Frégate - Seychelles Conservation & Research

  Frégate  

  The Coast  

 Natural 
History

  Conservation   
& Research

Frégate's island philosophy is very much centred on providing a luxury visitor destination which integrates conservation of its natural environment.  Some of Frégate's primary focuses include the implementation of alternative energy concepts.    One such innovation includes the recycling of used vegetable frying oil from, the resort kitchens.  One of the island's tractors is currently running very efficiently on a mixture of both diesel and these recycled oils.  All of the staff on Frégate have solar assisted hot water systems, with many ideas still in the pipeline of how to further expand this solar resource.  Much research is also being conducted to determine how to make best use of the island's thousands of coconuts. 

The 13 individuals concerned with the managing and maintenance of the island's ecology have more than 50 years combined experience between them on Frégate in the ecology department.  One aspect of their work includes a weekly bird census on ten different locations around the island.  This ongoing study seeks to determine the amount and distribution of bird species, measure the effects of land use on species composition and determine any changes in the distribution of bird species between four sites differing in restoration age.

Much work is already being undertaken to monitor certain bird species and to determine nest patterns.  Among the bird species under surveillance are the endemic Seychelles white-eye, of which have a current estimated population of 130 and the lesser noddies. 

Although no evident conservation work is yet being undertaken regarding magpie robins, much planning and research is currently underway.  By way of controlling the common myna population, trap cages will be used.  Up until now, common mynas have been controlled using air rifles.  The common myna control programme will run in conjunction with the monitoring and management plan of the Seychelles magpie robin.

In terms of reptilian conservation efforts, two species of terrapin (Pelusios subniger and Pelusios castanoides) have been pinpointed.  All individuals caught are marked then released in order to keep account of population numbers.

Twice weekly turtle track and turtle sighting surveys are conducted on all of Frégate's beaches in order to monitor turtle populations and behaviour.  Other efforts include turtle tagging, while further plans include beach accessibility surveys.

Aldabra tortoises are of particular importance to Frégate island conservation efforts and as such, all juvenile tortoises found on the island are taken to the tortoise enclosure for protection against possible physical damage or poaching.  Such capturing of juveniles allows for close monitoring and also provides an insight into breeding rates and breeding sites.  The tortoise enclosure has a small fund for which to pay out to anybody who brings in a juvenile tortoise, thus motivating participation in the programme.  Meanwhile, there is also an adoption programme working in conjunction with the programme, which is a particular favourite amongst enthusiastic island guests.  All of the proceeds gathered through the adoptions go directly into funding the continuation of the Juvenile Tortoise Programme. 

When Frégate was first settled on in the 17th century, few could have guessed how much this would jeopardise the island's natural environment.  The environmental impacts were instantaneous and until recently were irreversible.  The human settlers brought with them a whole host of foreign invaders, including rats, cockroaches, coconut trees, cats and dogs to name but a few.  The foreign invaders were set to displace indigenous species, reduce natural habitats and overrun what was once a pristine island environment. 

In recent years, a particularly unwanted foreign invader on Frégate has been the rat, which has been responsible for the decimation of island habitats and the consequential reduction of indigenous species.  As such, a few years ago, a rat eradication programme was implemented on the island.  The programme proved to be very successful and has since been followed up with an ongoing maintenance programme.  Rat traps are baited, left in various locations around the island and checked periodically.  Furthermore, a rat proof fence was constructed, which is continually monitored for any holes and breakages.   In addition, any boats coming in to dock at the island require rat free certificates.  Other supply vessels are inspected for rats on a regular basis, all of which carry baited traps which are regularly checked.

In order to prevent further devastation and possible extinction, drastic action needed to be taken, which was finally implemented ten years ago in the form of the Frégate Island Ecological programme.  The programme's initial focus for attention was the surface terrain, soil and plants, which has been radically transformed during the 200 years of extensive coconut and cinnamon farming, causing native fauna's habitats to be lost.  By way of rehabilitating Frégate's trees and plants, the Seychelles' largest nursery was thus created.  Thousands of endemic trees were planted and a comprehensive conservation programme was implemented.  

The beaches of Frégate are of utmost important to the island's biodiversity and are as such are a central focus of its conservation efforts.  As well as beach accessibility surveys, boundary parameters, lighting, vegetation and sea defence surveys are also set to be implemented on each beach.  Up to now, the loss of sand on important nesting beaches has brought cause for concern.  The quantifying of beach quality and fixed point photography monitoring is hoped to provide useful information for which to form a basis for future beach management strategies.   

Wetland areas of Frégate provide important habitats and nesting sites for a variety of birdlife.  Much of the wetlands are engulfed by large quantities of bamboo, which consequently prevent water runoff.  Bird distribution within wetland areas are currently be monitored to determine whether the removal of bamboo would improve the problem. 

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