ICS wages war on feral cats, chickens and rats on Alphonse, soon to extend to other Islands11/2/2025 ![]() When people first started to settle on the Outer Islands, they also brought with them—albeit sometimes inadvertently—invasive species such as rats. They also brought cats for company and chickens as a food source. Today, these same species are causing a rampage on the biodiversity of our islands, creating an urgent need for eradication. Because of human activities it is common nowadays to hear a rooster crowing at dawn on several Outer Islands of the Seychelles. While this is very traditional, for conservation however, domesticated animals gone wild and pests such as rats are not necessarily ideal in these circumstances as they can have devastating effect on the biodiversity of these islands. Alphonse has been assessing and implementing measures to protect existing biodiversity on the island against such wild animals and pests since 2007, and today we take a look at proceedings there to eradicate existing threats through the lens of the Island Conservation Society (ICS) the "guardian of the custodian" on the island. “Whilst we get large numbers of roosting seabirds, our breeding populations have always been small with low success rate,” states Conservation Officer, Jack Coupland. Conservationists believe that this could be a result of the high incidences of predators such as cats and rats on the island. Both cats and rats are incredibly adept predators as they are known to climb up trees to take down fledglings, grappling them off their perch before forcing them to the ground and consuming them. Similarly, chickens are also considered invasive since they compete for the same source of food as small reptiles, and share the same habitat as ground-breeding species and their foraging habit disrupts the ecosystem. In 2024, it was estimated that the main island of Alphonse had a population of around 400 chickens and over 30 cats. To curtail this, ICS and its partners on the island have for the past seven months employed a full time staff to help with the eradication efforts of both feral cats and chickens. According to Coupland, so far, the team have exterminated 21 cats and over 200 chickens on Alphonse Island. ICS is also ramping up a combination of baiting, scent marking, and specific attracting calls to successfully eliminate the remaining cats and chickens in the most humane way possible. Already regular trapping of rats around the island using passive baiting stations has proved successful on the existing colony of Wedge-tailed shearwater, a seabird species that dig burrows underground to lay eggs. Since the introduction of active pest control on Alphonse in 2017, the population of this species have been growing exponentially. This is great news, not just for the species, but for the island as a whole, as seabirds transfer huge amounts of nutrients from the sea to land – known as the marine subsidy – that then trickles down through the ecosystem benefiting a wide range of species, including the coral reefs and reef fish. Eradication of cats, chickens, and rats may seem heartless but there is a much larger mission at stake for Conservationists: preventing them from traveling to other islands in the Group; namely St Francois atoll, where coconut crabs and other ground-dwelling species are in abundance. The atoll is currently one of the rare places in Seychelles which is ‘predator-free’. Total elimination of all three species however will take time and is already proven to be very costly for Alphonse Island which has a land area of 165 hectares made up of dense coconut trees and ferns. The ongoing efforts on Alphonse are estimated to cost ICS upwards of 20,000 USD monthly and over 50,000 USD annually. However, this is a small cost compared to the long-term cumulative damages inflicted by predatory species and ICS has plans to introduce similar vigorous eradication projects on other islands. Already, Desroches Island has benefitted through a SeyCCAT-funded project, where sophisticated rat traps have been installed to protect its Shearwater colony. The devices do not need to be checked every day, automatically share the number of kills they have completed via Bluetooth to the Conservation Officer’s phone. Coupled with this, ICS and its partners through the Islands Development Company (IDC) are actively trapping rats, and an astounding 300 rats are killed per month. However, cats and chickens remain loose on the island and their total population is still uncertain. Similarly, on Ile Plate, there is ongoing trapping of rats, but the estimated over 200 chickens and at least 20 cats are not being targeted. A short bout of two months of active shooting and baiting by ICS resulted in reducing the population of both chickens and cats by half. The same cannot be said for bigger islands such as Farquhar Atoll which covers an area of about 17,800 hectares. A massive project would be required to eradicate cats and chickens on the Atoll. Hence, ICS and its partners are only passively baiting for rats and cats, but lacks the resources and funds to aggressively eradicate them. The same applies to Silhouette island, the largest terrestrial National Park of Seychelles – home to the rarest and smallest bats in the world, the endemic Seychelles Sheath-tailed bats (Coleura seychellensis or Sousouri bannann) – where gains have been slow and hard-won. Cats have been seen preying on these small bats that live in caves not far from the human population. Active trappings around the roost and around the island are targeting both rats and cats which their effect on the biodiversity cannot be underestimated. Through careful management, key predators are slowly being removed on several islands. ICS’ efforts to control the population of cats, rats, and chickens and eventually eradicate them completely from Alphonse is proof that this process is an arduous one.
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Seychelles declared protective status for sea turtles in 1994. Despite conservation efforts to prevent exploitation and consumption, their numbers have dwindled on the Inner Islands. However, on the Outer Islands, such as Ile Plate, the sea turtle population is not just surviving – it’s thriving. Of the two species of sea turtles that nest in Seychelles, the Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), listed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as critically endangered globally, has seen a remarkable recovery. In 2024, a milestone of 317 nests and over 600 hatchlings were recorded on Ile Plate alone. The Green sea turtle population on the outer islands has also flourished, with impressive nesting numbers throughout the year. Thanks to the dedicated conservation efforts of the Islands Conservation Society (ICS) and its partners, Ile Plate has become a sanctuary for these remarkable creatures, where sightings are a daily occurrence. It’s a turtle! Every day at dawn, the ICS conservation team led by Diary and Saddiqua patrols the pristine beaches of Ile Plate, recording sightings and documenting sea turtle tracks. These tracks provide vital information, allowing the team to identify the species estimate the number of nesting females emerging on Ile Plate, and determine whether eggs have been laid. An unsuccessful egg-laying turtle - which could have been spooked by something or did not find the right spot to lay its egg - would probably come back that same day. After almost 6 months of doing at least 1 hour and 30 minutes -walk around Ile Plate, the excitement of spotting a female turtle nesting has not worn off. On Ile Plate, this can happen once to three times a day and sometimes at night! “We can be having lunch and suddenly someone might spot a turtle nesting. And we will be called in,’ says Diary. When a turtle is spotted nesting, the team swiftly moves into action. They wait for the turtle to complete her nest, then mark the nest with a GPS point and write on the coconut the information necessary, including the number of nests, dates and species. They also tag the turtle if it does not have a metallic tag providing a number, island and country for future identification. If the nest is at risk of being washed away by rising tides, the eggs are carefully relocated to safer ground. The highest number of eggs counted so far was 206 and the minimum was 69. A delicate operation for a team of two that can take 1 hour to 1 hour and a half!
The hypothesis
A permanent team of conservationists arrived on Ile Plate in August this year. Before then, the data on sea turtles were collected by visiting conservationists or the staff of Waldorf Astoria or Island Development Company (IDC) on the island. The increase in turtle activity and the number of new turtles tagged in 2024 confirm that Ile Plate is a critical haven for sea turtles. Many of these turtles have not been previously monitored elsewhere in Seychelles, highlighting the unique importance of the island for conservation. So far, the data of 2024, confirms previous suggestions by Conservationists in Seychelles, that Ile Plate could be an important nesting ground for the two sea turtle species. Another 12 months of monitoring by ICS will accentuate this hypothesis and provide more reliable data on both species. Good news for sea turtles For visitors to Ile Plate, with its newly opened luxurious Waldorf Astoria hotel, seeing a sea turtle is one of the perks of being on this island. For conservationists, each sighting is a chance to create more awareness of the plight of this species that could go extinct in just a few more years. It is also an opportunity to educate others on the dangers this species faces as they navigate the high sea against pollution, constant poaching, habitat loss, etc. In addition to this, the data on Ile Plate is something for conservationists to boast about. The long-term data adds up to Seychelles’ conservation success in its efforts to protect this species. It also creates the impetus for the monitoring protocols to be duplicated in other islands where sea turtles are not as abundant. The success story of the Ile Plate offers a glimmer of hope for the global standing of both the Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill (Eretomochelys imbricata) suggesting that small, protected ecosystem can help preserve species at risk of extinction. Yellow Crazy Ants, or YCA (Anoplolepis gracilipes), were first identified on Mahe in the 1960s and a decade later on Praslin. In 2009, they gained more notoriety as an invasive species, posing a threat to two Nature Reserve on Praslin: the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Vallée de Mai, and Fond Peper. With their unique zigzagging movement, YCAs have an effective method of infesting areas by hitching rides with humans or any other means of transportation, allowing them to travel long distances and form super colonies with one or more queens. Additionally, this long-legged ant uses formic acid to paralyze and kill other species, regardless of their size. These characteristics render this species difficult if not impossible, to eradicate. In 2023, following a possible identification, ICS introduced mandatory surveys to detect the presence of YCA on all of the six islands/atolls with a permanent presence. Following this, three islands - Alphonse, Desroches and Farquhar – confirmed the presence of YCA, prompting the Conservation NGO into action. Desroches Island On Desroches, the team identified YCAs in an area close to the tortoise sanctuary. This was immediately demarcated, and bait stations with small portions of jam were placed throughout the infested zone. Global Positioning System (GPS) points were taken to monitor eradication progress. By November 2024, the team had not recorded any more YCA on the island. “We acted quickly and effectively, and with the help of our partners, we have so far been able to prevent a re-introduction of YCA,” states Elisabeth Hein, the Conservation Officer on Desroches Island. However, the team is still cautious of a reintroduction through regular boats or flights that arrive on the island and remains vigilant in their monitoring of YCAs on the island. Farquhar atoll Farquhar Atoll presented a different challenge due to the extent of the infestation of YCA. Under the leadership of Seychellois Conservation Officer Priya Didon, the ICS team deployed jam bait alongside additional baits, such as Hymenopthor and Fipronil in heavily infested areas on Ile Du Nord where the human population lives. A colony of the Red-footed Booby (Sula sula) – a seabird species nesting on Ile Du Nord– was especially vulnerable given its proximity to the infested areas. Other small uninhabited islands of the atoll have so far remained unscathed. With the infested area demarcated, the team has so far deployed over 700 jam-baiting station on Ile Du Nord. “We are focusing on areas where the presence of YCA is confirmed. Other than that, we only use jam to check for their presence,” Didon states. However, heavy rainfall has hindered their progress, and the team is eager to get the situation under control. Alphonse Group On Alphonse, YCA was first detected in 2018 and more recently, has been spreading rapidly. Last year, the team launched a rigorous survey to identify the most infested areas on Alphonse, the main island in the group. According to the Conservation Officer Jack Coupland, the team deployed over 1,168 jam traps out of which 100 had one or more YCA in it. “The broad-scale baiting has helped us to identify areas where the ants are present. Now we are streamlining our efforts into a more localized bait deployment which will significantly reduce the population of YCA in a short period,” states Coupland. ICS is also relying on the expertise of its partners, including the hotels on the respective islands and the Islands Development Company (IDC) in this rigorous exercise which will also include using pesticides in areas where there are human residences and minimal risks to biodiversity. “This is a long-term eradication that will take different methods and concerted efforts by all the partners,’ adds Coupland. Aride Island Although Alphonse, Desroches and Farquhar, are the only islands with confirmed YCA infestations, ICS remains vigilant. Monthly surveys are now mandatory for all Conservation Centers, including Aride Island, a Special Nature Reserve which welcomes daily visitors from other islands. “We have amped up our biosecurity measures in view that there is a serious threat of YCA coming on Aride from Praslin,” states Emma Cotton, the Assistant Conservation Officer on Aride Island. “All visitors to the island are encouraged to bring as little as possible and should they disembark with bags, these are thoroughly searched for ants and other pests.” She adds that these measures will hopefully keep the ants away from the island which is an important nesting place for various species of seabirds. The impact of Yellow Crazy Ants (YCA) on biodiversity cannot be overstated, and the human and financial resources required for successful eradication are substantial. The control methods and protocols applied on islands with confirmed YCA infestations by ICS, demonstrate that only sustained commitment and significant investment can lead to their eradication. After years of relying on small backup generators, Aride Island has made a transformative leap towards sustainability by installing a state-of-the-art solar Photo-Voltaic plant. This milestone project, made possible through generous donations from ICS’s international partners, including the Cadbury Trust, the Bower Trust, and ICS (UK), marks a significant step forward in energy self-sufficiency and the island’s conservation obligations.
Previously dependent on intermittent generator power, the Island Conservation Society (ICS) staff and residents now benefit from 24/7 clean energy. The new solar setup is a 3-phase 42 kWp plant of 99 solar panels, 18 kW of battery inverters, and 92 kWh of lithium-ion battery storage. Anthony Bentley, Reserve Manager at Aride, highlights the dramatic improvements: "Our lives have changed dramatically. We used to rely on generators with continuous issues, limited to just 10 hours of power daily—noon to 2 PM and 6 PM to 2 AM. Now, we enjoy full nights of uninterrupted sleep with ceiling fans running, and no one needs to wake up at 2 AM to turn off the generator!" The benefits extend beyond comfort: fully functioning fridges and freezers ensure that perishable food stays fresh, and chilled drinks are readily available. “The quality of life has improved significantly,” Bentley adds. The plant supplied and installed over five days by local Seychellois-owned company Energy Solutions Seychelles, promises longevity with solar panels expected to last 25 years, lithium-ion batteries and inverters for up to 15 years. To maximize efficiency, a climate-controlled room now houses the batteries and inverters, ensuring optimal performance through regular maintenance. The next big sustainability project on Aride is the installation of its first desalination plant. Currently, drinking water is transported from Praslin, but plans are underway to install a desalination plant, providing the island with a self-sufficient, potable water supply. This solar initiative is more than a technological upgrade; it embodies Aride Special Reserve’s commitment to environmental stewardship, ensuring that this pristine natural reserve remains a beacon of sustainability for generations to come. 2024 was a year for birds due to the sheer volume of sightings across Seychelles. These birds often migrate from Europe and Central Asia to Africa, with some stopping on the islands to rest or sometimes they are blown off course. Each observation contributes to a growing archive for Seychelles which is maintained by the Seychelles Bird Records Committee (SBRC). This long-term data helps to build our understanding of the migratory patterns and supports conservation efforts for these species, many of which face threats worldwide.
![]() Aride Island Special Nature Reserve is renowned as an important seabird colony site in the Indian Ocean, boasting the largest population of several seabird species globally. Yet, this year, it was a tree species unique to the island that captured the spotlight: the Rothmannia annae, commonly known as the Wright’s Gardenia or ‘Bwa sitron’ in Creole. Wright’s Gardenia is endemic to Aride, meaning this small granitic inner Island of Seychelles of approximately 72 hectares, is the only place where this plant species occurs naturally in the world. This extremely limited geographical distribution means that the tree is classified as Critically Endangered and is featured on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In the past, this sturdy wood was harvested for firewood and hence in the late 1990s and early 2000 it became rare and then disappeared on all the islands of Seychelles, except for Aride. The protection of this species has always been important for the Island Conservation Society (ICS) - which manages Aride Island, not only for aesthetics but also for biodiversity conservation. The Wright’s Gardenia has arguably, one of the most spectacular and scented flowers amongst the endemic trees of Seychelles. The white flowers tinged with tiny dots of purple and magenta has been immortalized on the 25 rupee note of Seychelles and stamps of Seychelles. The fruit itself is not a lemon or “sitron’ as its Creole name suggests, as - although folkloric says it is edible – it does not have many purpose in the local cuisine. Albeit its lack of purposeful use in modern times, ICS have collaborated with many organisations and individuals to reintroduce this endemic plant species on other islands. Hence, the Wright’s Gardenia can be spotted on islands such as Fregate, Silhouette and even on Praslin and Mahé. On Aride, the Wright’s Gardenia grows best in rocky, nutrient-poor soil, mostly around the highest parts of the island. Every five to seven years a detailed census is undertaken to locate and tag each tree growing on the island. This year, it took a team of eight staff and volunteers, 272 hours to find all the trees through dense foliage and challenging terrain. Once a Wright’s Gardenia tree is found, it is given a metal tag with its number on it, or if it is an old one, its tag number is recorded. A GPS point is recorded so the spread of the species across the island over time can be charted. Its height is also recorded, and any surrounding saplings, fruits and seedlings are counted. The result was astounding: a total of 2,913 trees, nearly 1,000 more trees than found in the last census in 2017. Some trees had over 1,000 seedlings, which indicates that this species is thriving on the island. Gemma Reflects: The Challenges and Rewards of Volunteering on Aride Island, Special Reserve10/1/2025
My name is Naila Vidot, and I am a young assistant ranger from Desroches Island. I have always been passionate about the ocean, the environment, and various animal species. Since a young age, I knew that my future career would have to align with these passions. As the renowned author Mark Twain once said, “Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
My journey began when I started watching environmental documentaries in my spare time after school. And, I later enrolled in the Maritime Academy, where I pursued a two-year course in fisheries science and technology. Upon completing the program, I aspired to further my knowledge in the environmental field at the Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, I could not secure a position there. During my first year at the Maritime Academy, I completed a two-month work-based attachment with the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA) in the Ste. Anne Marine National Park, where my daily duties included patrolling and monitoring. This experience was invaluable for a young learner like me. At 19, I am embarking on a new chapter of my life as I move out of my parent’s home for the first time. This opportunity will not only allow me to build my confidence and social skills but also provide me with a chance to gain valuable experience in the environmental field. With the knowledge and skills, I acquire, I am confident that I can share my passion for the environment with my peers and my seven-year-old brother, who has recently developed an interest in wildlife. Joining the ICS and visiting the Outer Islands of Seychelles, have always been a cherished aspiration of mine. Consequently, when the opportunity arose to join the Desroches team, it felt like achieving a dual objective. I am therefore confident that my experience on Desroches will be an exceptionally enriching one; especially since joining Lisa and James. On my fifth day of joining the team, I had the privilege of accompanying them on their nightly ‘Wedge-tailed Shearwater’ breeding census, an ongoing project undertaken by the ICS. This provided me with the opportunity to witness my first nesting shearwater. Additionally, I had the delightful experience of feeding our renowned giant tortoises during the day. So far, my time on Desroches has been a truly memorable one. I strongly encourage young individuals and anyone else to volunteer and participate in any environmental or wildlife activities scheduled shortly. This will allow them to gain a first-hand understanding of the awe-inspiring nature of being surrounded by the environment and the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit our islands. I fervently hope that more people will have the opportunity to experience island life and turn their dreams into reality. ![]() At just 21, Saddiqua Fanny-Al-Abdulla has chosen a path that few young women would consider—becoming a conservation ranger on remote islands in the Seychelles. Her journey began after secondary school when she enrolled at the Maritime Academy, choosing to pursue her passion for the ocean and conservation over more traditional career options. “I had done 5 months of work based attachment on Cousin Island, and that opened my eyes to what conservation really entails," Saddiqua says. The experience solidified her desire to work in conservation, particularly on secluded islands. After completing her studies, she secured a position as a ranger on Cousin Island, where she worked for 3 months. This early exposure helped Saddiqua gain valuable experience, particularly in terrestrial conservation. Her second chance to work on another island came through a transformative 9-month internship on Fregate Island where, she had the unique opportunity to deepen her expertise in the terrestrial field, focusing on turtle monitoring, habitat rehabilitation, and wildlife monitoring, including birds, invertebrates, and reptiles. She then completed a Marine Scholarship programme with WiseOceans on Mahe where she gained hands on experience in Marine Conservation through reef surveys, CoralWatch, Invertebrate Surveys and Seagrass monitoring. Earlier this year, she joined the Island Conservation Society (ICS), and her first assignment was on Aride Island. Saddiqua embraced the challenge. “The highlight of my stay on Aride was being able to do Seychelles Magpie Robin monitoring again," she shares, because it is one of her favourite birds. Her time there, however, was brief, and soon she was posted to Ile Platte, a more remote island where ICS had recently established a new conservation center. The first view of Ile Platte's lagoon from the plane amazed Saddiqua. “I was intrigued and itching to explore it,” she recalls. Since arriving, Saddiqua has immersed herself in both marine and terrestrial conservation efforts. The island’s lagoon is rich in marine biodiversity, and Saddiqua’s team has already identified five species of rays and two species of sharks, among other creatures. At high tide, she switches her focus to terrestrial work, which includes monitoring tortoises and birds and collecting important data for national conservation records. Working alongside the Island Development Company (IDC) and with the island's hotel staff, Saddiqua finds no shortage of things to do. Her love for nature extends to photography, which she enjoys in her free time, capturing the beauty of Ile Plate. Living away from her family, including her 12-year-old brother, has not been difficult for her. “I have everything I need here to live and work comfortably because it is not my first time away from home,” Saddiqua explains. For now, she’s content on Ile Plate, looking forward to exploring more of what the island has to offer, but remains open to whatever new island adventures may come her way. Until then, Saddiqua hopes more people can experience island life and conservation as she has. There’s a nostalgic song by Thomas Alexis which we were taught as children and often comes to mind whenever we prepare to leave Aride Island. It goes like this.
“Annou pous nou pti pirog, dan delo, dan delo… Annou pous nou pti pirog, pou al lapes pwason tou kouler, laba dan fon lanmer.” The song captures the joy of fishermen as they happily push their traditional “pirogue” into the sea to go fishing. It evokes the simple life of the islanders and the necessity of going out to sea. But here on Aride Island, even if the traditional canoe has been replaced by the much lighter and more modern Rigid inflatable boat or RIB, (bright orange in colour!), pushing the boat to leave the island is not such an enjoyable experience - especially during the rough and windy South-east monsoon. Aride Island, located near Praslin Island is a Special Reserve managed by the Island Conservation Society (ICS). A small team of seven to ten staff live permanently on the island, which has only one accessible beach close to their living quarters. Life on the island fosters a deep respect for nature, as daily activities are shaped by their surrounding environment. From the constant chorus of birds to the hundreds of curious lizards and watchful geckos, the island is teeming with wildlife, and the human presence is just a small part of a larger natural world. However, some luxuries are required and thus, a trip to Praslin Island is a weekly necessity. Aride’s rugged and secluded terrain, particularly during the Southeast monsoon, when the strong wind and current expose jagged coral heads and large boulders, makes leaving the island difficult and some days even impossible. Only the brave few and those that truly need to would leave once a week for a shopping trip to Praslin. On that day, the islanders gather early in the morning, some clutching their amulets or after offering a quiet prayer for protection. Loading the orange RIB with empty fuel containers, bottles, a few bags and litter, they wait patiently in the surf, watching the waves and listening to the boatman’s signal to launch. Thereafter a tense ritual lasting several minutes pursue. Splash! Splash! Splash! Each waves are followed by grunts mixed with a few foul words and comments as the battered islanders try to keep the boat steady. Finally, the boatman shouts, “Annou!” (Let's go!), and with seconds to spare, he starts the engine, and as if on cue the passengers fumble onboard, soaked but relieved. Despite the exhilaration of finally departing, it's not without risk or discomfort. The small orange boat skids past one wave at a time, revving regularly. Huddled together, the brave few have their eyes peeled on the next incoming wave and rarely have time to assess the cuts and scratches or the aching and soaring they may have endured, as this is a vital part of life on Aride. The journey to Praslin takes about 45 minutes, a ride fraught with drama as the boat navigates through open water, past Île au Fou, and close to Anse Kerlan, and finally landing in the shallow and calmer beach of Grand Anse. Upon arrival, the boatman calls the island to confirm the group’s safe passage, bringing relief to those left behind. This journey is repeated each week, alternating passengers so everyone has a chance to visit Praslin for groceries and reconnect with family and friends. Living on Aride is an exercise in resilience, dictated by the rhythms of the sea and the whims of the weather. It’s a lifestyle that requires respect for nature’s unpredictable forces—a far cry from the carefree joy of pushing a pirogue, as celebrated in that old children’s song. Contributed by Sharon Meriton-jean |
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