Having been brought to Denis on the 25th of June, the soft introduction method kept the birds in captivity until the commencement of staggered releases on the 13th of July. By the 18th of July all birds had been released and the singing of males from high perches was a prominent new feature of the island.
Since the commencement of releases, Catherina and Spencer have spent every daylight hour in the field searching for the birds and setting up feeding tables where they found them. During their time in captivity the birds had been fed thrice daily and methodically habituated to associating the whistles of their keepers to the act of provisioning of the feed tables. This groundwork is now paying off with birds, once located, coming readily to take their supplementary feeds from the stations.
Birds, post-release, can be expected to roam exploring their new surroundings before identifying territorial areas. This coupled with Denis’s size (143 Ha) and heavily forested vegetation made it likely that some birds would not be seen for extended periods of time.
I am therefore very happy to be able report that since the 18th of July all 19 birds have been re-sighted and appear to be in good condition. One bird Blue/Red which had not been located, has now been sighted by 4 people on separate occasions since Thursday 24th in a localised area to the south of the island.
So, to summarise, as of Friday 25th July 7 territories appear to have been established, 3 single birds have established home range areas whilst two other birds are still considered to be floaters – i.e. roaming on the island.
In the meantime the work of monitoring and supplementary feeding continues apace so check back periodically for updates…
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
“Breaking” News!!!
Apologies for the delay in posting but unfortunately I had an accident last week and broke my right arm! This has significantly hampered my output in practically every aspect of everyday life. My typing, never the best, is now reduced to the tapping of two fingers of my left hand. Still with the prospect of several weeks of this relative incapacity I have resolved to tap away and try and bring you at least abbreviated news of environmental issues on the island.
Thanks go to Spencer, Tori and Vicki who all left the island on Saturday the 26th July. With Spencer gone Catherina will now have to bear the heavy burden of all the SMR work on her own until I can organise some additional assistance. I was supposed to assist but am now out of action for several weeks so help will have to be sought elsewhere.
Tori and Vicki have some very interesting results, after their stint as GIF volunteers, on the Sooty tern and Hermit crab projects (see previous postings) and whilst I will try and bring you up to speed on the work, I also hope that I will be able to post their personal accounts in due course.
I have good news regarding the SMR project and the status of the birds post-release and hope to post on that soon, so do check back periodically…
Thanks go to Spencer, Tori and Vicki who all left the island on Saturday the 26th July. With Spencer gone Catherina will now have to bear the heavy burden of all the SMR work on her own until I can organise some additional assistance. I was supposed to assist but am now out of action for several weeks so help will have to be sought elsewhere.
Tori and Vicki have some very interesting results, after their stint as GIF volunteers, on the Sooty tern and Hermit crab projects (see previous postings) and whilst I will try and bring you up to speed on the work, I also hope that I will be able to post their personal accounts in due course.
I have good news regarding the SMR project and the status of the birds post-release and hope to post on that soon, so do check back periodically…
Monday, July 21, 2008
Spencer’s Perspective…
Spencer Collins is a bird captive management specialist who has been on Denis now for nearly month leading the work on the captive management of the magpie robins and their monitoring post release. Spencer is due to leave Denis on the 26th July (and return to the UK) and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his hard work and dedicated and conscientious approach to his duties whilst on the island. Furthermore despite his long arduous daily routine on Denis, Spencer kindly agreed to write a post on his work, during the first month of the SMR introduction Project:
I arrived on the main Seychelles island of Mahe early on the 25th of June and within 2 hours I was on a plane to Fregate and off to help with the with the translocation of 20 Seychelles Magpie Robins (SMRs) from Fregate and Cousin islands to Denis.
All the birds (16 from Fregate, 4 Cousin) were flown with me to Denis where they were soon released into aviaries. The birds were paired in 10 aviaries around the island and along with Catherina we cared for these birds within the aviaries and then monitored them after their release. Normally I work for Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, in Jersey, as a Bird Keeper. Durrell has approximately 500 birds ranging from flocks of flamingos to the small Java Sparrows. We also keep a close relative of the SMR, the White rumped shama with similar needs to the robins, in captivity. This exciting project would be an opportunity for me to apply the skills I have learned with the Durrell Wildlife Trust to an active conservation project of an endangered species in the field.One of my main worries coming in to this work, knowing that all 20 of the birds were free living no more than a month before, was how the wild birds would cope with being placed in captivity. I was amazed to see how well they took to their new conditions. Birds were feeding soon after they were placed within the aviaries. The curious nature of the SMR appears to have helped greatly in their rapid adjustment to these changes.
Whilst the birds were in captivity, it was essential that Catherina and I, got them accustomed to feeding from the feed platforms, essentially bird tables, which would be used for provision of supplementary feed once the birds were released. The tables were placed in each aviary and again the SMRs took to these tables surprisingly fast – most birds taking from the platforms the first time we placed them in the aviaries. It was also crucial to condition the birds to associate our whistles with feeding again to enable supplementary feeding post-release but also to aid in the location and monitoring of the birds in the field. To this end, the birds were treated the same as you would train a dog to come to a whistle. Sure enough within a few days a whistle was all it took for them to anticipate the arrival of food.
As of the 18th of July all the birds have been released, Denis already resounds with song from males high in the canopy claiming ownership to their territories. Supplementary feeding is provided to help the birds establish themselves on the island along with nest boxes to facilitate nesting. Whistling and tapping feeding stations usually draws in the birds where they feed on the special food mix and treats of cockroaches and larvae.
The task now is to monitor birds across the island recording their progress and mapping their territories; and hopefully within the near future recording their breeding. With continued monitoring and supplementary feeding we hope to see them breeding in the near future and the production of the first generation of Denis Island-hatched SMRs.
I arrived on the main Seychelles island of Mahe early on the 25th of June and within 2 hours I was on a plane to Fregate and off to help with the with the translocation of 20 Seychelles Magpie Robins (SMRs) from Fregate and Cousin islands to Denis.
All the birds (16 from Fregate, 4 Cousin) were flown with me to Denis where they were soon released into aviaries. The birds were paired in 10 aviaries around the island and along with Catherina we cared for these birds within the aviaries and then monitored them after their release. Normally I work for Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, in Jersey, as a Bird Keeper. Durrell has approximately 500 birds ranging from flocks of flamingos to the small Java Sparrows. We also keep a close relative of the SMR, the White rumped shama with similar needs to the robins, in captivity. This exciting project would be an opportunity for me to apply the skills I have learned with the Durrell Wildlife Trust to an active conservation project of an endangered species in the field.One of my main worries coming in to this work, knowing that all 20 of the birds were free living no more than a month before, was how the wild birds would cope with being placed in captivity. I was amazed to see how well they took to their new conditions. Birds were feeding soon after they were placed within the aviaries. The curious nature of the SMR appears to have helped greatly in their rapid adjustment to these changes.
Whilst the birds were in captivity, it was essential that Catherina and I, got them accustomed to feeding from the feed platforms, essentially bird tables, which would be used for provision of supplementary feed once the birds were released. The tables were placed in each aviary and again the SMRs took to these tables surprisingly fast – most birds taking from the platforms the first time we placed them in the aviaries. It was also crucial to condition the birds to associate our whistles with feeding again to enable supplementary feeding post-release but also to aid in the location and monitoring of the birds in the field. To this end, the birds were treated the same as you would train a dog to come to a whistle. Sure enough within a few days a whistle was all it took for them to anticipate the arrival of food.
As of the 18th of July all the birds have been released, Denis already resounds with song from males high in the canopy claiming ownership to their territories. Supplementary feeding is provided to help the birds establish themselves on the island along with nest boxes to facilitate nesting. Whistling and tapping feeding stations usually draws in the birds where they feed on the special food mix and treats of cockroaches and larvae.
The task now is to monitor birds across the island recording their progress and mapping their territories; and hopefully within the near future recording their breeding. With continued monitoring and supplementary feeding we hope to see them breeding in the near future and the production of the first generation of Denis Island-hatched SMRs.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Opening the aviaries.
Following the transfer of 20 Seychelles magpie robins (SMRs) on the 25th of June, the birds have been kept under specialist care in aviaries secreted in the islands broadleaved forest. In general the birds have prospered under their feeding regime and close care. Courting behaviour has even been noted in two aviaries with males singing and birds carrying nesting material!
So having had time to adapt to their new surroundings and recover from the shock of the transfer the time came to start releasing the birds. The birds have been released on a staggered schedule to avoid fighting between pairs that have been staying in separate compartments of the same aviaries.
The first pair was released from aviary 1 early on the afternoon of Sunday 13th. Concern was raised because the birds were quickly drawn to the pair in the adjacent aviary and the pairs initially attempted to fight with each other through the mesh!!! This was broken up by one of the staff approaching the aviary and the free pair moved away. The movements of the liberated pair were closely followed by Catherina and Spencer for the rest of the afternoon. Nirmal Shah CEO of Nature Seychelles, the lead partner in the SMR conservation programme, and John Dale who had been part of the transfer team also flew over to the island on Sunday to observe the releases.
On Monday morning (14th July) four more pairs were released and following displaying between the released pair and those still captive in the second compartment in aviary 2, sheets were used to hide the captive birds from those just released to stop this stressful and potentially negative interaction.
By Tuesday afternoon there was a real change in the ambience of the island as several of the birds had secured perches high-up in the Casuarina trees and their distinctive songs could be heard over extensive portions of the island!
The next batch of birds were released a couple of days later and the final release took place on the 18th July. As I write this I have just received an e-mail from Spencer updating me on their status and advising that four pairs appear to have already established territories – a most encouraging sign!
Post Script:
The transfer of birds, though essential for the long term preservation of the species, is highly stressful for the birds in question and mortalities can be expected. In the past transfers to islands have resulted in complete failure (i.e. total mortality) 3 times – but since then understanding of the species has greatly improved. From a recorded low point of just 12 birds, restricted to Fregate Island, today there is a population of more than 160 birds spread over 5 islands – this progress is as a direct result of the transfer programme.
Sadly, the Denis transfer experienced its first loss during the night of Sunday 13th. The sub-adult female ringed orange/green had been a cause for concern for some time with her weight not improving. Then on Thursday 10th her behaviour/condition was noted to change with the bird now only occupying the lower perches in the aviary though still taking food. On Friday she was kept separately and her food enriched. However by Sunday she was largely sedentary and showed deterioration in the condition of her plumage. Sadly at the 06:00 hrs Monday morning check she was found dead.
Her body has been refrigerated and will go for post mortem to determine whether a disease agent was involved.
In the meantime, however, the project continues and I am happy to report that to date all other birds are in good condition.
So having had time to adapt to their new surroundings and recover from the shock of the transfer the time came to start releasing the birds. The birds have been released on a staggered schedule to avoid fighting between pairs that have been staying in separate compartments of the same aviaries.
The first pair was released from aviary 1 early on the afternoon of Sunday 13th. Concern was raised because the birds were quickly drawn to the pair in the adjacent aviary and the pairs initially attempted to fight with each other through the mesh!!! This was broken up by one of the staff approaching the aviary and the free pair moved away. The movements of the liberated pair were closely followed by Catherina and Spencer for the rest of the afternoon. Nirmal Shah CEO of Nature Seychelles, the lead partner in the SMR conservation programme, and John Dale who had been part of the transfer team also flew over to the island on Sunday to observe the releases.
On Monday morning (14th July) four more pairs were released and following displaying between the released pair and those still captive in the second compartment in aviary 2, sheets were used to hide the captive birds from those just released to stop this stressful and potentially negative interaction.
By Tuesday afternoon there was a real change in the ambience of the island as several of the birds had secured perches high-up in the Casuarina trees and their distinctive songs could be heard over extensive portions of the island!
The next batch of birds were released a couple of days later and the final release took place on the 18th July. As I write this I have just received an e-mail from Spencer updating me on their status and advising that four pairs appear to have already established territories – a most encouraging sign!
Post Script:
The transfer of birds, though essential for the long term preservation of the species, is highly stressful for the birds in question and mortalities can be expected. In the past transfers to islands have resulted in complete failure (i.e. total mortality) 3 times – but since then understanding of the species has greatly improved. From a recorded low point of just 12 birds, restricted to Fregate Island, today there is a population of more than 160 birds spread over 5 islands – this progress is as a direct result of the transfer programme.
Sadly, the Denis transfer experienced its first loss during the night of Sunday 13th. The sub-adult female ringed orange/green had been a cause for concern for some time with her weight not improving. Then on Thursday 10th her behaviour/condition was noted to change with the bird now only occupying the lower perches in the aviary though still taking food. On Friday she was kept separately and her food enriched. However by Sunday she was largely sedentary and showed deterioration in the condition of her plumage. Sadly at the 06:00 hrs Monday morning check she was found dead.
Her body has been refrigerated and will go for post mortem to determine whether a disease agent was involved.
In the meantime, however, the project continues and I am happy to report that to date all other birds are in good condition.
Friday, July 18, 2008
BIRD BULLETIN
I am just back from 5 days spent on Denis to coincide with the release of the first magpie robins. A proper account will be posted in the coming days.
Other notable bird occurrences however, included:
Confirmation of frigate birds roosting on Denis. We have suspected for a couple of years that frigate birds were on occasion roosting on the island in Casuarina trees in the isolated southern reaches of Denis. Frigates can often be seen soaring above the island at very last light and it seemed unlikely that they would then embark on a night-time flight to Aride Island 56 km to the south. Finally over the last weekend some 15-20 birds were observed (by the Estate Manager Camille Hoareau and Mr Mickey Mason) to be roosting in Casuarina trees on the south west coast. I will try and follow up on these sightings in the coming weeks and post more information and hopefully photos in due course.
Flight of Boobies!!! Whilst walking south to the Sooty tern project (see post dated Wednesday July 2nd 2008) on Saturday 12th I heard the distinctive harsh call of boobies and through breaks in the canopy saw at least four heavy set birds flying over head southwards. They were pale on the underside but I was unable to see the colouration on their backs or upper wing services in the fleeting glimpses I gained. However having referred to national bird expert Mr Adrian Skerret it would appear most likely that they were brown boobies or less likely but possibly the red-footed species.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
The Importance of Crabs!!!
Denis Island at approximately 14,000 years of age is a youthful island when compared to its truly ancient granite neighbours in the central Seychelles archipelago. This “youth” coupled with its flat terrain means the island’s ecosystem is also relatively simple. Denis does not support the abundant species of vertebrate that an equivalent area of continental landmass would. Denis, for example has no mammals or snakes, the ecological niches of scavengers and detrivores being filled largely by the island’s lizard and crab populations.
Crabs therefore play a key role in the island’s ecosystem. Denis Island plays host to at least 7 species of land crab the Horn-eyed ghost crab (Ocypode ceratophthalmus), the Purple ghost crab (O. cordimana), the Pink ghost crab (O. ryderi), the Yellow nipper (Grassipes crinipes) and 3 species of hermit crab the Tawny hermit crab (Coenobita rugosus), Red hermit crab (C. perlatus) and the Purple hermit crab (C. brevimanus).
It had been anticipated that following the rat eradication on Denis in 2002 that the hermit crab populations in particular would expand rapidly but this has not been the case. In order to get a better overview of the current status of hermit crab populations and understand their occurrence and habitat preferences GIF is undertaking a study on the island.
Two volunteers, Ms Tori Yates and Ms Vicki Wheeler, have been on Denis since the end of May and are undertaking this work on behalf of GIF in addition to monitoring and gathering data on the Sooty Tern Project (see blog entry dated Wednesday July 2nd 2008). Vicki and Tori have been utilising quadrat surveys to monitor the occurrence of hermit crabs in the different vegetation types to be found along the coast of the island; and “capture-recapture” techniques to derive an understanding of the crabs’ population densities.
The findings of this study will help us understand the population dynamics and habitat preferences of the 3 species. This will be very important in better guiding the vegetation management regimes planned under the islands Environmental Management Plan 2008 – 2012, ensuring that hermit crab needs are incorporated into management measures.
Crabs therefore play a key role in the island’s ecosystem. Denis Island plays host to at least 7 species of land crab the Horn-eyed ghost crab (Ocypode ceratophthalmus), the Purple ghost crab (O. cordimana), the Pink ghost crab (O. ryderi), the Yellow nipper (Grassipes crinipes) and 3 species of hermit crab the Tawny hermit crab (Coenobita rugosus), Red hermit crab (C. perlatus) and the Purple hermit crab (C. brevimanus).
It had been anticipated that following the rat eradication on Denis in 2002 that the hermit crab populations in particular would expand rapidly but this has not been the case. In order to get a better overview of the current status of hermit crab populations and understand their occurrence and habitat preferences GIF is undertaking a study on the island.
Two volunteers, Ms Tori Yates and Ms Vicki Wheeler, have been on Denis since the end of May and are undertaking this work on behalf of GIF in addition to monitoring and gathering data on the Sooty Tern Project (see blog entry dated Wednesday July 2nd 2008). Vicki and Tori have been utilising quadrat surveys to monitor the occurrence of hermit crabs in the different vegetation types to be found along the coast of the island; and “capture-recapture” techniques to derive an understanding of the crabs’ population densities.
The findings of this study will help us understand the population dynamics and habitat preferences of the 3 species. This will be very important in better guiding the vegetation management regimes planned under the islands Environmental Management Plan 2008 – 2012, ensuring that hermit crab needs are incorporated into management measures.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Captive Management of the Seychelles Magpie Robin.
On the 25th of June 20 Magpie robins were flown to Denis on a chartered Twin Otter. (see blog entry of Friday 4th July 2008). The introduction technique being utilised is termed a “soft release” the magpie robins were caught on their source islands and kept in captivity for several days under expert care to ensure that their weight and general state of health were stable.
On arrival at Denis the birds were promptly transferred to five two-compartment aviaries strategically positioned throughout the island’s broadleaved forest. The birds were kept in their previously established pairings and stabilisation of their conditions commenced.
The translocation is a highly stressful event for the birds, being caught and placed in small transfer boxes and then boated and/or flown to Denis for release into aviaries. Despite this the birds appeared to be in remarkably good condition on their release into the aviaries.
Captive management care commenced immediately with the birds being provided with a special food mix, water and live food (consisting of cockroaches, larvae etc…) captured on the island.
The birds will be kept in captivity for 2 to 3 weeks whilst their condition is stabilised before they are released by pairs on a staggered schedule.
Whilst in captivity the birds are being cared for by Spencer Collins a captive management expert from Durrell Institute based at Jersey Zoo and Catherina Onezia the Environmental Officer of the Green Islands Foundation. The birds are fed three times a day.
A special food mix is prepared, at 06:00 hrs each morning, consisting of special bird feed, Avimix vitamin supplement, grated carrot and papaya, grated boiled eggs and bread crumbs. All the bowls and preparation tools (knives, forks, graters etc…) are thoroughly sterilised each day using “Virkon S” tablets for the safe and effective control of viruses, bacteria, fungi, yeast and moulds.
This food is provided 3 times a day and live insect and larvae are also given once a day along with a fresh supply of water.
The working hours of Catherina and Spencer are very demanding, each feeding session takes approximately 2 hours because of the geographical layout of the aviaries and the walking entailed. This coupled with food preparation, the gathering of live food from the forest and the general observation of the birds means a long day. Once the birds are released this workload will increase considerably as the birds will likely roam throughout the island before selecting and establishing their territories. Catherina and Spencer will attempt to locate every bird as much as possible because the process of supplementary feeding will continue utilising bird tables which the birds have become habituated to whilst in captivity.
The birds are adapting well so far with only one bird – a sub-adult female - giving rise to concern as she does not seem to be gaining weight since arrival on the island.
Check back to this site for further updates on the magpie robin project.
On arrival at Denis the birds were promptly transferred to five two-compartment aviaries strategically positioned throughout the island’s broadleaved forest. The birds were kept in their previously established pairings and stabilisation of their conditions commenced.
The translocation is a highly stressful event for the birds, being caught and placed in small transfer boxes and then boated and/or flown to Denis for release into aviaries. Despite this the birds appeared to be in remarkably good condition on their release into the aviaries.
Captive management care commenced immediately with the birds being provided with a special food mix, water and live food (consisting of cockroaches, larvae etc…) captured on the island.
The birds will be kept in captivity for 2 to 3 weeks whilst their condition is stabilised before they are released by pairs on a staggered schedule.
Whilst in captivity the birds are being cared for by Spencer Collins a captive management expert from Durrell Institute based at Jersey Zoo and Catherina Onezia the Environmental Officer of the Green Islands Foundation. The birds are fed three times a day.
A special food mix is prepared, at 06:00 hrs each morning, consisting of special bird feed, Avimix vitamin supplement, grated carrot and papaya, grated boiled eggs and bread crumbs. All the bowls and preparation tools (knives, forks, graters etc…) are thoroughly sterilised each day using “Virkon S” tablets for the safe and effective control of viruses, bacteria, fungi, yeast and moulds.
This food is provided 3 times a day and live insect and larvae are also given once a day along with a fresh supply of water.
The working hours of Catherina and Spencer are very demanding, each feeding session takes approximately 2 hours because of the geographical layout of the aviaries and the walking entailed. This coupled with food preparation, the gathering of live food from the forest and the general observation of the birds means a long day. Once the birds are released this workload will increase considerably as the birds will likely roam throughout the island before selecting and establishing their territories. Catherina and Spencer will attempt to locate every bird as much as possible because the process of supplementary feeding will continue utilising bird tables which the birds have become habituated to whilst in captivity.
The birds are adapting well so far with only one bird – a sub-adult female - giving rise to concern as she does not seem to be gaining weight since arrival on the island.
Check back to this site for further updates on the magpie robin project.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Denis Island makes significant contribution to national tree planting campaign.
At the beginning of the year the Minister for Environment launched the "My Tree Our Seychelles" Campaign, a national tree planting campaign, with the aim of getting the whole country to participate in planting trees to offset carbon emission on our planet.
Denis Island is in the middle of a major broadleaved woodland habitat creation project and submitted the following article to the campaign to publicise its contribution in this regard. The article below was published in the Nation newspaper on Saturday 5th July:
The national “My Tree Our Seychelles Campaign” launched this year has received considerable attention in the media, but activities are not merely restricted to the main granite islands.
Denis Island, in partnership with Nature Seychelles, has over the last year planted approximately 2000 native broadleaf trees – consisting of 13 species - on the island as part of a habitat creation project. In total some 20 hectares of forest has been managed and re-habilitated to support the conservation of rare endemic bird species and this is just the latest phase of such work.
Denis Island is a large (143 Ha) coral sand cay situated to the north of the Seychelles plateau. The island plays host to a luxury hotel resort and diverse production landscape operations. Island restoration programmes were initiated in 1998 culminating in the removal of cats and rats from the island in 2000 and 2002 respectively. During this period, Denis, in partnership with Nature Seychelles, worked to rehabilitate an initial 35 hectares of broadleaved woodland forest as the first stage of creating suitable habitat for future introduction of endangered endemic bird species. The rare Seychelles Fody/ Tok Tok (Foudia sechellarum) and Seychelles Warbler/Timerl Dezil (Acrocephalus sechellensis ) were successfully introduced in 2004. The current planting programme is extending this broadleaf woodland to create more bird habitat and to allow for further species introductions most imminently that of the Seychelles magpie robin/ Pi Santez (Copsychus sechellarum) later this year.
Work on production landscapes has also involved the planting of fruit trees to help meet the island’s and hotel’s needs with 130 fruit trees of various species having been planted out in an orchard over the last year.
Denis however is also working on other sustainability projects in partnership with the Green Islands Foundations. A five year management plan that strives to put the island on a sustainable footing combining tourism, production landscapes and conservation initiatives has recently been finalised and this foresees considerable further woodland restoration and tree planting as well as other measures to reduce the island’s carbon emissions.
Denis Island is in the middle of a major broadleaved woodland habitat creation project and submitted the following article to the campaign to publicise its contribution in this regard. The article below was published in the Nation newspaper on Saturday 5th July:
Denis Island Makes Significant Contribution to National Tree Planting Campaign
The national “My Tree Our Seychelles Campaign” launched this year has received considerable attention in the media, but activities are not merely restricted to the main granite islands.
Denis Island, in partnership with Nature Seychelles, has over the last year planted approximately 2000 native broadleaf trees – consisting of 13 species - on the island as part of a habitat creation project. In total some 20 hectares of forest has been managed and re-habilitated to support the conservation of rare endemic bird species and this is just the latest phase of such work.
Denis Island is a large (143 Ha) coral sand cay situated to the north of the Seychelles plateau. The island plays host to a luxury hotel resort and diverse production landscape operations. Island restoration programmes were initiated in 1998 culminating in the removal of cats and rats from the island in 2000 and 2002 respectively. During this period, Denis, in partnership with Nature Seychelles, worked to rehabilitate an initial 35 hectares of broadleaved woodland forest as the first stage of creating suitable habitat for future introduction of endangered endemic bird species. The rare Seychelles Fody/ Tok Tok (Foudia sechellarum) and Seychelles Warbler/Timerl Dezil (Acrocephalus sechellensis ) were successfully introduced in 2004. The current planting programme is extending this broadleaf woodland to create more bird habitat and to allow for further species introductions most imminently that of the Seychelles magpie robin/ Pi Santez (Copsychus sechellarum) later this year.
Work on production landscapes has also involved the planting of fruit trees to help meet the island’s and hotel’s needs with 130 fruit trees of various species having been planted out in an orchard over the last year.
Denis however is also working on other sustainability projects in partnership with the Green Islands Foundations. A five year management plan that strives to put the island on a sustainable footing combining tourism, production landscapes and conservation initiatives has recently been finalised and this foresees considerable further woodland restoration and tree planting as well as other measures to reduce the island’s carbon emissions.
Friday, July 4, 2008
The Next Step towards Safety for the Seychelles Magpie Robin (Copsychus sechellarum).
The 25th of June was a very exciting day for Denis Island and the national programme for magpie robin conservation as 20 birds – nearly an eighth of the world population - were brought to the island.
This marks the next step in a long term project started by BirdLife International and now led by Nature Seychelles supported by a team of stakeholders including representatives of Government and the islands where populations of magpie robin already exist.
I was fortunate enough along with Spencer Collins, a captive bird management specialist from the Durrell Institute, to be on the chartered Air Seychelles STOL Twin Otter that took off from Mahe that morning at around 10:00hrs. The plane first flew to Fregate island where we were met by Gary Ward (Durrell Institute) and Phillipa Shultz (veterinarian) and 16 magpie robins already prepared in their transfer boxes.
With the birds safely secured, each box seat-belted in, the plane then took off and headed for Praslin airport where on arrival four more birds - that had been boated over from Cousin island that morning - were also collected before the plane continued to Denis island.
It was an amazing experience to take off from Praslin surrounded by close to an eighth of the total world population of this rare bird, including one in its box on my lap as the plane was now full.
On landing we were met by island staff and Jon Dale of Nature Seychelles who had been busily overseeing the construction of the aviaries on the island. The birds were carefully transferred to the waiting golf carts with just time for a photo of the dedicated transfer team, along side their precious cargo, before the birds were transferred to the aviaries. Five spacious aviaries had been prepared on the island each with two compartments. The birds were then released as per their pre-existing pairings, one pair to each compartment. The expert eyes of the transfer team assessed the condition of each bird whilst they were also immediately provided with food and water.
Obviously such a transfer is a stressful procedure for the birds and they had been carefully kept in captivity in aviaries on their source islands for several days prior to the transfer to ensure all birds were healthy and of a good weight prior to the move.
On release the birds were in remarkably good condition with bright eyes and glossy plumage and they promptly partook of the food and water provided – within a couple of hours loud singing could be heard from the aviaries.
The aviaries are positioned in five separate locations around Denis in suitable forest habitat. Over the next 2-3 weeks they will be maintained and monitored in the aviaries to make sure all birds have made the transition successfully. The aviary doors will then be opened allowing the birds to come and go as they please. Spencer Collins will remain on the island for a month, ably assisted by GIF’s Environmental Officer, Catherina Onezia. After Spencer’s departure Catherina will continue to monitor the birds over the coming year and maintain their supplementary feeding regime. Supplementary feeding will be gradually reduced over the next three years to allow the birds a structured and stable transition to full self sufficiency in their new home.
This transfer represents a major breakthrough in the implementation of the magpie robin conservation programme particularly when one considers that the world population was at one point reported to be as low as just 12 birds restricted to the island of Fregate. The introduction of 20 birds to Denis on the 25th June is a testament to the commitment and achievement of the dedicated staff of BirdLife International, Nature Seychelles and their local partners.
The Green Islands Foundation and Denis Island are proud to now form part of this team and national conservation effort.
Check back to this page for periodic updates on the progress of the birds.
This marks the next step in a long term project started by BirdLife International and now led by Nature Seychelles supported by a team of stakeholders including representatives of Government and the islands where populations of magpie robin already exist.
I was fortunate enough along with Spencer Collins, a captive bird management specialist from the Durrell Institute, to be on the chartered Air Seychelles STOL Twin Otter that took off from Mahe that morning at around 10:00hrs. The plane first flew to Fregate island where we were met by Gary Ward (Durrell Institute) and Phillipa Shultz (veterinarian) and 16 magpie robins already prepared in their transfer boxes.
With the birds safely secured, each box seat-belted in, the plane then took off and headed for Praslin airport where on arrival four more birds - that had been boated over from Cousin island that morning - were also collected before the plane continued to Denis island.
It was an amazing experience to take off from Praslin surrounded by close to an eighth of the total world population of this rare bird, including one in its box on my lap as the plane was now full.
On landing we were met by island staff and Jon Dale of Nature Seychelles who had been busily overseeing the construction of the aviaries on the island. The birds were carefully transferred to the waiting golf carts with just time for a photo of the dedicated transfer team, along side their precious cargo, before the birds were transferred to the aviaries. Five spacious aviaries had been prepared on the island each with two compartments. The birds were then released as per their pre-existing pairings, one pair to each compartment. The expert eyes of the transfer team assessed the condition of each bird whilst they were also immediately provided with food and water.
Obviously such a transfer is a stressful procedure for the birds and they had been carefully kept in captivity in aviaries on their source islands for several days prior to the transfer to ensure all birds were healthy and of a good weight prior to the move.
On release the birds were in remarkably good condition with bright eyes and glossy plumage and they promptly partook of the food and water provided – within a couple of hours loud singing could be heard from the aviaries.
The aviaries are positioned in five separate locations around Denis in suitable forest habitat. Over the next 2-3 weeks they will be maintained and monitored in the aviaries to make sure all birds have made the transition successfully. The aviary doors will then be opened allowing the birds to come and go as they please. Spencer Collins will remain on the island for a month, ably assisted by GIF’s Environmental Officer, Catherina Onezia. After Spencer’s departure Catherina will continue to monitor the birds over the coming year and maintain their supplementary feeding regime. Supplementary feeding will be gradually reduced over the next three years to allow the birds a structured and stable transition to full self sufficiency in their new home.
This transfer represents a major breakthrough in the implementation of the magpie robin conservation programme particularly when one considers that the world population was at one point reported to be as low as just 12 birds restricted to the island of Fregate. The introduction of 20 birds to Denis on the 25th June is a testament to the commitment and achievement of the dedicated staff of BirdLife International, Nature Seychelles and their local partners.
The Green Islands Foundation and Denis Island are proud to now form part of this team and national conservation effort.
Check back to this page for periodic updates on the progress of the birds.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Denis Island – a home for Sooty Terns?
When Denis de Trobriand discovered Denis Island in 1773 it was populated by vast seabird populations nesting on the ground and in the trees including species of Booby (Sula spp) and the Sooty Tern (Onychoprion fuscata). Sadly during the early years of human occupation the sea bird populations were largely extirpated due to a combination of: direct human predation, loss of habitat to agriculture and the inadvertent introduction of predators such as rats (Rattus rattus).
Since 1998 however the island owners have initiated a structured programme of environmental management and restoration that has seen the rehabilitation of large tracts of habitat, the eradication of alien rats and cats and the re-introduction of rare endemic bird species.
Denis Island is now turning its attention to the re-establishment of a sooty tern colony as the first step in a process of ecosystem restoration in the southern portion of the island. Denis is working with the Green Islands Foundation and Professor Chris Feare, a leading expert on the specie, on this ground breaking project.
Three and two dimensional models have been set out in a grid across an area of about 15,000 m2 which offers different habitat types. Colony noise is being played from four strategically positioned loudspeakers such that the different stimuli of: both kinds of model, the habitat and the colony noise can be assessed in terms of the response it engenders in passing sooty terns.
This first year is very much a learning experience, such work having not been undertaken before and the lessons learned this year will be applied next season in the hope of gaining improved results with the ultimate goal, in the coming years, of re-establishing a Sooty tern colony on Denis.
Chances of ultimate success?
Denis Island did historically play host to a population of Sooty terns and Denis’ two nearest island neighbours – Bird and Aride islands - still have colonies. As such during the breeding season Sooty terns regularly overfly the island. Also we know from Professor Feare’s work that individual birds will move from disturbed colonies to less disturbed locations and also that it is likely due to decline of other colonies that there may be many adults looking for new places to breed in any given year. It is therefore felt that with the testing and refinement of habitat and lures that there is a good chance that a colony may be re-established on Denis Island in the future.
The indications from the first few weeks of work are certainly very encouraging. Sooty terns have shown very definite interest with frequent over flights and low circling of the trial area and several instances of birds landing and demonstrating display behaviour before alighting. The longest period a bird has yet been observed on the ground is approximately 20 minutes but a very clear indication of their preference in terms of stimuli and habitat has already been received meaning that efforts next year can be better tailored to their preference.
In the meantime the work will continue through this season and the interaction of birds with the trial area will be observed and recorded in detail.
Let’s hope that in years to come all this hard work will bear fruit.
Since 1998 however the island owners have initiated a structured programme of environmental management and restoration that has seen the rehabilitation of large tracts of habitat, the eradication of alien rats and cats and the re-introduction of rare endemic bird species.
Denis Island is now turning its attention to the re-establishment of a sooty tern colony as the first step in a process of ecosystem restoration in the southern portion of the island. Denis is working with the Green Islands Foundation and Professor Chris Feare, a leading expert on the specie, on this ground breaking project.
Three and two dimensional models have been set out in a grid across an area of about 15,000 m2 which offers different habitat types. Colony noise is being played from four strategically positioned loudspeakers such that the different stimuli of: both kinds of model, the habitat and the colony noise can be assessed in terms of the response it engenders in passing sooty terns.
This first year is very much a learning experience, such work having not been undertaken before and the lessons learned this year will be applied next season in the hope of gaining improved results with the ultimate goal, in the coming years, of re-establishing a Sooty tern colony on Denis.
Chances of ultimate success?
Denis Island did historically play host to a population of Sooty terns and Denis’ two nearest island neighbours – Bird and Aride islands - still have colonies. As such during the breeding season Sooty terns regularly overfly the island. Also we know from Professor Feare’s work that individual birds will move from disturbed colonies to less disturbed locations and also that it is likely due to decline of other colonies that there may be many adults looking for new places to breed in any given year. It is therefore felt that with the testing and refinement of habitat and lures that there is a good chance that a colony may be re-established on Denis Island in the future.
The indications from the first few weeks of work are certainly very encouraging. Sooty terns have shown very definite interest with frequent over flights and low circling of the trial area and several instances of birds landing and demonstrating display behaviour before alighting. The longest period a bird has yet been observed on the ground is approximately 20 minutes but a very clear indication of their preference in terms of stimuli and habitat has already been received meaning that efforts next year can be better tailored to their preference.
In the meantime the work will continue through this season and the interaction of birds with the trial area will be observed and recorded in detail.
Let’s hope that in years to come all this hard work will bear fruit.
Denis Island through time…
Denis Island was discovered on the 11th of August 1773 by Denis De Trobriand. Noting that the island did not appear on any of his charts, old or new, and finding no evidence of prior human activity he claimed the island for the King of France and named it after himself!
De Trobriand recorded a detailed account of the island which is of great use today in GIF’s work to restore the island. In particular he recorded that the island was an approximate 50/50 mix of forest and grassland, there were huge colonies of seabird, turtle and fish abounded in the surrounding waters; there was a species of seal on the beach and giant tortoises grazed in the clearings.
The island was first leased in 1815 to a Capt Lesage who was Civil Commissioner of the colony of Seychelles at that time. It is likely the initial lease was for the purpose of salting fish, seabirds and turtle meat for export to Mahe and as such this will have entailed only a very limited and likely seasonal human presence on the island.
By 1845 however the island was cited as being agricultural land and although we do not have specific records of the activities on the island the dominant crops in Seychelles at that time were cotton and maize and it is likely that Denis reflected this. Indeed cotton can still be found growing wild on the island today. Such activity however will have resulted in major changes to the island environment most notably the extensive clearing of woodland. Cotton is also a highly labour intensive crop and would have required a relatively large labour force. These people will have lived primarily off the natural resources of the island and this would doubtless have resulted in a heavy exploitation of the turtle populations and the likely extirpation of the booby and sooty tern colonies. It is also likely that, if they had not already been introduced, this period will have seen the introduction of mammalian predators such as rats and cats to the island with the related impact on the native flora and fauna.
Transition to coconuts
By the late 1850s it is believed that the island was undergoing conversion to coconut plantation as by 1882 it was described as follows by a visitor:
“…coconut trees abound, maize is also grown. It is belted all round with shrubs and trees to a depth of about 20 to 30 feet.”
This describes an island completely altered from that discovered by De Trobriand only a little over a 100 years before.
Coconut production expanded such that by 1905, 60,000 nuts a month being produced. The copra was milled on the island and the oil exported the base of the original mill can still be seen in the old settlement. The island’s population at this time was up to as high as 44 with 38 employed in the plantation. Coconut production continued on the island until 1982 until competition from continental producers made the island’s operation no longer cost effective.
Guano mining
Aside from agriculture Denis Island was also subject to the mining of guano in the early to mid-20th century. Records show more than 16,000 tonnes of guano as being exported from the island between 1929 and 1941. This is in fact very likely a significant under declaration as guano exports at that time were subject to tax. The idea that large quantities of guano were extracted is supported by the infrastructure investment that was made during this period with railway tracks being laid across the island to facilitate the delivery of guano to the shore and two jetties being constructed on the west coast of the island to enable efficent loading of visiting vessels.
Tourism
In 1975 Denis Island was bought by Pierre Burkhardt, a Belgian industrialist, who had a runway cut on the island the following year and a small hotel constructed that opened for business in 1978. The Mason Family purchased Denis in 1997 and the hotel was upgraded in 1998 and the main complex rebuilt in 2006.
Today the hotel has 25 villas and employs more than 80 staff.
Production landscapes
Denis Island is however much more than just a hotel resort. It is a living working island with various ongoing production activities including a poultry farm, pig farm, as mall herd of cattle and varied vegetable and fruit production activities.
The island’s environmental management and restoration began with preliminary surveys in 1998.
De Trobriand recorded a detailed account of the island which is of great use today in GIF’s work to restore the island. In particular he recorded that the island was an approximate 50/50 mix of forest and grassland, there were huge colonies of seabird, turtle and fish abounded in the surrounding waters; there was a species of seal on the beach and giant tortoises grazed in the clearings.
The island was first leased in 1815 to a Capt Lesage who was Civil Commissioner of the colony of Seychelles at that time. It is likely the initial lease was for the purpose of salting fish, seabirds and turtle meat for export to Mahe and as such this will have entailed only a very limited and likely seasonal human presence on the island.
By 1845 however the island was cited as being agricultural land and although we do not have specific records of the activities on the island the dominant crops in Seychelles at that time were cotton and maize and it is likely that Denis reflected this. Indeed cotton can still be found growing wild on the island today. Such activity however will have resulted in major changes to the island environment most notably the extensive clearing of woodland. Cotton is also a highly labour intensive crop and would have required a relatively large labour force. These people will have lived primarily off the natural resources of the island and this would doubtless have resulted in a heavy exploitation of the turtle populations and the likely extirpation of the booby and sooty tern colonies. It is also likely that, if they had not already been introduced, this period will have seen the introduction of mammalian predators such as rats and cats to the island with the related impact on the native flora and fauna.
Transition to coconuts
By the late 1850s it is believed that the island was undergoing conversion to coconut plantation as by 1882 it was described as follows by a visitor:
“…coconut trees abound, maize is also grown. It is belted all round with shrubs and trees to a depth of about 20 to 30 feet.”
This describes an island completely altered from that discovered by De Trobriand only a little over a 100 years before.
Coconut production expanded such that by 1905, 60,000 nuts a month being produced. The copra was milled on the island and the oil exported the base of the original mill can still be seen in the old settlement. The island’s population at this time was up to as high as 44 with 38 employed in the plantation. Coconut production continued on the island until 1982 until competition from continental producers made the island’s operation no longer cost effective.
Guano mining
Aside from agriculture Denis Island was also subject to the mining of guano in the early to mid-20th century. Records show more than 16,000 tonnes of guano as being exported from the island between 1929 and 1941. This is in fact very likely a significant under declaration as guano exports at that time were subject to tax. The idea that large quantities of guano were extracted is supported by the infrastructure investment that was made during this period with railway tracks being laid across the island to facilitate the delivery of guano to the shore and two jetties being constructed on the west coast of the island to enable efficent loading of visiting vessels.
Tourism
In 1975 Denis Island was bought by Pierre Burkhardt, a Belgian industrialist, who had a runway cut on the island the following year and a small hotel constructed that opened for business in 1978. The Mason Family purchased Denis in 1997 and the hotel was upgraded in 1998 and the main complex rebuilt in 2006.
Today the hotel has 25 villas and employs more than 80 staff.
Production landscapes
Denis Island is however much more than just a hotel resort. It is a living working island with various ongoing production activities including a poultry farm, pig farm, as mall herd of cattle and varied vegetable and fruit production activities.
The island’s environmental management and restoration began with preliminary surveys in 1998.
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