Photographer (above images): Andrew Howard
In July 2007 North Island, Seychelles was the recipient of 25 Seychelles White-eyes, a bird species that at the time was regarded by the IUCN as Critically Endangered with a global population of some 350 birds.
The introduction of the Seychelles White-eye to North Island has helped the recovery of the species overall, with approximately 400 White-eyes total today. This increase has been mirrored on North Island where the birds have bred successfully each year since introduction.
In May 2008 at least 15 fledglings were confirmed as additions to the founding population and nine of these were later ringed by the Environmental Team to monitor their development and population trends. The team was thrilled when Andre LaBiche from ICS (Island Conservation Society), a partner in this conservation endeavor, recently visited the island to follow up on the latest crop of youngsters. He was able to ring no fewer than 19 birds born on the island since reintroduction.
It is estimated that about 40 young birds live on the island now. Added to the founder population, this amounts to over 60+ birds, making the introduction of the Seychelles White-eye to North Island an unqualified success.
North Island's 11 private villas are fully inclusive, from Euro €1835 per person per night (double occupancy). For more details see North Island, Seychelles, or contact Megan Bryant at 1-800-999-1758.
Cox & Kings Indian Ocean Journeys.
Cox & Kings Indian Ocean Online Brochure.
More on the Seychelles White-eye (Wikipedia).
Comments