Wildlife in Mauritius

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Wildlife in Mauritius

Around eight million years ago an earth-shattering explosion happened. The bed of the Indian Ocean ruptured, and basalt was thrown into the sky. After the calm, an enthralling new world emerged. Unusual plants and fantastic creatures made their way to a new wildlife in Mauritius. But not for long.

When the Dutch first settled here, they thought they had found the Garden of Eden. They started enjoying its flourishing forest and the fauna. Some say the unhindered killing and deforestation was the beginning of the end of several species of animals and plants.

Nonetheless, the wildlife of Mauritius is composed of its flora and fauna. Mauritius has its own share of wildlife, albeit a relatively low diverse. Due to its isolation from large land masses, Mauritius initially had no terrestrial mammals. The only mammals that could make their way to the island are bats and marine mammals. Mauritius is home to a number of endemic and highly endangered species of mammals, birds, reptiles and plants. A high proportion of these widespread species which are seen nowhere else in the world. Some of it are near extinct and Dodo, its national bird, has already become so. Eventually several species of mammals were introduced in the island later when seafaring was the order of the day.

Check out what you can do in Mauritius beyond beaches.

Like many of us, I always thought beaches made Mauritius beautiful but I was so wrong!

Wildlife in Mauritius: Animals of Mauritius 

For animal and bird lovers, it’s a great opportunity to learn more about the lives of the giant tortoises, crocodiles, rare Pink Pigeon, Echo Parakeet, and other endangered animals. You can do so in Crocodile & Giant Tortoises Park, Ile Aux Aigrettes Island and other various Nature Reserves. The giant tortoises were brought here from the Seychelles, to help spread seeds.

You can say hello to lions, Caracals, Tigers, Zebras, Ostriches, Deer, African Antelopes, White Rhinoceros, Impalas, Kudus, Camels, Mauritius Kestrel and many more.

Wildlife in Mauritius: Birds of Mauritius

Red beaked ‘Pink pigeon’ is almost on the brink of extinction. By 1990, there were only nine of them left. Although its numbers are slowly recovering, it’s still one of the rarest birds in the world. Along with that, many new bird species have been introduced in Mauritius like the Madagascar Fody, Red-whiskered Bulbul and Zebra Dove.  Over 100 species of birds have been recorded in Mauritius.

Wildlife in Mauritius: Conservation and preservation

Conservation and preservation work of the nation’s endangered plant and animal species work in Mauritius is carried out by the National Parks and Conservation Service (NPCS) and by non-governmental organizations such as Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) and Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (DWCT). Efforts to preserve native flora and fauna includes captive breeding, habitat restoration and the eradication of introduced species.

Protection also involves three National Parks, Nature Reserves, and a range of other protected areas, and botanical gardens for education and public outreach.

There are various animal discovery expeditions which are part of the many Safari & Wildlife activities. Mauritius Attractions offers you several interesting day packages depending on your preference.

All-inclusive hotels in Mauritius:

There are many all-inclusive hotels and resorts in Mauritius spread across the island. They can help you design or customize your package as per your budget, time and preferences.

Check out these hotels to book.

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Wildlife of Mauritius: Has Wildlife Mauritius surprised you?

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