Mauritius has 670 species of native plants of which 287 (45%) are endemic. Of the endemics about 185 are critically endangered (IUCN). The flora has been surveyed and the distribution of most species is known, although more information need to be gathered about the population numbers of the rarest species. Some areas need to be surveyed again because of threats from invasive species. The recent restorations of large areas of forest by the government and the private sector is making location of rare plants easier, so that more materials are available for collection and propagation.
Mauritian schoolchildren learn about local biodiversity
The offshore islet of Ile aux Aigrettes is 26 hectares in size and was declared a nature reserve in 1965. The islet sits within the lagoon that forms Mahebourg Bay. The island has suffered from severe exploitation and deforestation, with tree felling continuing well into the 1980s. MWF is intensively managing the islet as a nature restoration project including awareness and education activities. The aim is to conserve native plants and reintroduce the native fauna to create an assemblage of species that will eventually resemble pristine Mauritius and safeguard the remains of its endangered natural heritage.
Today one in eight of all bird species is threatened with global extinction. In Mauritius eight out of the nine endemic birds are classified as endangered. Though some Mauritian birds have been upgraded on the IUCN list there is still so much to do in order to secure their continuing survival. One of the birds is the Echo Parakeet Psittacula eques and through this article you can learn about how we work with this species. I am proud to be the first female Mauritian field worker on the Echo Parakeet project. I joined the Echo Team in April 2009 following experience as a volunteer with the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation on the Rare Pride Campaign and then field work on the Olive White-eyes and Pink Pigeons. I enjoy the Echo work because it is very intense, physical and I get hands-on bird experience. The day starts at 5.30am and ends sometimes at 7pm. My day involves long hours walking in the forest and climbing tall trees up to 20m high. I was trained to climb trees using ropes and ascenders so that I can access nest sites. Climbing is great fun. I have also learnt lots of new skills such as how to climb trees without a rope using tapes, how to handle and ring chicks and how to ride a motorbike.
The United Nations has designed 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity and the UN Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity co-coordinated a global campaign – the Green Wave. This is a global outreach and awareness programme designed to educate a new generation of environmental champions about the importance of biodiversity and the consequences of its loss. On 22 May 2010, which was World Biodiversity Day, many activities were organized by MWF and its partners in both Rodrigues and Mauritius.
After more than 30 years of research and island restoration, 50 Guenther’s geckos Phelsuma guentheri were translocated from Round Island to Ile aux Aigrettes. Only healthy geckos, mostly young adults, were selected at a male to female ratio 2:3.
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