PART 2 - VALLÉE DE MAI NATURE RESERVE [UNESCO], Praslin, Seychelles.

Palm forest trail

Praslin, the 2^nd biggest granitic island of the Seychelles, has kept its own ecosystem. Its central rainforest is the home of many vegetal and animal habitats that can only be found here.

It is such a natural treasure trove that it became a UNESCO World site in 1983. This is what the UN organization said about this environment: “Located on the granitic island of Praslin, the Vallée de Mai is a 19.5 ha area of palm forest which remains largely unchanged since prehistoric times. Dominating the landscape is the world's largest population of endemic coco-de-mer, a flagship species of global significance as the bearer of the largest seed in the plant kingdom. The forest is also home to five other endemic palms and many endemic fauna species”.

The entrance fee (RS350/24euros) is high but it helps to maintain this unique

In the forest

habitat. A map of the area is provided, showing three different trails. Being there, I used a mix of all three and spent more than two hours in the reserve. The viewpoint was interesting because it allows having a better view of the rainforest from above. The highest point in Praslin is at an elevation of 367m. If I saw most of all the endemic vegetal environment, I was unable to spot most of its animal wildlife. I did hear many different kinds of birds singing and I clearly recognized one black Paradise Flycatcher at the viewpoint. I believe I heard the black parrot but unfortunately, I could not spot it clearly because it is usually at the top of the canopy.

Vallée de Mai: hilltop viewpoint

Here is a more accurate account of all the various endemic species found in this natural park:

A.FLORA.

“The Vallée de Mai is the only area in the Seychelles where all six species (of palms) occur together

Female coco-de-mer

and no other island in the Indian Ocean possesses the combination of features displayed on the property.” […] “The Vallée de Mai is the world's stronghold for the endemic coco-de-mer (Lodoicea maldivica) and the endemic palm species millionaire's salad (Deckenia Nobilis), thief palm (Phoenicophorium borsigianum), Seychelles stilt palm (Verschaffeltia splendida) latanier millepattes (Nephrosperma vanhoutteanum) and latanier palm (Roscheria melanochaetes), are also found within the property.”(UNESCO)

-Coco-de-mer (Lodoicea maldivica): there are more than 4,000 giant Lodoicea, some being 300 years old.

-Palmiste or Millionaire's salad (Deckenia Nobilis): a 40m high palm tree.

-Thief palm or Latanier palm (Phoenicophorium)

-Seychelles stilt palm (Verschaffeltia spendida): can grow 25m tall; the younger palm trunk is protected by spikes.

-Latanier Mille-Pattes (Nephrosperma vanhoutteanum): a small palm tree.

-Latanier palm (Phoenicophorium borsigianum)

B.FAUNA.

“The palm forest is relatively pristine and it provides a refuge for viable populations of many endemic

species, including the black parrot (Coracopsis nigra barklyi), restricted to Praslin Island and totally dependent on the Vallée de Mai and surrounding palm forest. Other species supported by the palm habitat include three endemic species of bronze gecko, endemic blue pigeons, bulbuls, sunbirds, swiftlets, Seychelles skinks, burrowing skinks, tiger chameleons, day geckos, caecilians, tree frogs, freshwater fish and many invertebrates.” (UNESCO)

-Caecilian (Dermophis mexicanus): a serpentine amphibian hidden in the ground.

-Giant bronze gecko (Ailuronyx trachygaster)

-Praslin snail (Pachnodus praslinus)

-Seychelles day gecko (Phelsuma astriata)

-Seychelles blue pigeon (Alectroenas pulcherrima)

-Seychelles Bulbul (Hypsipetes crassirostris)

-Seychelles black parrot (Caracopsis barklyi): this is the national bird of the Seychelles.

-Seychelles cave swiftlet (Aerodramus elaphrus): a small bird.

-Seychelles skink (Mabuya seychellensis): similar in appearance to a lizard

-Seychelles sunbird (Cinnyris dussumieri): a small passerine.

-Seychelles tiger chameleon (Archaius Tigris): an endangered species of chameleon.

-Seychelles tree frog (Tachycnemis seychellensis)

-Seychelles wolf snake (Lycognathophis seychellensis): can be 1m long.

This list testifies for the remarkable biodiversity found in the park. It is a very pleasant hike through a wonderful, pristine forest, which has kept an original beauty.

Christian Sorand

Giant palm leaf

Links:

Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve (UNESCO)

Praslin National Park and surrounding important bird areas

The secret of the world's largest seed revealed

Illustrations: 

Stilt palm

Cassine orientalis

Northea hornei

Roots of Vacoa Parasol

Pandanus hornei (Vacoa Parasol)

Giant tortoise of the Seychelles