The Islands of the Seychelles

Nature on the Islands

There are over one hundred islands in the Seychelles, but only a few of them are inhabited by people. The main island is Mahe, which is where the capitol city of Victoria is located, as well as most tourist accommodations and services. On whatever island you find yourself booking a hotel, you will definitely want to explore some of the other islands that make up the Seychelles archipelago. Almost every island has some sort of endemic species living on it, most likely a bird. There are giant tortoises here, a well as other exotic animals such as the flying fox (really a fruit bat). The insects are something that will amaze you as well, including whip scorpions, giant millipedes, rhinoceros beetles, giant tenebrionid beetles, and palm spiders. But don't get scared off from visiting the various islands: none are life threatening!

There are also dozens of endemic plants in the Seychelles, although Virgin forests exist only on Mahe and Silhouette Island, and on Praslin. One rare and fantastic plant to watch for is the pitcher plant, which feeds on insects!

National Parks on the Islands & Main Attractions
Curieuse Marine National Park Aldabra Marine Reserve Morne Seychellois National Park Aride Island Marine Nature Reserve Praslin National Park Cousin Island Secial Reserve Ste Anne Marine National Park	giant toroises tidal lagoon glacis habitats marine turtles coco de mer hawksbill turtles coral reef

Guide to the Islands