The Seychelles Warbler at one time, was probably the most endangered bird in the world, with only a handful of birds remaining, because the establishment of coconut plantations on the Seychelles had resulted in massive levels of habitat destruction; but Nature Seychelles and scientists have worked on major projects to secure the future of the Warbler, and birds have been released on islands where alien plants have been eradicated and native vegetation enhanced, to ensure that the Seychelles Warbler takes to its new habitat and flourishes, and a feather in the cap goes to the dedicated work of the conservationists who persevered....and won.
The Warbler is a charming little bird that compensates for its plain brown appearance with a beautiful song, and it can be seen flitting among the sunlit forest vegetation as it gleans its insect food from the undersides of leaves. |
The main breeding season of the Seychelles Warbler is during the southeast monsoon in about July, although, given sufficient food availability, they will breed at anytime of year. One or two eggs are usually laid in a nest made up of grass and coconut fibres. The Warbler has a cooperative breeding system. Young birds from one brood will often help with the rearing of subsequent broods, by a combination of joint nesting - more than one female laying eggs in the same nest - and helping to feed the young at the nest.
Further populations need to be established before this species will be totally out of danger, and we at Cousine Island play a crucial role in the relocation of Warblers to our island, which, as a nature reserve, provides a safe haven for the still vulnerable Seychelles Warbler, where it can be carefully monitored. The knowledge of how habitat restoration helps to re-establish populations of endangered species makes our work all the more worthwhile. |
