 ICS staff Jean-Pierre Barrallon, PhD student Wendy Buquet from the University of La Réunion, Professor Thierry Pailler and Botanist Dr. Bruno Senterre. A young Seychellois scientist is helping to shine new light on one of the Indian Ocean’s most remarkable botanical treasures. Wendy Buquet, born to Seychellois parents and raised in France, has dedicated her postgraduate scientific career to uncovering the hidden diversity of orchids across the Indian Ocean. After completing a Bachelor of Science and two Master’s degrees, she moved to La Réunion to pursue a PhD at the Université de la Réunion. Her research focuses on collecting and analysing rare and exotic orchids using molecular tools that may confirm, or even reveal, species previously unknown to science. Working under the supervision of botanist Professor Thierry Pailler, Buquet has already collected specimens from La Réunion and Madagascar. Her early results have been impressive, with analyses leading to the discovery of five new orchid species from La Réunion. The Seychelles orchids Seychelles is home to several species of orchids – most of which have been introduced for their vibrant and ornamental values. There are at least 10 endemic and native orchids spread out across the archipelago, with Silhouette being one of the hotspots for these rare and fragile species. With the support of several partners, including the Islands Development Company (IDC) and the Island Conservation Society (ICS), Buquet recently visited the Seychelles, and her itinerary included a visit to Silhouette to find more orchids. On this three-day expedition, which included visits to areas of known high endemism, such as Anse Mondon and Mont Dauban, she was guided by Dr. Bruno Senterre, a Botanist and Lecturer at the University of Seychelles, and Jean-Pierre Barrallon, the Assistant Conservation Officer with ICS. On the quest for orchids On the first day of the expedition, the team set off from La Passe into the dense forests of Jardin Marron, where they encountered their first orchid: ‘Orkid lerb koko’ (Agrostophyllum occidentale), an indigenous species with distinct, flattened, grass-like leaves. The following morning, the group prepared for a strenuous ascent toward Mont Dauban, carrying camping gear for a night on steep, rocky ground. The trail, long closed and reclaimed by vegetation, offered little mercy. Slippery slopes, thick vines, and constant scrambling made for a gruelling climb in which falling was almost routine. “The fieldwork on Silhouette was both demanding and incredibly enriching. The terrain was steep, muddy, slippery, and clearly plotting against us, but it brought us constant laughter and memorable moments,” says Buquet. Reaching Mont Plaisir, the lookout before Mont Dauban, the team recorded their second specimen: ‘Orkid kolibri’ (Phaius tetragonus), a tall ground orchid with brownish flowers, believed to be native to the Comoros and the Mascarenes. Pressing onward, the team finally entered the upper montane forest, one of Seychelles’ last largely untouched habitats. Endemic trees of ‘Bwa rouz’ (Dillenia ferruginea) dominated the misty heights, draped in mosses, pitcher plants, and orchids perched high on their branches. The forest occasionally opened to reveal sweeping views of Grande Barbe far below. As evening settled over the ridge and after nearly ten hours of climbing, the exhausted group pitched camp beneath the dense canopy. The forest of Mont Dauban soon came alive with the calls of hundreds of sooglossid frogs, the chirping of crickets, and the soft rustle of branches overhead — an otherworldly soundtrack as the temperature dropped sharply despite the tropical setting. By 5:30 a.m., the first light filtering through the trees signalled the continuation of the search for orchids. Upon reaching the slopes and rocky outcrops of Anse Mondon Valley, the group was welcomed by dense clusters of orchids in full bloom. These included the Seychelles national flower, ‘Orkid payanke’ (Angraecum eburneum), the vibrantly purple ‘Orkid fler de kouler’ (Polystachya rosea), and the delicate endemic ‘Orkid leo’ (Goodyera sechellarum). By the end of the expedition, the team had gathered a total of eleven orchid specimens. Growing up, Barallon remembers that introduced orchids were common in local gardens, but that the expedition to look for the rare and wild ones was “completely different and an eye-opening experience”. “Orchids that are endemic to Seychelles are rarely seen, and encountering them in their natural habitat left me genuinely amazed,” he said. Adding that “their elegance and subtle beauty are remarkable- true hidden gems of our islands.”
The search goes on
To the young scientist Buquet, this visit to Silhouette ‘was deeply meaningful.’ “It allowed me to realize just how rare and threatened orchids are in the Seychelles,” says Buquet, adding that “seeing their vulnerability in the wild has only strengthened my determination to continue this work with even greater commitment.” She adds that “protecting these remarkable species now feels more urgent and motivating than ever.” Although orchids were the main focus of the expedition, the group could not ignore several rare plants of Seychelles, which were enthusiastically pointed out by Dr. Bruno Senterre. These included the near-threatened endemic Bwadnat (Mimusops sechellarum) and Bouskiya (Trilepisium madagascariense), an indigenous species found only on Silhouette. They also documented, for the first time on Silhouette, the semi-parasitic Bwa manrmay (Viscum triflorum), a species associated with traditional medicine and believed to “vanish” after being spotted. The search for orchids continues for Buquet, with future expeditions planned on other islands of Seychelles, as well as a visit to the Comoros. Her research not only promises valuable scientific discoveries but also offers inspiration for future generations of Seychellois scientists to pursue careers in botany - a field that often receives far less attention than it deserves.
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In the Seychelles outer islands, a small island is quietly becoming the stage for something remarkable. On Île Plate, two adult Red-billed Tropicbirds (Phaethon aethereus), a seabird species rarely confirmed as breeding in this region, have successfully nested and raised a chick, marking what appears to be the first documented nesting of this species not only on Île Plate, but in Seychelles. A small island with big ambition Île Plate lies about 130 km south of Mahé in the Southern Coral Group of the Outer Islands of Seychelles. It covers approximately 0.578 km², measuring roughly 1.3 km in length and 0.55 km at its widest point. A tiny stretch of land you could explore end-to-end in under 20 minutes. Île Plate has a long and complex history of human use. In 1828, it was first proposed as an isolation site for people with leprosy. A decade later, in 1838, the British administration took over the island as a quarantine station for visiting ships. However, its distance from Mahé soon made Long Island a more practical location. By the 1840s, Île Plate held enough guano to justify excavation, an activity that continued into the early 20th century. In the decades that followed, the island also suffered severe turtle poaching to the point that one part of the island became known as the “turtle graveyard”. These pressures, combined with the introduction of invasive alien species such as cats, rats, and castor oil plants, left the island’s ecosystems heavily degraded. In 2024, the Island Conservation Society (ICS) officially opened a Conservation Centre on the island to promote the conservation, protection, and restoration of its ecosystems. Since then, alongside the long-term monitoring programs for species and ecosystems, ICS has been leading an island restoration program with support from its partners, the Island Development Company (IDC) and Waldorf Astoria Hotel.  The birds arrive and nest. The Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaeton aethereus), or ‘Payanke Labek Rouz’ in Creole, is one of three tropicbird species found across tropical oceans, alongside the White-tailed (‘Payanke Lake Blan’) and Red-tailed Tropicbirds (‘Payanke Lake Rouz’). Unlike the White-tailed Tropicbird, which inhabits both inner and outer islands, and the Red-tailed Tropicbird, which is most common in the Aldabra group, the Red-billed Tropicbird is a rare sight in Seychelles. Historically, only about 20 sightings of the Red-billed Tropicbird have been recorded in Seychelles, with individuals sometimes lingering for months on Bird Island. However, breeding had never before been confirmed —until now! Globally, the species is listed on the IUCN Red List as Least Concern, with an estimated population of 16,000-30,000 mature individuals. However, the population trend is declining due to invasive alien species, habitat loss, and the effects of climate change. Their nesting habits—often in ground scrapes or cliff cavities—make them especially vulnerable to rats and feral cats. Restoration, refuge, and renewal Why does this nest matter? Because it speaks of hope. The confirmed nesting of Red-billed Tropicbird on Île Plate is a significant sign of recovery. Restoration efforts on Île Plate involve removing invasive plants and re-establishing native vegetation to stabilise sand, create habitat, and safeguard the shoreline. Predator control has been a priority, reducing threats to ground-nesting birds like tropicbirds. The ICS conservation centre now allows year-round monitoring of marine and terrestrial ecosystems and species, ensuring data-driven management rather than reactive responses. The restoration actions on Île Plate are steadily transforming the island into a haven for wildlife. The successful nesting of the Red-billed Tropicbird joins other recent successes, including confirmed breeding of Red-tailed Tropicbirds and Wedge-tailed Shearwaters (‘Fouke-de-Zil’).
A milestone for Seychelles' biodiversity
“This breeding record is more than just a milestone,” said Emma Mederic, Senior Science and Conservation Officer at ICS. “It’s proof that sustained island restoration, invasive species control, and careful management are making a tangible difference, not just that, but through collaboration as well.” For Île Plate, this first recorded nesting is significant. It shows that island-restoration efforts can produce substantial ecological benefits, encouraging species that previously visited only occasionally to establish breeding populations. In the broader context of global biodiversity goals- Target 2 (ecosystem restoration), Target 6 (invasive species control), and Target 3 (conservation of land, waters and seas), Île Plate provides a living example of what dedicated action can achieve. Looking ahead: vigilance and promise Despite this success, Île Plate’s future is shaped by climate challenges. With an elevation of just three metres above sea level, the island remains vulnerable to sea-level rise, storm surges, and reef degradation. The presence of a sensitive breeding seabird heightens the urgency. Conservation and restoration must remain consistent: predator control, potential invasive species eradication, and adaptive management guided by continuous data collection. |
