Aride Island – An Incredible and Unique Place!

​My name is Russell Brown and I am a zoology student from England, studying in Cornwall. As part of my master’s, I had the opportunity to come out to Aride Island specifically to study the mice here. I aimed to gather information that would help estimate their population on the island, as well as study their home ranges. I was here during the gap between my third and fourth years of study to collect data for the research project.

​How We Conducted the Research
My research was based on a previous study, and I used the same methodology for consistency. However, instead of three locations, I extended the research to four. Each night for eight weeks, 25 traps were set. Over the course of the study, a total of 1,350 traps were deployed. Altogether, we caught 392 mice—many of which were recaptured—as we had marked 104 individuals across the four locations. Other animals were also caught in the traps, including crabs, lizards, and millipedes, but the vast majority were mice.

Why This Research Is Important
Aride is home to many ground-nesting birds, including the White-tailed Tropicbird, Brown Noddies, and Shearwaters. It is currently unknown whether mice prey on their eggs or those of smaller species such as skinks. The first step in determining this is to estimate the number of mice on the island and understand how far an individual travels from its home. The information gained from this study could help guide future conservation efforts, including the potential eradication of mice from Aride, as this species was accidentally introduced by humans.

Of Boat Rides and Helicopters
While on Aride, I also assisted with the Sooty Tern census, cared for Aldabra Giant Tortoises, and excavated hatched Green Turtle nests—something I’m quite experienced in due to previous work on a turtle project. I was also heavily involved in launching the boat and other day-to-day tasks. At this time of year, leaving the island and taking trips to Praslin is an adventure. You can get knocked around by the waves and have to hold on tight. Being ‘airborne’ in the boat is my idea of heaven and was a highlight of my time on Aride. Another incredible experience was when a helicopter was used to airlift materials between a visiting barge and the island. Pulling straps off equipment while a helicopter hovers 20 metres above you is a truly unique feeling!
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Life on the Island
In my spare time, one of my favourite things to do was explore and photograph the wildlife and scenery. Capturing the perfect shot of a bird in flight is incredibly rewarding! I never expected to stay for over two months on a nature reserve island—especially not during the Southeast monsoon—so when the opportunity came up, I had to take it. It has been an absolute honour to work alongside the incredible people who dedicate themselves to making the island a sanctuary for all kinds of wildlife, whether birds, reptiles, invertebrates, or plants. All of this comes together to make Aride Island an incredible and truly unique place!