Endemic Endeavours on Silhouette Island

Year 5 students on board Hilton Labriz clipper looked up in awe at Morne Seychelles after the 12 mile crossing from Bel Ombre. They hoped they wouldn’t have to climb that mountain! Before rounding Cemetery point the steep jungle slopes before them showed no sign of humanity and the children could easily imagine the island in its uninhabited state centuries ago.

Greeted by Hilton staff and ICS wardens Francoise and Tisha the avid explorers were briefed on the flora and fauna of the island and then set off on a jungle adventure to find the many endemic species. The endemic plant trail showcased all the endemic palms and varieties of the now rare hard woods. Some trees are only found in Silhouette. The trail continued to Anse Lascars where we were not lucky enough to find turtles laying but the ICS staff showed the students what happens when a turtle emerges from the water. Students were told to freeze to let the turtle get on with the job!

In the afternoon the Hilton staff collected the students on golf buggies for a historic tour of the old village and a wildlife tour to see the newest baby giant tortoises, the giant crabs and other inhabitants of the wetlands. Our day ended on Cemetery Point with a steep climb to the volcanic outcrops at the top. The students had been hearing about Silhouette in school and were very excited with their tours. They saw large fish shoals and turtles popping up in between while at the viewpoints.

Many thanks to ICS and Hilton LaBriz staff for assisting us in this amazingly educational and interesting adventure.

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