Somewhere off East Africa lies a beautiful sanctuary that shelters a thousand delightful sights and rare species Seychelles. Although less popular compared to the other safari African countries, this 115-island archipelago is continuously attracting a growing number of holiday-makers largely because of the privacy it offers. Its pristine beaches, nature reserves, and of course, a wide selection of rare animals under protection are distinctively enchanting to tourists.
If you are looking for a highly enriching trip, then Seychelles should be one of your top picks for a tropical island getway. Visiting this country will provide you with many surprising once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters. Get your backpacks ready and discover why this African country has bagged the Best Island award twice in a row.
The Sousouri Bannann
Also known as the sheath-tailed bat, sousouri bannann can only be found in two out of the 115 islands in Seychelles. These are the Silhouette, which is the 3rdbiggest island, and the Mahe, which is Seychelles’ main island. The sheath-tailed bats are labeled critically endangered and the government imposes stronger measures to protect them so they can propagate. It is said that there are only about 100 of the sousouri bannann left.
If you are looking for an ultimate hike adventure in Seychelles, try visiting the Silhouette island, due to its topography, is the least developed among the 3 main islands. Silhouette is even considered a wildlife haven, abundant of endemic species, including the sheath-tailed bats.
The Paradise Flycatcher
Bats are not the only winged creatures endemic to the island. There are several birds considered natives to Seychelles. Among them is the Seychelles paradise flycatcher, which originally thrived in the dense forest of La Digue and later migrated to the less-crowded Dennis Island. Yet, you can still try visiting the Veuve Nature Reserve in La Digue, where you experience relaxing wilderness walks and meet the paradise flycatcher as many other tourists have.
The Palm Frog
Believed to the world’s smallest frog, only about 0.5 to 1 centimeter in size, the Seychelles palm frog is critically endangered and therefore heavily protected. These frogs live in the palm trees found in Silhouette Island, hence their name, palm frog. Indeed, visiting the Silhouette preservation gives you several encounters with rare plants (e.g., pitcher plant and orchids) and animals (e.g., sheath-tailed bats and palm frog). The distinct biodiversity of the island is pleasurable enough for animal lovers.
The Whale Shark
You see whale sharks in other tropical countries yet seeing a whale shark in Mahe Island is a totally different experience. Mahe’s beaches are sugar white and the waters are crystal clear. On the north-west side of the island, you will find a way to Port Launay Marine National Park where you can swim, snorkel, and see a whale shark.
The Scops Owl
Distinct from the other owls because of its featherless legs, the Seychelles scops owl is believed to be extinct until rediscovered in the 1960s. Although the humans protect the species, other predators such as cats and rats are threats to the survival of the scops owl, which is endemic to Seychelles. These birds are now protected in the Morne Seychellois National Park on Mahe Island, just nearby Port Launay. The Mahe Island is, indeed, a great place for you to hike, trail, and swim with Seychelles’ unique animals.
There are several other plants and animals (e.g., the white eye and the magpie robin) that can only be found in Seychelles, which is home to a unique biodiversity. More than knowing the culture of the place, having an encounter with the world’s rare and endangered species makes any trip even more rewarding. You never know, it may be just be the last palm frog or sheath-tailed bat you will ever lay eyes on.
