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Flora & Fauna
The Seychelles is famous for its rich diversity of flora and fauna throughout the islands, which includes areas of virgin forest on Mahe, Praslin, Silhouette & North, home to coconut palms, casuarina trees, pitcher plants, frangipani and also the giant coco de mer palm. The Botanical Gardens in Victoria are beautifully kept and well stocked so well worth a visit.
Some of the more common animals include the flying fox, fruit bat, gecko and the giant tortoise which can be seen on a number of the islands.
The marine life is also spectacular with many species of coral and tropical fish living around all the islands and in particular in the designated marine national parks. Dolphins, barracudas and porpoises are often seen, as well as sharks and whales that visit the area.
The bird life is also prolific throughout most of the islands and as a result the Seychelles is an ornithologist's paradise. A number of the bird species here are endemic, such as the very rare magpie robin found on Fregate and Aride Islands, the brush warbler on Cousin Island and the black parrot on Praslin. Bird Island is home to literally millions of fairy terns and some of the islands have been designated as bird sanctuaries to ensure that they remain protected.
