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Archive - Archive 2004 - July 2013

Vallée de Mai research adds to knowledge of conservation |02 February 2012

During the recent annual general meeting of the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) – which manages the Vallée de Mai and Aldabra – members of the board were briefed on the intensified research programme now being carried out at the Vallée de Mai.

The increased scientific work at the Vallée de Mai includes detailed studies of the Black Parrot, coco de mer breeding and an examination of the genetics of the tiny Sooglossid frogs, and is generating information on the conservation needs of some of Seychelles’ rarest endemic species.

An SIF spokesperson explained the need for the increase in scientific activity at the Vallée de Mai.

“Scientific research at the Vallée de Mai has traditionally been overshadowed by work SIF has conducted at Aldabra, which has deservedly earned a reputation as a living laboratory. Vallée de Mai welcomes thousands of visitors every year, who help fund our work on Aldabra, but it’s important that they also see that scientific and research work is taking place at the Vallée,” he said.

A new automatic weather station has been installed at the Vallée de Mai visitor centre, providing detailed meteorological data and research staff are conducting an inventory of fresh water species found in the Vallée’s streams and compiling a comprehensive record of the plant species found there.

“All of our research undertaken at the Vallée de Mai highlights the uniqueness of the species found there and in the surrounding areas. Protected Areas Day reminds us that we need to understand and conserve the unique plants, animals and ecosystems we have in Seychelles, for future generations,” said the spokesperson.
“We need to understand our environment, so we can work out how to better protect it.”

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