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The Chagos Archipelago (76 Sq. miles/197 Sq.km) lies about 2,000 miles (2,720 km) off the coast of Tanzania and 980 mi (1,090 km) east of Seychelles. Diego Garcia serves as a naval communications facility, the other islands are now uninhabited. Hardwood forest covers some islands that get 100” (2,500 mm) of rain per year. Chagos has the largest undisturbed reef in the Indian Ocean. The Three (3) Brothers islets and the northern atolls are major breeding areas for sea turtles, shearwaters, tropic birds, boobies, lesser frigatebirds, and terns.
Background information; by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com.
The Canaries consist of seven (7) main volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean, the closest of which is 60 mi (100 km) west of the southwestern coast of Morocco. They have relatively warm winters and cool summers for their latitude. Rainfall, occurring chiefly in winter, is heaviest in the western islands and the highlands of the central islands; the eastern islands are low and arid. The chain supports 470 endemic plant species. Vegetation of the higher islands begins with semi – desert on the coast and rises through juniper scrub, tree heath, and evergreen laurel forest to pine savanna and montane scrub. Most of the islands have endemic lizards, but there are no large land mammals and only six (6) endemic – birds, including the “original” Canary. Most resident birds are subspecies of European species. La Palma, the northwesternmost island, is dominated by Caldera de Taburiente National Park (11, 584 acres / 4,690 ha), a desolate crater whose outer slopes support mist forest with rare species of pigeons and woodcocks. In the highlands of Gomera, Garajonay National Park (9,840 acres / 3,984 ha) has tall laurel forests with many songbirds as well as laurel and long – toed pigeons. Tenerife’s Pico de Teide National Park (33,520 acres / 13,571 ha) encompasses the highest peak (often snow capped) in the Atlantic Ocean, at 12,198” (3,718 m), reachable by cable car. The endemic blue chaffinch lives in pine forests on the slopes. Grand Canary has – remnant laurel forest in the Canal y Los Tiles Biosphere Reserve (1,262 acres / 511 ha), north of Cruz de Tejada peak, at 4,760” (1,450 m). Fuerteventura is a dry island with an endemic Chat. Lanzarote, with 5” (125 mm) of annual rain, is home to Timanfaya National Park (12,614 acres / 5,107 ha), a moonscape with pipe – like lava tubes that form as the edges of lava rivers cool.
Background information; by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com.
This archipelago consists of ten (10) large and eight small islands in the Atlantic Ocean, 370 mi (600 km) west of Dakar, Senegal. These arid volcanic islands rose from the sea in the same manner as the Galapagos did. The sea here is usually warmer than the relatively cool air above (average highs are 72 - 81ᵒF / 22 - 27ᵒC). The scant rainfall comes between August and October, but some years there is none. The higher western islands have a green zone of irrigated cropland. The island of Fogo has an active volcano 9,281” (2,829 m) tall. The eastern islands are very arid. There are no native land mammals, though vervet monkeys have been introduced on Sao Tiago. Forty – four bird species breed on the islands; four (4) of these (a swift, lark, warbler and sparrow) are endemic. Important colonies of shearwaters and storm – petrels can be found on uninhabited islets. Raso (only home of the Raso lark), Branco, and Cima Islets, all good candidates to become sanctuaries, are home to several sea turtles, lizards, geckos, and skinks.
Background information; by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com.
The archipelago consists of four (4) mountainous volcanic islands in the southwestern Indian Ocean. The three westernmost islands make up the republic of the Comoros; the fourth, Mayotte, elected to remain part of France. The islands are hot and rainy from November through April, drier and cooler between May and October. Thirteen species of birds are restricted to the Comoros and Mayotte, including a blue pigeon, bulbul, thrush, warbler, flycatcher, and fody, plus several white – eyes and sunbirds. Sea turtles and huge Comoros fruit bats are found on all the islands. Grand Comoro, the largest (367 Sq. miles / 950 Sq. km), is located 174 mi (280 km) east of Mozambique. Moroni, the capital, is connected by paved road to various resorts along the northern coast. The island is dominated by Mount Karthala, an active volcano rising to 7,874’’ (2,400 m), with 288” (7,200 mm) of annual rainfall. Its desolate crater, 2 mi (3 km) wide, can be reached via a difficult trail; it has been proposed as a national park. The island of Mohe’li (83 Sq. miles / 216 Sq. km) is known for its forests, its mongoose lemurs, and superb diving around its fringing coral reefs. The ancient Coelacanth fish occurs here in deep water. A marine park has been proposed to protect the reefs and sea turtle nesting beaches. Anjouan (146 Sq. miles / 378 Sq. km) is full of perfume – plant plantations and has attractive Arab – style villages with mosques and narrow alleyways.
Background information; by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com
The easternmost and oldest of the four Comoro islands. Mayotte (144 Sq. miles / 373 Sq. km) is a volcanic island (200 mi / 320 km) northwest of Madagascar that remained French when the Comoro Islands declared their independence in 1975. Mayotte’s climate is hot and rainy from November through April, with up to 80” (2,000 mm) of rain falling in the mountains. The period between May and October is warm and drier. The capital, Dzaoudzi, is connected by causeway with Pamanzi islet, with its airport and a crater lake. Mamoudzou, located on the main island opposite Dzaoudzi, is the commercial center. Mayotte is a hilly, green, plantation island where perfume plants are grown. There are many patches of forest left, with the largest on the upper slopes of Southern Mount Outsongui (3, 000”/ 640 m), home of the brown lemur, which is unprotected. The island has three endemic birds – a drongo, white – eye, and sunbird – plus the cuckoo – roller, Comoro blue pigeon, and bulbul. Comoro fruit bats are common by day, even in towns. Mayotte’s shoreline is a mix of red and black volcanic rock, mangroves, beaches, and mudflats. An extensive barrier reef surrounds Mayotte, enclosing a pristine lagoon. Marine reserves have been established recently to the southeast of the town of Saziley and elsewhere.
Background information; by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com.
This large volcanic island (720 Sq. miles / 1,865 Sq. km) in the southwestern Indian Ocean lies east of Madagascar, south of Seychelles, and 95 miles (160 km) northeast of Reunion. It is 34 mi (55 km) long and reaches an elevation of 2,720” (825 m) in the mountainous southwest. The capital of this heavily populated island is Port Louis, in the northwest. An international airport and numerous beach hotels serve travelers. The island is dotted with steep volcanic plugs and hilly ranges and was once clothed in lowland palm forests in dry areas and wet evergreen forests elsewhere. Nowadays sugarcane covers vast areas. The coastline is a mix of white – sand beaches and mangrove forests, encircled by fringing reefs. Annual rainfall varies from 31’’ (775 mm) in drier coastal areas to 141’’ (3,525 mm) in wetter mountains, falling chiefly between November and April. Once the home of the dodo, which was killed off by 1681, Mauritius retains nine of its 20 – plus native land birds. Heroic efforts have been made to save the last pink pigeons, echo parakeets, and Mauritius kestrels around Black River Gorge Fishing Reserve (2,200 acres / 900 ha) and Macchabee Bel Ombre Nature Reserve / Biosphere Reserve (8,919 acres / 3, 611ha), both in a massive forested canyon in the southwest with a paved road that leads to viewing areas. Introduced crab – eating macaques raid the nests of native birds, while introduced plants, goats, and pigs are killing off native plants. Many smaller reserves have been established, fenced off, and weeded of non – native species. A string of protected islands extends to the northeast of Mauritius. Round Island Nature Reserve (373 acres / 151 ha), 12 mi (20 km) offshore, is home to rare palms, boas, geckos, and seabirds that are bouncing back now that goats and rabbits have been eliminated. Rodriguez Island, 352 mi (568 km) to the east and just 10.5 mi (17 km) long, has lost three tortoises, two giant lizards, and 11 birds, including the huge, dodo – like Rodriguez solitaire. A fruit bat, fody, brush warbler, and some endemic plants barely survive. Newly established Grande Montagne Nature Reserve (86 acres / 35 ha) should help. Rodriguez has several small hotels and is connected to Mauritius by sea and air.
Background information; by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com
The fourth – largest island in the world (226,657 Sq. miles / 587,042 Sq. km), Madagascar, formerly known as the Malagasy Republic, is 975 mi (1,570 km) long. It lies 185 mi (300 km) east of Mozambique in the southwestern Indian Ocean. It contains an amazing diversity of landforms, climates, soils, flora, and fauna. The eastern and northern coasts are hot and rainy, the central highlands cool and pleasant much of the year. The west is drier, with an exotic spiny desert in the south. The rainy season is November through March. Most of the flora and fauna are endemic, as Madagascar split off from India and Africa tens of millions of years ago. Mammals include tenrecs, bats, rodents, small carnivores, and “primitive” primates called lemurs. The 10” (3 – m) tall elephant bird, weighing 1,100 Ib (500 kg), lived here until A.D. 1700. Of 250 bird species, 130 are endemic, and there are several endemic families. Madagascar hosts a high diversity of chameleons and geckos, and nearly all of its 150 amphibians and 270 reptiles are endemic. Three boa and seven iguana species live here, groups found elsewhere chiefly in Latin America. Flora (nearly 10,000 species) is about 80 percent endemic, and includes 1,000 species of orchids, 130 palms, 97 ebonies, and 9 baobabs (compared to only one in continental Africa). Some 85 percent of the native vegetation has been cleared, and only 2 percent of the country is in protected areas. With less and less habitat, wildlife is extremely endangered, and most experts view Madagascar as the number – one conservation priority in the world. Permits, obtainable in Tana, are required to visit most parks and special reserves. Most strict nature reserves are open only to scientists.
- THE CENTRAL HIGHLAND PLATEAU
Antananarivo, the capital (commonly called Tana), sprawls over 12 hills in the middle of a vast plateau that runs the length of the island and is punctuated with extinct volcanoes. Average elevations on the plateau are 2,600 – 5000” (800 – 1,500 m). Tana receives 53” (1,325 mm) of rain yearly, and has average highs of 68⁰F (20⁰C) in July and 81⁰F (27⁰C) in November. Nights may approach freezing in winter. Lemurs, reptiles, and a number of free – living native birds (including herons) can be seen around the gardens and the lake at the Tsimbazaza Zoo. Lake Alaotra, 110 miles (180 km) to the northeast, supports waterfowl and a lemur species. Ranomafana National Park (102,708 acres / 41,582 ha) lies on the central – plateau 255 mi (410 km) south of Tana. It is located near the town of the same name (which has lodging), about two hours by road from the highland city of Fianarantsoa. High rainfall feeds churning rivers flanked by virgin rainforest on steep slopes. This forest is home to Madagascar’s biggest carnivore, the cat – like fossa, and 11 lemur species, including the aye – aye, the red – bellied and red – fronted, all three bamboo – lemurs, and the diademed sifaka. Birds include the crested wood ibis, brown mesite, blue coua, velvet asity, and seven species of vanga shrikes.
- THE EAST COAST
The east coast has a long, narrow coastal plain backed by a chain of mountains that meets the edge of the central plateau. Moisture – laden northeastern winds are forced upward here, resulting in massive amounts of rainwater.Toamasina, the main port, gets 121” (3,025 mm) of rain, which falls year – round. Average highs are 75⁰F (24⁰C) in June and 86⁰F (30⁰C) in January. Mananara Nord National Park / Biosphere Reserve (56,800 acres / 23,000 ha) is a new coastal and marine park on the western entrance to Antongil Bay, north of Toamasina. Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve (1,284 acres / 520 ha) is a pristine island in Atongil Bay where the endangered nocturnal aye – aye and other lemurs are protected. Tourists can reach it via boat from Maroantsetra. Masoala National Park (618,000 acres / 250, 000 ha) is located on the Masoala Peninsula east of Nosy Mangabe Island and Maroantsetra and south of Antalaha (both of which have lodging). Its primary lowland rainforest, coastal forest, and mangroves are home to such rarities as the red ruffed lemur, helmet bird, and Madagascar serpent – eagle. Perinet – Analamazaotra Special Reserve (2,000 acres / 810 ha), 100 mi (160 km) east of Tana alongside the main Tana – Toamasina highway and railroad, has lodging. There are wide trails in tall rainforest with many lianas and palms. Among the nine lemur species that reside here is the indri, the largest lemur, which produces fabulous calls and is the main attraction. Among 70 species of birds are the Madagascar green pigeon, both black parrots, and the blue and the nuthatch vangas.
- THE NORTHWEST
Beautiful beaches rim the bays at the northern tip of the island around the town of Antsiranana (Diego Suarez). Twenty – five miles (40 km) to the southwest, Montagne d’ Ambre National Park (45,000 acres / 18, 200 ha) is reachable in the dry season by road. Its 19 mi (30 km) of sign – posted paths lead through a tall montane forest with an understory of palms and tree ferns. Beyond the marked trail, elevations reach 4,744” (1,446), and several scenic crater lakes dot the landscape. Among the park’s wildlife are Sanford’s brown lemur, the crowned lemur, and 54 of the island’s endemic birds. Just off the northwestern coast is the resort island of Nosy Be. At Hell – Ville, its main port, an airport, resorts, and a few cruise ships serve visitors. Lokobe Integral Nature Reserve (1,828 acres / 740 ha), in southeastern Nosy Be, protects the last block of forest on this island and has three species of lemurs. Five miles (8 km) south is Nosy Komba, an idyllic island where black lemurs commonly greet visitors at its small north – end village. Nosy Tanikely, another nearby islet, has great snorkeling, tidal pools, and fruit bats. The western coast of Madagascar has extensive reefs and mangrove forests. Mahajanga, located at the mouth of the Betsiboka River, is the main port city in the northwest. Sixty - six miles (106 km) southeast is Ankarafantsika Integral Nature Reserve (149,484 acres / 60,520 ha). Much of this reserve is closed to tourists, but visitors may explore trails around the adjacent Ampijora forest station. The paths cut through dense deciduous forests inhabited by woolly, mongoose, and brown lemurs, plus Coquerel’s race of Verreaux’sifaka. Bird species, include the crested wood ibis, the white – breasted mesite. Schlegel’s asity, and several couas (large cuckoos) and vangas. Madagascar herons, fish - eagles and jacanas congregate near lakes and rice paddies between here and Ampijora. Grand baobab forests survive in spots to the southwest.
- SOUTHERN MADAGASCAR
Receiving about 16” (400 mm) of rain annually, southern Madagascar is arid, with a long dry season. The native vegetation is of the spiny desert type, and includes water – storing plants like bottle trees (pygmy baobab), octopus trees, cactus – like euphorbias, and succulents. Taolanaro(Fort - Dauphin) is the main town on the southeastern coast. Berenty Private Reserve (618 acres / 250 ha), located 54 mi (87 km) westward, has overnight lodging. It protects remnants of spiny and riverside gallery forests. Visitors to the riverine forest are greeted by friendly ring – tailed lemurs and are likely to spot members of the white race of – Verreaux’s sifaka. Birds include sickle – billed and hook – billed vangas and four species of couas: the giant, crested, running, and Verreaux’s. The coastal city of Toliara (Tulear) is located on the Tropic of Capricorn in the southwest. The long – tailed ground – roller and the sub – desert mesite live in spiny forest near the resort of ifaty, 15 mi (24 km) in the north. Red – tailed tropicbirds nest on Nosy Ve islet off the town of Anakao, south of Toliara. Beza – Mahafaly Special Reserve, 80 mi (130 km) southeast of Toliara, protects 247 acres (100 ha) of riverine forest and 1,200 acres (500 ha) of spiny forest, home to the endangered radiated tortoise. The ring – tailed lemur and Verreaux’s sifaka live here and at Isalo National Park (201,404 acres / 81,540 ha), a hiker’s wonderland 150 mi (240 km) northeast of Toliara on the main highway to Tana near the town of Ranohira. Reaching 4,300” (1,300 m), the Isalo – Massif has crystal – clear pools, waterfalls, deep gorges, caves, and rock – clinging plants.
Background information; by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com
R’eunion’s main island (969 Sq. miles / 2,510 Sq. km) is 425 mi (685 km) east of Madagascar and 95 mi (160 km) southwest of Mauritius. Much of the coastline is steep cliffs; most beaches and a 6 – mi (10 – km) fringing reef are on the drier southwestern coast. Saint – Denis, the capital, is on the north coast. The rugged interior is dominated by great volcanoes, peaks, interior basins called cirques, waterfalls, and cliffs exceeding 3,300” (1,000 m). Roads to the resorts of Hell – bourg and Cilaos provide access to high – country trails. At 10,069” (3,070 m), Piton des Neiges, often snow – capped, is the tallest mountain in the Indian Ocean. Windward northeastern slopes receive 156” (3,900 mm) of rain, chiefly from November through April. Once covered with forest, R’eunion was home to the R’eunion dodo and a host of now – extinct birds and reptiles, including tortoises. Some 200 of the 500 flowering plants are endemic, but many are threatened by the 1,000 species of introduced plants that are spreading throughout the island. Among the surviving endemic birds are a stonechat, bulbul, white – eye; and cuckoo – shrike (rare); Barau’s petrel breeds high in the mountains. R’eunion also governs Ile Europa, Bassas da India, Juan de Nova, and the Iles Glorieuses west of Madagascar, plus Tromelin, north of R’eunion; these are all - coralline atolls, which are managed as reserves and host nesting seabirds and sea turtles.
Background information; by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com
The British colony of Saint Helena includes three (3) volcanic island groups in the southern Atlantic Ocean, on or near the mid – Atlantic Ridge.
- ASCENSION
This barren volcanic island of 34 Sq. miles (88 Sq. km) is covered with lava flows and 17 black or red craters, and has clumps of euphorbia and grasses. It lies 720 mi (1,160 km) northwest of Saint Helena. While the lowlands get only 6’’ (150 mm) of annual rain, 25” (625 mm) fall on Green Mountain, which rises to 2,817” (859 m). There are no endemic land birds or mammals on the island. The endemic Ascension frigatebird breeds only on Boatswain Island, a bird sanctuary, one of 14 inshore islets. About 100,000 seabirds breed around Ascension, including many sooty and white terns, boobies, and tropicbirds. The nearby seas have many dolphins, whales, sharks, and schools of 12” (30 – cm) piranha – like “blackfish.” There is a military airport, but no tourist facilities.
- SAINT HELENA
Great cliffs rise above the sea, interrupted by only two beaches, on this island of 47 Sq. miles (122 Sq.km), which lies 1,760 mi (2,840 km) northwest of Cape Town, South Africa. There is no airport, but ships call at Jamestown, the capital, which gets 8’’ (200 mm) of annual rain. The island is home to doves, mynas, waxbills, and weavers, all introduced, as are most plants on the island. Its offshore rocks have nesting red – billed tropicbirds, sooty and white terns, and two noddies. The plateau grasslands are home to the wirebird, a race of Kittlitz’s plover. The highlands enjoy a spring – like average temperature of 59⁰F (15⁰C) and receive up to 40” (1,000 mm) of annual rain, at its heaviest between June and August. The only native forests, home to many of the 50 endemic plants, are found on Diana’s Peak, High Peak, and Horse Ridge, where elevations reach 2,700” (823 m).
- TRISTAN DA CUNHA ISLANDS
Tristan da Cunha (38 Sq. miles / 98 Sq. km) is the only inhabited island in an archipelago of four main islands, isolated 1,550 mi (2,500 km) west of Cape Town. Edinburgh, the only settlement, is on a marrow plain backed by cliffs reaching up toward the main volcano, which at 7,086” (2160 m) elevation is snow – capped in winter (June through September). Annual rainfall is 50” (1,250 mm) at the coast. Vegetation consists of dense tussock grass, sedges, mosses, ferns, and the now – rare native buckthorn tree. While rats have taken the local songbirds, yellow – nosed and sooty albatrosses nest in the highlands.
- NIGHTINGALE ISLAND
Nightingale Island, 20 mi (32 km) south of Tristan da Cunha, and Inaccessible Island, 11 mi (18 km) northwest of Nightingale, are home to such endemics as two buntings, a thrush, and a rail. Millions of greater shearwaters breed on the two islands, along with petrels, prions, and other seabirds. Gough Island is a rugged, heavily wooded island rising to 2,913” (888 m), some 270 mi (435 km) southeast of Tristan da Cunha. Fur seals and southern elephant seals line the rocky beaches, while rockhopper penguins, wandering albatrosses, and giant petrels nest higher up. Gough has two endemic birds; a gallinule and a bunting.
Background information; by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com
These are the middle pair of four (4) islands formed by the Cameroon line of Volcanoes, which bisects the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean (they lie between Equatorial Guinea’s Bioko and Annobon islands). Their jagged peaks, lush vegetation, and beaches are reminiscent of Polynesia, minus the coral reefs. They lie 90 mi (150 km) apart: Principe is 130 mi (210 km) south – southwest of Bioko, while S’ao Tom’e is 136 mi (220 km) west of Gabon. Both islands have mean temperatures of 75 - 81⁰F (24 - 27⁰C) on the coast and are driest between June and August and during January and February. Moist southerly winds drop up to 200” (5,000 mm) of rain yearly in the mountains, with only 40” (1,000 mm) on the northern coasts. Plantations cover much of the former rainforests in the lowlands, while montane forest blankets the higher areas. Because of the rugged topography, one - third of each island still has virgin forest. Like the Galapagos, these islands never have been connected to a continent and are home to many endemic birds but no large land mammals. S’ao Tome Island (330 Sq. miles / 855 Sq. km) has 14 endemic birds, some still common around the capital of S’ao Tome. Many of the others are easily seen on trails above the pousada (inn) in the highlands above Nova Moca. A proposed park south of that area surrounds Pico Gago Coutinho (6,640” / 2,024 m). White - tailed tropicbirds with unusual yellow tails soar around the hills. Highly scenic Principe Island (42 Sq. miles / 109 Sq. km) has six endemic birds and many gray parrots. There should be a park around the virgin forests flanking Pico Papagaio (3,110” / 948 m) in the south. The underwater life around both islands is rich (whales frequent the waters), and marine reserves are needed.
Background information; by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com
This island republic in the western Indian Ocean lies roughly 1,000 mi (1,600 km) east of Tanzania. It is the world’s only oceanic archipelago of continental granitic origin, consisting of fragments of an ancient land area called Gondwanaland, which included Africa, India, Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica, and South America. The climate is hot and humid between December and May, cooler and drier between June and November. Average highs range from 75⁰ to 86⁰F (24 - 30⁰C). There are no large land mammals but vast numbers of birds. The few endemic birds and reptiles include some highly endangered species.
- THE INNER GRANITIC ISLANDS
The 43 rugged granitic islands at the heart of Seychelles are encircled by beaches and headlands. Rainforests, rich in palms, have been cleared from most lowlands but survive in mountain gullies. Victoria, the capital, is located on Mah’e, the largest island (58 Sq. miles / 150 Sq. km). Mah’es annual rainfall reaches 92” (2, 300 mm). At the botanical garden in town one can see the local fruit bat, kestrel, and sunbird, and some endemic flora. Off the northeastern and northwestern coasts are three (3) marine parks with coral reefs and snorkeling opportunities. Morne Seychellouis National Park (7,521 acres / 3,045 ha) protects the northern highlands, including mossy montane forest on the country’s highest peak( 2,993” /912 m). Almost all of Mah’e’s endemic plants inhabit this park, along with local species of scops owl, blue pigeon, and white – eye. Ferries, light aircraft, and cruises connect Mah’e with other islands. Praslin, sitting amid a cluster of Islets 25 mi (40 km) northeast of Mahe’, is the next largest island (7 Sq. miles / 18 Sq. km). Vall’ee de Mai Strict Nature Reserve/ World Heritage Site (45 acres / 18 ha), on the eastern side of Praslin, harbors six (6) endemic palm genera. The coco – de – mer boasts 40” (12 – m) leaves and a “double coconut” weighing up to 62 Ib (28 kg), the world’s largest seed. Wildlife includes the lesser black parrot, Seychelles blue pigeon, and Seychelles fruit bat. All of Cousin Island, just west of Praslin, is a special reserve (69 acres / 28 ha). It seasonally hosts 250,000 breeding seabirds; white and bridled terns, brown and black noddies, the white – tailed tropicbird, and two shearwaters. The island’s residents include the Seychelles brush warbler, Seychelles fody, giant tortoises, land crabs, sea turtles, skinks, and geckos. Curieuse Marine National Park (740 acres / 300 ha), less than a mile off Praslin, protects Curieuse Island and its surrounding waters, mangrove swamps, and coral colonies. About 300 giant tortoises lumber about, and lesser black parrots fly to and fro. To the north, Aride Island is a special reserve of 150 acres (61 ha). Up to 1 million seabirds breed here between April and October; among them are 250,000 lesser noddies and six tern species, including rare roseate terns. The island is also a nesting spot for hawks bill turtles and the permanent home of Seychelles brush warblers. La Digue, just east of Praslin, is known for white – sand beaches framed by monumental boulders and for the Black Paradise – fly Catcher Reserve (20 acres / 8 ha). Frigate Island (500 acres / 200 ha), 25 mi (40 km) southeast, is the last stronghold of a very rare magpie – robin.
- THE OUTER CORALINE ISLANDS
Beyond the Seychelles granitic isles are 72 far – flung coralline islands, consisting of Sandy Cays, atolls, and raised limestone. Covered with scrub – forest or coconut plantations, some are important seabird and sea turtle nesting sites. Birds Island, 60 mi (97 km) northwest of Mah’e, has an airstrip and lodge. White terns nest in the trees, while 1 million sooty terns breed in the dunes between May and November. Most of the rest of the outer islands lie along necklaces to the south. Desnouefs, 200 mi (325 km) southwest of Mah’e, hosts masked boobies, brown noddies, and 2 million sooty terns. Aldabra Atoll Strict Nature Reserve / World Heritage Site (86,500 acres / 35,000 ha) lies 600 mi (1,000 km) southwest of Mah’e and 250 mi (400 km) northwest of Madagascar. One of the largest coral atolls in the world (22 mi / 35 km long), it is formed of raised limestone isles fringed with mangroves, scrub forest, and grassland surrounding a large tidal lagoon. It is home to 150,000 Aldabra giant tortoises, endemic species of fruit bat, brush warbler, drongo, and green gecko, and endemic subspecies of the sacred ibis, flightless white – throated rail, and several Madagascar birds. Among its vast colonies of nesting seabirds are the red – footed booby, red – tailed and white – tailed tropic birds, and greater and lesser frigatebirds.
