EGRET ISLAND
Small limestone island located a few hundred meters from the coast, contains rare species such as candlewood
Located a few hundred metres from the coast, this small limestone island of 26 hectares was declared a Nature Reserve in 1965, in order to protect the last patches of endemic coastal forest. It is home to rare species such as candlewood, ironwood and ebony, and is a sanctuary for endangered birds such as the pink pigeon. The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, a non-governmental organization responsible for the conservation and preservation of the country's endangered plants and animals, has managed this complex ecosystem since 1985. Its aim is to restore and maintain the islet in its original state, so that it serves as a witness and a living laboratory for the conservation of endemic species. The work consists of the systematic elimination of invasive non-native plant and animal species, as well as the reforestation with native species produced in the island's nursery. The main threats are the Malagasy plum and especially the giant acacia, which proliferate like weeds. The Wildlife's efforts have nevertheless borne fruit, since 95% of the island's vegetation is made up of primary forest, compared to 15% some fifty years ago. Wild cats, rats and tenrecs have also been eliminated. This allowed the reintroduction of the endemic pigeon of the ponds of which the island counts several hundred individuals. Endangered bird species such as the cook, the Mauritius cardinal, the wood cockerel have also been reintroduced... Note that the progressive and dramatic deforestation of the Ile aux Aigrettes was the result, as everywhere else in Mauritius, of the presence of man. It started with the arrival of the Dutch in the 16th century, continued during the French and English periods (clarification of the space to build a hot oven in the 18th century, or to install a military base during the Second World War - ruins redeveloped and visible) and continued at independence (goats on the island), until the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation obtained the lease. Today, Ile aux Aigrettes is the only place in Mauritius where it is possible to observe the type of coastal forest that originally grew. It is also possible to observe Telfair lizards and Aldabra giant tortoises. The visit is all the more interesting and recommended, as its profits are entirely reinvested in conservation programs.