Sooty Terns Sterna fuscata are flourishing on Cousine Island, Seychelles,
three years after they recolonised after a gap of 50 years.
Sooty Terns Sterna fuscata are once again nesting on Cousine Island
(James Hardcastle/Nature Seychelles) |
A combination of over-collection of eggs (records indicate tens of thousands
were taken each year in the 1940s), degradation of nesting habitat and
encroachment of invasive weeds drove Sooty Terns from Cousine in the 1950s,
but in 2003 around 200 birds returned, and just three years later there are
1,200 birds on the island with a breeding colony covering 1,500 m².
Like many islands in the Seychelles, Cousine was stripped of its natural
vegetation and planted with coconut in the early 20th Century, but in 1992 new
owners began to restore and protect the island. Cousine became the first
private island in the Seychelles with professional conservation staff who,
along with others, worked hard to keep tern nesting areas poacher-free.
"One of the first tasks was to remove invasive weeds and replant them with
native species," said Jock Henwood, Conservation Manager on Cousine.
But what prompted the terns' return?
"Research into sustainable egg harvesting levels led to the implementation
of new regulations at Sooty Tern colonies on nearby Aride and Bird Island.
These probably resulted in a surplus of birds looking for somewhere to
nest," explains Professor Chris Feare, a veteran Sooty Tern
researcher in the islands.
Cousine is proving a haven for other native wildlife. Both Seychelles
Blue-pigeon Alectroenas pulcherrima and Seychelles Sunbird
Nectarinia dussumieri have colonised naturally following habitat
restoration, and populations of the Endangered Seychelles Magpie-robin
Copsychus sechellarum, the Near-Threatened Seychelles Fody
Foudia sechellarum and the Vulnerable Seychelles Warbler
Acrocephalus sechellensis have been introduced as part of
National Species Conservation Action Plans.
Cousine has a growing reputation for its conservation efforts, which are
funded through luxury eco-friendly villas on the island. Tourism is
carefully managed to ensure minimal ecological impact, and all profits
generated are used to maintain and enhance the island's natural assets. For
more information, please visit www.cousineisland.com
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