIFE WONDERS OF THE SEYCHELLES

>Seychelles black parrot The national bird of the Seychelles was only recently recognised as a distinct species. More grey than black, its greatest asset is its pretty whistling call. Fewer than 900 individuals survive, living high in the canopy in the Vallée de Mai.

>Seychelles magpie robin In 1970, there were only 25 of these glossy black-andwhite birds remaining (all on Fregate Island). Since then, there have been efforts to improve habitat, provide nest boxes, and translocate birds to other islands, and there are now more than 250 birds across the archipelago.

>Aldabra giant tortoise There are around 100,000 giant tortoises – whose lifespan is more than 200 years – roaming free on the Aldabra atoll in the south, which hosts the world’s largest population of the species, but animals can also be seen in sanctuaries across the Seychelles.

>Bare-legged scops owl Thought to have become extinct before being rediscovered 60 years ago, the population is now estimated to be a few hundred on the main island of Mahé. Small in stature, the owl has an unmistakable series of calls: deep croaks and “tok tok tok” sounds, even quacking and gurgling duets between males and females.

>Sea turtles In season, hawksbill and green turtles can be seen nesting on the Seychelles’ protected beaches and then a few months later, the hatchlings emerge from the sand, flapping their way frantically to the sea. The smaller hawksbill turtles typically nest in daytime (September to March); green turtles prefer the cover of darkness (January to September).