Victoria, Seychelles – Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Seychelles, showcases a remarkable array of biodiversity, hosting over 400 endemic species and subspecies. This atoll, designated by UNESCO in 1982, is distinguished not only for its vast size but also for its exceptional biological diversity.
According to Seychelles News Agency, Aldabra Atoll is home to a variety of unique species. The agency highlighted four notable species found in this Seychelles archipelago located in the western Indian Ocean.
The Dugong, a sirenian relative to the manatee and often referred to as a sea cow, is a gentle marine mammal that feeds exclusively on seagrass. Early settlers and sailors hunted them for their meat and oil, leading to a significant decline in their population. Aldabra is now the only known habitat in Seychelles with a remaining dugong population. Classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, dugongs in East Africa face considerable threats. Recent aerial surveys by the Seychelles Island Foundation (SIF), which manages the atoll, recorded at least 14 dugongs, indicating a possibly larger population than previously thought.
The Aldabra Banded Snail, known for its purple shell with bright pink bands, was declared extinct in 2007, with the last living individual recorded in 1997. This species’ extinction was attributed to declining rainfall on Aldabra, a casualty of climate change impacts. However, in a turn of events, the snail was rediscovered on Malabar Island in 2014, reviving hopes for its conservation.
Another remarkable species is the Aldabra White-Throated Rail, a bird endemic to the atoll. Notable for its rapid evolution resulting in the loss of flight, this species has been recommended to be classified as an evolutionary distinct species. It is found exclusively on Aldabra in Seychelles.
The Black Aldabra Drongo, another endemic bird species, is known for its red eyes and forked tail. Common across Aldabra’s four islands, this bird thrives in various habitats and is a part of the ongoing Aldabra land bird monitoring programme, which suggests a stable population.
These species exemplify the unique and diverse ecosystem of Aldabra Atoll, underscoring the importance of conservation efforts to preserve such ecological treasures.