Seychelles paradise flycatcher: Another first for Seychelles |15 December 2008

This historic transfer to Denis was a first as the flycatcher -- the only one of its kind in the world -- is only known to be in La Digue. This translocation had the approval and participation of the La Digue Development Board, The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MENR) and the support of the La Digue community who see the Vev as their flagship bird.

For the last 2 years the project concentrated in building critical community support and raising awareness locally of the plight of the flycatcher and the necessity of creating additional populations, and gaining support from the majority of the La Digue community before translocation.

Owing to their sensitive and fragile nature the birds were transferred by helicopter on the very morning of capture. Under the banner “Investing in island biodiversity; restoring the Seychelles Paradise flycatcher” the project, funded by Darwin Initiative, was led by Nature Seychelles and the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), with the collaboration of the Government of Seychelles, Denis Island Development Limited, Wildlife Vets International, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), RARE, Kent Business School and Wildlife Clubs of Seychelles.

In total 12 males and 11 females were transferred. The birds were caught in mist nets on La Digue in the early morning and were all given unique colour ring combinations for identification purposes while on Denis.

“Immediately on arrival on Denis the birds were taken into the middle of the Badamier forest, removed from their transport boxes, given a drink of re-hydration fluid and released. They flew straight up onto tree branches, preened, then moved off and began to feed. They all looked fit, healthy and behaved normally upon release. We have been monitoring the birds intensively since release and most birds have been seen several times since release on Denis. Some of the birds appear to have paired up almost immediately and were singing the morning after release,” says Rachel Bristol, Nature Seychelles’ Flycatcher Project coordinator.

Detailed habitat assessment indicates the habitat on Denis is very good for flycatchers and it is expected that the birds will thrive, adapt and breed on Denis. Recent habitat restoration work has been undertaken by two Nature Seychelles staffers who have been working for over two years on Denis Island.

“This translocation is the culmination of many years’ work. Initially a Birdlife Seychelles led- Global Environment Facility (GEF) financed project “Restoring Avian Ecosystems”  1999-2002 looked at habitat requirements of the flycatcher. Issues like what they need to survive and thrive were all analysed. It was recognised at this stage that ongoing habitat loss was the greatest threat to flycatchers and that alongside efforts on La Digue to protect flycatcher habitat, the creation of additional populations was very necessary to the species’ long-term survival prospects. However there were several obstacles to overcome including selection of a suitable island and gaining support for translocation from the La Digue community,” says Nirmal Shah, CEO of Nature Seychelles, recalling the tough road it has taken to win the support of all partners involved.

Contributed