Seychelles Animals
Follow the Trail of Wild Nature – Nature Tourism in the Seychelles
Nestled in the Indian Ocean, the stunning archipelago of Seychelles is not only a paradise for beach lovers but also a haven for a diverse range of unique and fascinating wildlife. From the iconic giant Aldabra tortoises that amble through the lush vegetation to the colorful and charismatic Seychelles blue pigeon that flits through the forest canopy, the islands are teeming with captivating creatures waiting to be discovered.
As you explore the islands, keep an eye out for the charming Seychelles white-eye, a small bird with a distinctive white ring around its eye, and the Seychelles skink, a sleek lizard that is endemic to the archipelago. The crystal-clear waters surrounding Seychelles are also home to an abundance of marine life, including the graceful green sea turtles and the vibrant parrotfish, adding an extra dimension to the rich tapestry of wildlife that calls Seychelles home. Join us on a journey to uncover the enchanting animals that make Seychelles their natural habitat.
Mammals of Seychelles
In the lush archipelago of Seychelles, the mammalian fauna is quite unique, with several species calling these idyllic islands home. The Seychelles fruit bat, or flying fox, can be seen soaring through the sky at dusk, feasting on fruits and playing a crucial role in seed dispersal. On the forest floors, the Seychelles sheath-tailed bat flits in the shadows, a species sadly facing the threat of extinction. In the waters surrounding the islands, pods of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins gracefully navigate the waves, often delighting onlookers with their acrobatics. The Aldabra giant tortoise, though not a mammal, is a remarkable reptile resident, emblematic of Seychelles' unique and diverse wildlife.
Seychelles fruit bat
Praslin National Park and surrounding areas Important Bird Area
Birds of Seychelles
In the lush archipelago of Seychelles, bird enthusiasts are treated to a symphony of avian wonders, including the Seychelles Black Parrot, the national bird, which is exclusive to the Praslin island. The skies and forests are also graced by the Seychelles Kestrel, the smallest raptor thriving in the granitic islands, and the Seychelles Blue Pigeon, with its remarkable blue plumage, adding a splash of color to the green canopy. The Seychelles Sunbird flits among flowers, sipping nectar with its delicate beak, while the White-tailed Tropicbird, known locally as 'Dron' or 'Paille-en-Queue', elegantly soars above, showcasing its long tail streamers. These birds, among others, form an integral part of the Seychelles' rich biodiversity, offering birdwatchers a unique and enchanting experience.
Seychelles kestrel
Praslin National Park and surrounding areas Important Bird Area
Sooty tern
Chagos Marine Protected Area
Red-footed booby
Chagos Marine Protected Area
Wedge-tailed shearwater
Chagos Marine Protected Area
Brown noddy
Chagos Marine Protected Area
Lesser noddy
Chagos Marine Protected Area
Seychelles blue pigeon
Praslin National Park and surrounding areas Important Bird Area
Seychelles bulbul
Praslin National Park and surrounding areas Important Bird Area
Seychelles sunbird
Praslin National Park and surrounding areas Important Bird Area
Reptiles
- Reptiles
Hawksbill Turtle
Chagos Marine Protected Area
Top Spots for Wildlife Observation in Seychelles
- The Morne Seychellois National Park, the largest in Seychelles, covers over 20% of the main island of Mahé. This park is a haven for endemic birds such as the Seychelles kestrel, Seychelles bulbul, and the Seychelles white-eye. Hikers may also spot the Seychelles sunbird flitting among the lush vegetation.
- The Praslin National Park, located on the island of Praslin, is home to the Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient palm forest is the habitat of the rare Seychelles black parrot, the national bird of Seychelles. The park also provides a sanctuary for the Seychelles fruit bat and various species of geckos.
- The Sainte Anne Marine National Park, a short boat ride from Mahé, is a group of six islands offering spectacular underwater wildlife viewing. Snorkelers and divers can encounter a myriad of fish species, hawksbill and green turtles, and occasionally, bottlenose dolphins.
- Curieuse Marine National Park is another exceptional location, especially for those interested in the giant Aldabra tortoises, which roam freely on Curieuse Island. The park also supports mangrove forests that are crucial for the survival of various fish and crustacean species.
- Aride Island Nature Reserve is a seabird paradise, hosting one of the densest seabird populations in the world, including the Audubon's shearwater, lesser noddy, and the tropical shearwater. The island is also a breeding ground for the hawksbill turtle.
- Cousin Island Special Reserve is a success story in conservation, transformed from a coconut plantation to a sanctuary for endemic and endangered species. It is a breeding site for the hawksbill turtle and a habitat for the Seychelles warbler, Seychelles magpie-robin, and the Seychelles fody.
- Silhouette Island, with its Silhouette National Park and surrounding marine protected area, is a biodiversity hotspot. The island's mist forests are home to the Seychelles sheath-tailed bat and the critically endangered Seychelles frog, among other unique species.
