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INTRODUCTION
Looking around Cousin Island today, it is hard to believe that this vibrant and
diverse island ecosystem was once a coconut plantation. When the island was first
settles in the early 1900’s, the original vegetation on the plateau was cleared to
make way for more profitable coconut trees as well as a small garden.
Recognizing the value of Cousin as the last
remaining home of the near-extinct Seychelles
warbler, and an important site for breeding
seabirds, the International Council for Bird
Preservation (no Birdlife International) bought
the island in 1968 and turned it into a nature
reserve. Years of careful conservation gradually led to an astounding increase in
the warbler population, the restoration of the island’s native vegetation, and an
increase in the island’s overall biodiversity.
Today, Cousin Island Special Reserve is managed by Nature Seychelles, a locally
based non-profit organisation. Conservation activities include monitoring the
island’s biodiversity, research, and re-introduction of endangered species such as
the Seychelles magpie-robin, ecotourism and education.
Each year, thousands of people like you take advantage of the opportunity to visit
this unique island reserve and learn more about successful conservation. It is our
hope that this guide will enrich your visit further by helping you to identify and learn
more about the fascinating lives of some of the island’s plants and animals.
This guide contains information about the most common species found on Cousin,
and each is illustrated to help with identification (note: drawings are not to scale).
For each of the species listed, several names are provided in this format:
English name / Kreol name
Scientific name
The following symbols are used to include the origins of each species:
I
INTRODUCED: species brought to Seychelles on purpose or accidentally by
humans
N
NATIVE (or indigenous): occur naturally in Seychelles but also elsewhere in
the world
E
ENDEMIC: only found in a specific geographic region, e.g. Seychelles
While enjoying your walk, your walk, we ask you to please help keep Cousin
special by not touching or disturbing any of the wildlife or their habitats.
We wish you an enjoyable day on the island!
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
INTRODUCTION
2
TOURISM CODE OF ETHICS FOR COUSIN
4
COUSIN HABITATS
5
Seashore
6
Plateau
7
Hill
8
Wetlands
8
COUSIN PLANTS
10
Vines, Wildflowers and Shrubs
10
Trees
11
COUSIN ANIMALS
14
Terrestrial Invertebrates
14
Reptiles
16
Birds
18
Seabirds
19
Shorebirds
20
Land birds
21
Mammals
23
Seashore life
24
MAP OF COUSIN
26
ABOUT NATURE SEYCHELLES
27
3
TOURISM CODE OF ETHICS FOR COUSIN
A high quality tourism experience depends on the conservation of our environment,
and respecting both international and local practices and regulations. We have
developed and adopted a Code of Ethics to achieve these objectives. This code
involves requirement both from you the visitor and from us the management of
Cousin Island Special Reserve.
For you the visitor
Please follow the instructions given by the island wardens:
•
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Follow guidelines for photography. Commercial photographers should pay
required fees. The following should not be used: large equipment which
could slow down your group, could get damaged or hurt someone; bright
flashes or tripods that disturb the animals
Do not smoke or light fires or use hazardous chemicals
Do not litter – if you bring it with you, take it with you
Do not take any natural materials or products
Please ensure that you have personal insurance to cover for any accident,
loss or damage
Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear and protect yourself with
sunscreen and personal mosquito repellent
Following the above will help you to enjoy our natural heritage and help us to
preserve it!
From us, the management or Cousin Island Special Reserve
We want to continue to welcome visitors and to preserve this natural treasure. We
undertake to:
•
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•
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•
•
•
Conserve and protect our rich biodiversity
Maintain the Reserve as a heritage for all mankind
Provide you the visitor with an enjoyable experience
Make proper use of the fees you pay through the Reserve
Reach out to local people through awareness and educational programmes
Preferentially hire local people
Assist in providing economic benefits to stakeholders
Use locally made products
4
COUSIN HABITATS
Although Cousin is a small island, only 27 hectares, it boasts a great diversity of
habitats, the most distinctive of which are the shore, the plateau forest, the hill and
the wetlands. Each habitat tends to support a range of species that are adapted to
its particular conditions. For example, nesting seabirds like Shearwaters and
Bridled terns are more common up on the rocky hill which has ideal nesting sites for
them, and the moisture of the freshwater marsh attracts water loving species like
Dragonflies and Moorhens. However, because Cousin is such a small island, and
the boundaries between habitats are not rigid, many of the plants and animals can
be found in several different habitats.
Management of the habitats of Cousin has been minimal since the island was
declared a nature reserve in 1968. Vegetation in all habitats has been left to
regenerate naturally, although on the plateau the once dominating coconut trees
have been gradually removed to make space for native woodland species. The
gradual changes in the vegetation of the different habitats is being monitored over
time in order for Nature Seychelles to assess the impact of these changes on the
animals are dependent on them.
5
The first habitat on Cousin encountered by visitors is the seashore, a great stretch
of open-wide beach broken here and there by rocky outcrops. At the top of the
beach is a beach crest, characterised by a strip of coastal vegetation such as
Casuarina, Coconut trees, Vouloutye bushes, and creepers such as Beach morning
glory.
The seashore is not an easy place to inhabit: residents are subjected to salt spray,
wind, wave action, sea level fluctuations, shifting sands, as well as the hot and
glaring sun. As such, plants and animals that live at the seashore have evolved
adaptations that enable them to withstand and even benefit from these conditions.
Coastal plants typically have waxy leaves resistant to salt spray and excessive
water loss as well as flexible stems to withstand strong winds. Most grow above
the high tide watermark, along the beach crest, where the roots help control coastal
erosion and their leaves and branches provide shade and shelter for many other
species.
While the sandy beaches are home to only a few animal species: Ghost crabs,
Molluscs, shorebirds and sandworms among them, they are an important nesting
site for Hawksbill turtles and the occasional Green turtle. The life inhabiting the
stretches of rocky coast between beaches is more evident: Limpets, Nerites,
Perwinkles, Sally-light-foot crabs and Chitons all graze on the algae and other
plants growing on the rocks.
Cousin Island Special Reserve also comprises the marine environment around the
island up to 400 metres offshore. The reefs surrounding Cousin are host to some of
the greatest diversity of fish and other species recorded in Seychelles. To protect
this marine life, fishing and other exploitative activities are prohibited, although
snorkeling and diving are permitted.
6
PLATEAU
Cousin’s plateau is the dominating habitat of the island. Formerly a coconut
plantation, the plateau is now characterised by a mixed Pisonia, Indian mulberry
and Ochrosia forest alive with lizards, nesting seabirds, forest dwelling birds and
insects. The trees and shrubs on the plateau create a shady and relatively cool
environment, as well as provide homes and shelter for a diversity of animal species.
During the South East monsoon season (May-August) the plateau forest is bursting
with the sight, sounds and smells of nesting seabirds like the Lesser noddy,
thousands of which nest on the small island. White-tailed tropicbirds and White
terns can be found nesting in the forest throughout the year, Seychelles warblers
can be observed feeding on insects found on the leaves of the forest trees, and
tortoises roam free feasting on the vegetation and fallen fruits of Indian mulberry.
As the forest matures, dead and fallen trees, branches and leaves provide a food
source for a host of invertebrates, such as millipedes, termites and other insects,
and gradually decompose building up a dark layer of rich, humus-based soil ideal
for the growth of other plants. The invertebrates themselves are in turn eaten by
other species: endemic Seychelles magpie-robins and Wrights skinks are
commonly seen picking through leaf litter on the forest floor in search of a tasty
cockroach.
The plateau is fringed by and overlaps with all of the other habitats on the island,
and so species associated with other habitats such as crabs and Moorhens are
commonly found foraging in the plateau woodland.
7
As you leave the plateau and walk up the hill, you are sure to notice several gradual
changes in the environment: the vegetation becomes more sparse, and the Pisonia
forest is replaced by a more drought resistant vegetation dominated by Euphorbia
and Screwpine trees. This vegetation here is adapted to the harsh conditions of the
hill: the sun is hot, the soil layer is thin, and water is scarce as most rain water runs
straight off the smooth surface of the rocks down to the wetland at the base of the
hill.
Like on the seashore, little shade is available to shelter plants and animals from the
heat of the sun. Hill plants protect themselves with thick waxy leaves that reduce
water loss, and animals like Giant millipedes and Bronze geckos hide in small
patches of shade until the cooler night allows them to go about their business.
The typical Seychellois granite bedrock and boulders largely hidden on other parts
of the island by guano-rich soil and vegetation are evident here, and provide ideal
nesting habitats for Shearwaters, Brown noddies, and Bridled terns.
The rocks and sparse vegetation on the hill create a very hot environment,
especially on a sunny day.
8
Cousin boasts two small wetland habitats: a freshwater swamp located within the
plateau at the base of the hill, and a brackish mangrove swamp at Anse Frégate.
While small, these wetlands perform important roles on the island, both as natural
water filters and as habitats for wildlife.
The freshwater swamp absorbs and purifies run-off rom the hill, slowly releasing
moisture even through the dry season, and providing a water source for birds,
tortoises and other species. The swamp provides a habitat for aquatic insects like
dragonflies and mosquitoes as well as a small population of the Seychelles terrapin
and Moorhens. Giant tortoises are commonly observed finding relief from the heat
and bothersome mosquitoes by wallowing in the cool mud of the swamp. The well,
which provides water for the island’s resident wardens, is located next to the
swamp.
The small mangrove swamp can be seen from the lookout point on top of the hill. It
filters water run-off from the island before it flows into the sea, removing sediments
that provide a source of nutrition for the mangrove trees themselves as well as other
species in the swamp. A common mangrove tree species, Avicennia marina
dominates the swamp although one other mangrove species (Risofaura?) is also
present. As well as being a permanent habitat for animals such mangrove crabs,
periwinkles and mudskippers, the mangrove provides shelter and food for marine
species that come in to feed at high tide. Cattle egrets roost and sometimes breed
in the mangrove trees, and are regularly seen flying back and forth to Praslin.
9
COUSIN PLANTS
The vegetation of Cousin Island is still in transition from coconut plantation back to
native vegetation. As you walk the trails you will encounter a variety of native and
non-native species that reflects the history of the island. The most common are
listed here.
VINES, WILDFLOWERS & SHRUBS
Wild pea
I
Canavalia cathartica
The pink-flowered creeper is common in sunny spots
throughout the plateau forest, often climbing up on shrubs
and trees in search of sun, sometimes suffocating them in
the process.
Beach morning glory – Patatran
N
Ipomoea pes-caprae
This hardy ground creeper is common on the beach
fringes throughout the Indian Ocean islands. It’s lovely
large pink flowers typical of the morning glory family
are offset nicely by the vivid green succulent waxy
leaves. Well adapted against the rigours of salt spray,
wind and occasional soaking by a high tide wave, this
creeper plays an important role in the protection of the
dune against coastal erosion.
Coffee / Kafe
I
Coffee Arabica
Introduced by the early settlers, this attractive shrub is now widespread in
Seychelles, although the coffee beans are no longer harvested.
Break open one of the berry-like fruits and inside you will find a
coffee seed (bean), which must be roasted and ground before it
can be brewed. Nowadays Seychellois rarely prepare local coffee,
preparing to use imported ground coffee or instant coffee instead.
Cotton / Koton
I
Gossypium hirsatun
Introduced to Seychelles by early settlers experimenting
with potential cash crops, cotton now grows wild on
several islands, including Cousin (near the visitors shelter
on the East coast). Its seeds are dispersed by wing, aided
by a tuft of fibres commonly known as cotton. On Cousin,
the cotton fibres are a popular nesting material for
Seychelles sunbirds.
10
Castor Oil / Tantan
I
Ricinus cummunis
This tall open shrub can be found in the garden area near the
well. It was originally cultivated in Seychelles as a medicinal
plant but is now commonly found growing wild. The oil is
derived from the seeds, which are poisonous if eaten whole.
Vouloutye N
Scaevola sericea
This attractive shrub found along the coast provides shade and cover for a host of
birds, insects, crabs and other small animals. It’s
shiny, waxy leaves are well adapted to resist the
onslaught of salt spray, sun and wind. They help
prevent coastal erosion and form a barrier shielding
inland species from the elements.
Suriana / Bwa matio
N
Suriana maritime
Found along the beach fringe, this plant has flexible
stems and narrow waxy leaves, perfectly adapted to
withstanding the rigours of wind, sun and salt spray.
Like many of the coastal species, Suriana is widely
distributed on many islands in Seychelles.
TREES
Pisonia / Mapou N
Pisonia grandis
Generally uncommon on most islands in Seychelles, the Pisonia is common on
Cousin as on other seabird islands. The sticky seeds are
dispersed by clinging to the birds’ feathers, an adaptation
which leads to some bird fatalities. The leaves host a
variety of insects eaten by the Seychelles warbler, and are
used by Lesser noddies as nesting material.
Coconut / Pye koko
N
Cocos nicifera
Under natural conditions, coconut trees are normally found
fringing the coast, where the nuts are dispersed by the sea.
Coconut trees are popular nesting sites of the Brown noddy
during the South-East monsoon season. Coconut trees
planted on Cousin’s plateau have gradually been replaced by
native inland species.
11
Casuarina / Pye sed
N?
Casuarina equisetifolia
These graceful, wispy trees fringing the coast provide
valuable food and nesting sites for a number of bird species,
as well as form a barrier to shelter inland species from slat
spray and wind. They are believed to be a native species.
They are favourite roosting sites for Bridled terns and small
numbers of Frigatebirds.
Indian Mulberry / Bwa torti
N?
Morinda citrifolia
Believed to be a native species, Indian mulberry trees are
common throughout the plateau. Tortoises commonly feed on
the soft, smelly fruits, which many claim smell like an over-ripe
cheese! The flowers provide nectar for Sunbirds and Fodies.
Ochrosia / Fruit bat tree / Bwa sousouri
N
Ochrosia oppositifolia
Found in dense forest, these trees produce smooth mangoshaped fruits that are often consumed by visiting fruit bats
from Praslin. The dried fibrous seeds can be seen in many
places strewn along the forest floor.
Banyan / Lafous
Ficus reflexa
N
These graceful large trees belonging to the fig family are easily
identified by the masses of aerial roots hanging from the
branches to the forest floor. There are three native species
present on Cousin, and their fruits are an important food
source for resident birds such as the Malagasy turtle dove and
the Seychelles blue pigeon, as well as for visiting fruit bats.
Papaya / Papay
I
Corica papaya
Scattered throughout the plateau, these fruit tree are remnants of
the garden of the island’s former inhabitants. Their fruits are a food
source for lizards, insects, snails, the Seychelles fody and the
resident Wardens.
12
Screwpine / Vakwa parasol
E
Pandanus balfourii
Easily recognizable by it’s large tufts of leaves, this tree can be
found growing between rocks on the hillside.
Fragrant screwpine fruits provide food for
visiting bats, lizards and birds.
Eucalyptus I
Eucalyptus spp.
This attractive tree can be found growing among the rocks on the
hill-side, and is easily identified by it’s pointed drooping leaves
and scaly bark. It was probably introduced to the island by early
settlers as a fast growing timber tree.
Euphorbia / Tangen
N
Euphorbia pyrifolia
A rather spindly shrub or tree, which is common on the hillside. The thick leathery
leaves are well adapted to withstand the hot, dry
conditions: a waxy layer on the leaves prevents the plant
from loosing too much water through transpiration. The
white sap of the species contains a chemical, which burns
the skin, hence, the Latin name: pyri (fire) – folia (leaves).
Mangrove / Mangliye
N
Avicennia marina
There are two mangrove species on the island but this one is more common and
dominates the small mangrove swamp
located at Anse Frégate. Besides providing
a habitat for a number of animals and other
plants, mangroves play an important
ecological role filtering river water thereby
removing soil sediment and pollutants before
they reach the sea. They also provide a
sheltered nursing ground for the young of a
number of coral reef animals.
13
COUSIN ANIMALS
Unlike on many of the other granitic islands, on Cousin the wildlife is abundant and
close at hand. No matter what time of year you visit, you are sure to see a variety of
nesting seabirds, foraging birds of the forest, lizards roaming about in the leaf litter
in search of food, and a host of invertebrates such as crabs, spiders, millipedes and
termites. The most common species encountered are listed here.
TERRESTRIAL INVERTEBRATES
Cousin island is alive with a great diversity of invertebrate life, including molluscs,
millipedes, centipedes, insects, and crustaceans. While generally not loved by
human beings, these creepy crawlies form a vital and integral part of the Cousin
island ecosystem.
Termites / Karya N
Nasutiternes spp.
Keep an eye out for the massive termite nests on tree trunks in the plateau and their
trails snaking along tree branches. Although termites
superficially resemble ants in appearance and in their
social nature, they belong to a completely different order
of insects. Termite colonies are important decomposers
of fallen leaves, trees and branches, and have special
microorganisms in their gut to help them to digest the
tough wood fibres.
Mosquitoes / Moustik
N
Aedes / Culex spp.
While not greatly loved by visitors to Cousin, the thriving mosquito population of the
island forms an important food source for other island residents such as the
Seychelles warbler and Dragonflies. They are
especially abundant near the freshwater marsh.
Other the females take blood meals, and they do
so to gain the protein needed for the
development of their eggs. Both males and
females feed on nectar from flowers and fruit
juices. Although they are annoying, Seychelles
mosquitoes do not carry diseases such as
Malaria and Yellow fever.
Palm spider / Bib N
Nephila inaurata
These frightening looking spiders are actually harmless.
Like other web spiders, they feed on insects caught in
their web, usually built fairly high up in open areas. The
larger females are about 10cm in length while the smaller
males, who often build their webs on the periphery of a
female’s web are only 1-2cm long.
14
Whip spider / Tarantin arme
E
Phrynicus scaber
These strange creatures grow to about 25cm in length.
They are abundant on the hill during the cooler night,
but hide in the moist shade during the day. While
harmless, they can produce a repulsive liquid from
glands along the abdomen.
Ghost crab / Loulou grangalo N
Ocypodes ceratophtalmus & O.cordimana
There are two species of these pale-coloured crabs on the island. One with rather
pointy eyes, the other with more rounded eyes. Both
species can also be found on most other islands in
Seychelles. On Cousin, they can be found on the
beach and throughout the plateau, feeding on decaying
matter. They burrow tunnels in the beaches, and at
night, the males produce a grasshopper-like sound by
vibrating their front claws.
Hermit crab / Solda
N
Coenobita rugosus & C.brevimanus
These terrestrial crabs can be seen roaming
throughout the plateau in search of decaying matter to
eat, their legs and antennae protruding from a seashell.
When disturbed, they quickly tuck themselves into the
shell, as did the shell’s original inhabitant mollusc. As
the crabs grow they find bigger shells to live in – one
reason why we ask visitors not to collect any seashells
from the island.
Giant millipede / Milpat E
Seychelleptus seychellarum
Endemic giant millipedes (up to 30cm long) can often be found under leaf litter or
rotting coconut husks. They may look ferocious but are actually harmless, feeding
on leaf litter and fallen fruits. Like other millipedes, they secrete a defensive
chemical to protect themselves from predators. Giant millipedes are found on
several small islands, such as Cousine, Marianne and Cousin, as well as on some of
the larger islands such as La Digue, Silhouette and Frégate. It is believed that they
were previously found on Praslin and Mahé, but probably declined due to the
removal of indigenous forests as well as predation by introduced mammals.
15
REPTILES
There are 11 species of reptile on Cousin, the most common of which are the skinks,
which can easily be seen crawling about on the forest floor.
Seychelles skink / Lezar mangouya E
Mabuya seychellensis
This lizard is common throughout Seychelles and
especially so on Cousin, which is said to have one
of the highest lizard densities in the world! These cheeky skinks are active during
the day, feeding on seabird eggs, invertebrates and fallen fruits.
Wright’s skink / Teng teng
Mabuya wrightii
E
Larger than the Seychelles skink, this skink is
also active by day and feeds on seabird eggs,
invertebrates and fallen fruits. This species is
only found on a few islands such as Cousin,
Cousine, Frégate and Aride, associated with
large seabird colonies.
Burrowing skink / Lezar later E
Pamelaescincus gardineri
As it’s name implies, this secretive lizard spends most of
it’s time burrowing in the soil and leaf litter hunting for
small invertebrates.
Bronze gecko
E
Ailuronyx seychellensis
This large nocturnal gecko is found both in
the buildings on Cousin and on trees in the
forest, where it eats insects and fruits. It is
endemic to Seychelles.
Green gecko / Lezar ver
N
Phelsuma astriata
Smaller than the Bronze gecko, this brilliantly coloured lizard is
active during the day. An agile climber, they are shy and found in
the forest floor rather than houses. They feed mainly on insects.
16
Aldabra Giant tortoise / Torti-d-ter
E
Geochelone gigantean
Several Giant tortoises can be found
roaming about the plateau, feeding on
leaves and fallen fruits. These large
herbivores belong to the Aldabra species,
which were introduced to the granitic
islands after overexploitation led to the
extinction of the resident species.
Hawksbill turtle / Kare N
Eretmochelys imbricata
Cousin is the most important nesting ground in the Western Indian Ocean for these
marine turtles. Elsewhere
nesting under the cover of
darkness, in Seychelles the
females can be seen nesting in
broad daylight, laying their eggs
in holes dug in the sand under
the beach vegetation from
October to January, with the
young emerging approximately
eight weeks later. Once
exploited for their beautiful shell,
these graceful creatures are now protected in Seychelles.
Freshwater terrapin / Torti soupap
E
Pelusios subniger
These elusive turtles live in the swamp at the base of
the hill, feeding on plants, water insects and other prey.
They are shy and only seen several times a year when
heavy rains fill the marsh and wash them out onto the
path.
Brahminy blind snake / Lever d-ter nwar
I
Ramphotyphlops braminus
The only snake species found on Cousin, this small harmless snake looks much like
a black worm and even spends time burrowing in soil looking for invertebrates to
eat. These snakes are not native to Seychelles, and
were accidentally introduced to Cousin among the
roots of fruit trees or other crop plants. Only
females are known of this species, and it
reproduces asexually.
17
BIRDS
Cousin is best known as a haven for nesting seabirds. However, while on the island,
visitors also have the opportunity to see a number of forest-dwelling birds, many of
which are endemic and very rare, as well as migratory seabirds.
SEABIRDS
Throughout the year, visitors to Cousin are treated to the sight of nesting seabirds.
While White terns, White-tailed tropicbirds and Tropical Shearwaters nest yearround and Bridled terns every 8 months, Noddies breed during the South-East
monsoon (June-August) and the Wedge-tailed shearwaters during the North-West
monsoon (October-March). Any season, be prepared for the sights, sounds and
smells of seabird breeding, and even for the occasional dropping! (some say it’s
good luck!)
Lesser noddy / Kelek
N
Anous tenuirostris
Nesting exclusively in the Indian Ocean, it’s estimated
that about 80,000 pairs of Lesser noddies breed on
Cousin Island during the South-East monsoon season
(June-August), making Cousin one of the largest
breeding sites in the world. Lesser noddies build their
untidy nests of leaves, seaweed and guano in the
branches of trees along the coast and throughout the
plateau. Noddies feed on schools of small surface-feeding fish.
Brown noddy / Common noddy / Makwa
N
Anous stolidus
Larger and browner in colour than the Lesser noddy, they are also fewer in numbers
with about 1,300 pairs breeding each year on
Cousin during the South-East monsoon season
(May-August). Brown noddies nest among the
rocks as well as in Coconut and Pandanus trees.
This is probably the only native species that has
actually declined since the coconut plantation has
been replaced by native vegetation: a result of
fewer Coconut trees for nesting.
White tern / Fairy tern / Golan N
Gygis alba
Once common throughout the granitic islands, White terns now prefer to breed on
islands free from rats, cats and Barn owls, such as
Cousin, where about 4,000 pairs nest on the island
each year. All year round, pairs can be seen
incubating eggs balanced precariously on the
branches of the trees throughout the plateau.
Rather than feeding their chicks on regurgitated fish
like most other seabirds, White tern parents provide their young with fresh, whole
fish, caught in the waters around Cousin.
18
Bridled tern / Fansen
N
Sterna anaethetus
About 600 pairs of Bridled terns breed on
Cousin each year, making the island the most
important nesting site for this species in
Seychelles. They nest among the rocks and
vegetation along the coast up the hill. They
have a peculiar 8 month breeding cycle. Bridled terns feed on very small fish or
pieces of floating food, dipping and picking at food near the surface of the sea,
often quite close to the shore.
White-tailed tropicbird / Payanke
N
Phhethon lepturus lepturus
This spectacular seabird is found throughout the tropical waters of the Indian,
Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. They fly far out to sea and
dive for their food of flying fish or quid. While somewhat
rare now on Mahé and other granitic islands with rats and
cats, they are common on rat-free islands like Cousin,
Cousine, and Aride. White-tailed tropicbirds breed yearround, each pair nesting in a tree hole or sheltered side on
the ground. The chicks get quite fat, not fledging until they
are 70-80 days old, and do not grow the long white tail
until they are a year old. About 3,000 pairs breed on
Cousin each year.
Tropical shearwater / Audubon’s shearwater / Riga
N
Puffinus Iherminieri
Smaller and less common than the Wedge-tailed shearwater, this
species can be easily identified by it’s small size and white throat
and belly. As their name implies, these birds glide close to the
ocean surface, skimming the waves. This species breeds yearround among the rocks on the hill. Mainly nocturnal, both
shearwater species have an eerie call, which may account for
some of the ghost stories that abound on Cousin and other
seabird islands. This species feeds on fish and squid, usually
near to the surface but is capable of diving to a depth of 35m.
Wedge-tailed shearwater / Fouke
N
Puffinus pacificus
These birds are grey-brown in colour and breed from October to March in burrows
among the rocks and trees on the hill, and feed on
fish and squid. A census of the 1999 breeding
population indicated that about 15,000 pairs nest
on Cousin. Research undertaken on Cousin
found that the Wedge-tailed shearwater is
capable of diving to a staggering depth of 66m!
The fat chicks once exploited for human
consumption are now protected.
19
Greater frigatebird / Gran fregat
N
Fregata minor
You can’t miss this huge bird if you see it – it is the largest
bird in Seychelles and has long angular wings, and a long thin
forked tail. The adult male has a bright red throat patch that it
inflates during courtship rituals, and the females and young
have a white chest. In Seychelles, Frigatebirds only breed on
Aldabra atoll, but they can be seen around Cousin island in
the non-breeding season from November to May searching
for feeding sites.
Lesser frigatebird / Pti fregat N
Fregata ariel
Somewhat difficult to distinguish from
Greater Frigatebirds in the field, this bird is
smaller and has white ‘armpits’. The male is
all black except for the white armpits, and
the female has a white patch on the breast.
Like other Frigatebird species, these birds
are pirates, chasing after other seabirds until
they drop their catch in fright, and then
scooping up their free meal.
SHOREBIRDS
Many shorebird species are migratory, visiting Seychelles and other countries in the
region during the northern hemisphere winter when food supplies are more plentiful
here, and then returning north in the spring to breed. Listed here are the regular
migrants, many other species can occasionally be spotted on Cousin on their way
through Seychelles.
Turnstone / Bezros
N
Arenaria interpres
Turnstones breed in the Arctic in the northern hemisphere summer, but migrate to
southern coats all over the world during the rest of the
year. On Cousin, they can be found year-round on the
beaches as well as throughout the plateau, feeding on
small invertebrates like worms, crabs and insects.
Whimbrel / Korbizo
N
Numenius phaeopus
Like the Turnstones, Whimbrels breed in the Siberian Arctic
and spend the rest of the year in warmer climates like
Seychelles. Easily identified by their long, slightly downward
curved beaks, these birds use their beaks to find worms 78cm down in the sand or mud at low tide. At high tide, they
feed on Ghost crabs further up the beach.
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Crab plover / Kavalye
N
Dromus ardeola
An occasional visitor to the shores of Cousin, this
attractive black and white shorebird likes to eat crabs, a
feat for which it’s strong black bill is well adapted. During
the northern hemisphere summer, Crab plovers return to
the Red Sea, where they breed on sandy islands or near
coral reefs. Nesting pairs actually dig a long tunnel of at
least one metre underground, at the end of which they lay their egg – an amazing
feat for such seemingly delicate birds!
Sanderling N
Calidris alba
A northern hemisphere winter visitor to Seychelles, the Sanderling is a tiny
shorebird with a dark beak and dark legs. Small groups of
them can often be seen on Cousin, scurrying up and down
the beach to avoid being swamped by waves as they
probe the sand for worms and small crustaceans.
LANDBIRDS
For it’s small size, Cousin boasts an excellent diversity of land birds, including five
of Seychelles eleven endemic species in the granitic islands. All species can easily
be seen during a guided tour of the island; just keep your eyes and ears open and
you are sure not to be disappointed!
Seychelles warbler / Timerl dezil
N
Acrocephalus sechellensis
This little bird is the main reason why Cousin
became a nature reserve. Close to extinction in
the 1960’s, Birdlife International bought Cousin
Island, the warbler’s last remaining refuge in
1968, in order to save it. Now there are over
320 birds on Cousin, and have since been
introduced to Cousin, Aride, and Denis Islands by Nature Seychelles and partnering
universities. The total world population of the bird is around 2,500. Like other
warblers, these birds feed on insects. They are territorial but grown chicks often
stay with their parents to help raise subsequent broods.
Seychelles sunbird / Kolibri
E
Nectarina dussumieri
This noisy little bird is found on most Seychelles islands. It
feeds on nectar and insects. The male has an iridescent
throat and, if observed carefully, can be seen to have
orange/yellow tufts under the wings which are displayed
during courtship or when defending it’s territory. They build a
delicate hanging nest from grasses, Casuarina needles and other fibres.
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Seychelles fody / Tok-tok
E
Foudia sechellarum
This cheeky sparrow-like bird is only found on Cousin, Cousine, Aride and Frégate
islands, all of which are free from tree-climbing rats. On Cousin, we have 500-600
pairs, representing about 30% of the world population
of this globally threatened species. It is believed that
their untidy nest built in the fork of a branch is easily
accessible to rats, a factor which has limited their
survival on other islands. They feed on insects, fruits
and seeds, and will also feast on unprotected seabird
eggs if given the opportunity. They are larger than the
Madagascar fody, which is found on other granitic
islands, and the males have a patch of yellow on the forehead and throat.
Barred ground dove / Tortrel koko
I
Geopelia striata
As with many other common birds in Seychelles, this
one is not endemic, but a native of Malaysia, probably
introduced to Seychelles via Mauritius. Found mainly
on the beach crest, they feed on fallen seeds of
grasses, Casuarina trees, and other plants.
Malagasy turtle dive / Tourtrel dezil I
Stretopelia picturata
Seychelles endemic sub-species of turtle dove was lost to
hybridization with this variety from Madagascar. Some
individuals on Cousin bear resemblance to the original
Seychelles race. They feed mainly on seeds and fruits.
Seychelles blue pigeon / Pizon olande
E
Alectroenas pulcherrima
A relatively new resident on Cousin, several pairs of this
lovely bird have been recorded nesting on the island.
They feed on the fruits of the Banyan, Takamaka,
Vouloutye and others.
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Seychelles magpie-robin / Pi santez E
Copsychus sechellarum
This charismatic bird, originally found in great numbers on
several islands, was in 1990 down to a population of only
23 birds on Frégate island, making it one of the most
critically endangered species in the world. In 1990, a
special recovery programme was established by Nature
Seychelles, leading to the eventual translocation of several
birds to Cousin, Cousine, and Aride islands. In 1999 the total population had
increased to 90 birds, 25 of them on Cousin, and today, the island has a population
of around 50. However, only on Cousin do the birds subsist entirely on their natural
diet of leaf litter insects like cockroaches and millipedes; the birds on the other
islands are given supplementary bird food and cockroaches.
Moorhen / Pouldo N
Gallinula chloropus
Despite their seemingly awkward flight, Moorhens have
managed to colonise a large number of islands throughout the
world. There is a resident population on Cousin, members of
which can best be seen near the swamp but also throughout the
plateau, in search of insects, fruits and small lizards.
MAMMALS
Generally speaking, islands like Seychelles, which are far from any continent, have
few mammals. The only mammals native to Seychelles are bats; any
others have been introduced by humans.
Fruit bat / Flying fox / Sousouri
E
Pteropus seychellensis
While none are actually island residents, up to 500 fruit bats visit Cousin
from nearby Praslin to feast on the fruits of Ochrosia, Banyan and other
trees.
Black-naped hare / Iyev
I
Lepus nigricollis
A native of Java, this hare is thought to have been introduced during
the 1930’s from Mauritius, and is found nowhere else in Seychelles.
This timid animal is active mainly at dusk and night, and like other
hares, feeds on grasses and other vegetation. So far, the small
population is not believed to have had a great impact on the island
ecosystem, and thus have never been removed.
Rats, cats and dogs
Cousin is one of only a small handful of Seychelles’ islands that has
escaped the introduction of rats and feral cats and dogs, animals which
have decimated native wildlife elsewhere. A strict policy of forbidding
boats other than the Cousin warden’s boat to land on the island helps
to ensure that these aliens are not accidentally introduced.
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SEASHORE LIFE
Cousin Island Special Reserve extends 400m offshore, thus including the rich and
diverse fringing reef ecosystem that surrounds the island. While the reef species
can only be seen while diving or snorkeling, a large number of coastal organisms
can be observed along the sandy and rocky shores, particularly at low tide. Most of
these coastal species are common throughout the Western Indian Ocean region.
Seaweed / Gomon
N
Various spp.
Many different species of seaweed can be found around Cousin,
washed up on the beach, where they provide a food source for
crabs, flies and other invertebrates. Seaweed deposited up on
the beach crest by high tides gradually decomposes and
enriches the nutrient poor sandy substrate. Most seaweed is
actually algae; simple plants lacking true roots, leaves and a
vascular system which most ‘modern’ terrestrial plants have. As
well as being an important food source, seaweed also provides
shelter and hiding places for a variety of marine animals, in
addition to providing an anchor point for embryo dunes to develop.
Limpet / Bernik
N
Cellana spp.
These molluscs can easily be seen at low tides,
clinging to rocks near the seashore. They move
slowly along the rock surface, grazing on algae.
Nerite / Bigorno
Nerita spp.
N
Check around the rocks near the shore at low tide and
you will din several species of Nerite, all of which - like
the other molluscs – graze on algae.
Periwinkle / Ti mari
N
Littotaria spp.
These hardy little marine snails can often be seen in great numbers on
rocks near the high tide watermark. When the tide is high, they move
about on the rocks, feeding on algae.
Chiton / Lalang melani N
Acanthopleura spp.
These strange looking molluscs with an 8-plated shell can
be found clinging to rocks just below the low tide mark,
grazing on algae.
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Sea urchin / Latanye
N
Echinothrix diadema & Diadema spp.
Related to Sea stars and Sea cucumbers, several sea urchin
species are found in Cousin waters, but the black-spined
species are more common near the rocky shore, grazing on
algae around the submerged rocks. The black spines can
give a painful sting if stepped on or touched.
Sea stars and Brittle stars / Zetwal delo sale & Sanpye delo sale
Various spp.
Several species can be seen at low tide in rock pools and crevices
near the shore. Many of them are scavengers or graze on algae.
Sea cucumber / Banbara
N
Holothuria atra
Many different sea cucumber species can be found around Cousin but this one is
common near the shore among rocks or sea grass. Black
and cucumber-shaped, it is often covered in sand. Sea
cucumbers often ingest sand-suspended materials,
digesting only the organic matter.
Sally-lightfoot crab / Karkasay
N
Grapsus spp.
The flattened bodies and spiny legs of these crabs are well adapted to gripping to
rocks pummeled by waves in the intertidal zone and will often
jump from one rock to another. They can be easily observed
at low tide, grazing on algae. Although protected on Cousin
island and other nature reserves, they are harvested
elsewhere and made into a coconut curry.
Barnacle / Graban
N
Tetraclita sp. & Tetrachthalamus sp.
Although they look much like molluscs, these little filter-feeding crustaceans, which
grow on rocks in the intertidal zone, are more closely
related to crabs. When covered by seawater, they open up
and their tiny legs wave about to catch plankton.
Rockhopper / Kabo soter
N
Various spp.
Strange amphibious fish, Rockhoppers use their strong tails to jump
from rock to rock in the intertidal zone, grazing on algae in between
waves. They cling to rocks with their tails and fins to avoid being
washed away by the crashing waves.
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HELP SUPPORT OUR CONSERVATION WORK
Nature Seychelles is working for an environment rich in biodiversity. We need your
support through membership and donations to continue protecting this precious
heritage. All visitor fees and donations to Cousin go towards the management of
the Reserve, for research, conservation and education projects.
To become a member or make a donation, or learn more about the exciting work
that Nature Seychelles carries out, visit our website at the address below.
Postal address:
PO Box 1310
Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles
Tel: (+248) 4601100 / 4783119 Fax: 4601102
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.natureseychelles.org
ABOUT NATURE SEYCHELLES
Nature Seychelles is a local, non-profit association founded in 1998 whose primary
objective is to improve the conservation of local biodiversity. We manage Cousin
Island Special Reserve and work with several island partners.
Our activities include:
• Species & habitat
conservation
• Monitoring
• Research
•
•
•
Eco-tourism
Education & awareness
Advocacy
We belong to the growing Birdlife International network, with many overseas and
local partners such as RSPB, IUCN, WIOMSA, University of East Anglia, KeloniaCEDTM, University of Groningen, and University of Urbino – Italy.
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