阿里德岛

The Island Conservation Society of Seychelles takes the helm in managing Aride Island, upholding its status as a sanctuary for flora and fauna. The conservation efforts here are evident in the thriving populations of birds and the successful preservation of natural habitats. Visitors to Aride Island have the opportunity to witness a landscape that remains as untainted as it was centuries ago, offering a rare glimpse into the pristine ecosystems of the Indian Ocean’s past.

Bird enthusiasts, in particular, are drawn to Aride Island for the chance to observe an impressive roost containing ten breeding species of seabirds, among them the Seychelles warbler. The experience is enhanced by the presence of knowledgeable guides who are passionate in their work, weaving a narrative of Aride’s importance in global conservation and providing insights into the delicate balance of this ecological haven.

Geography and Climate 

Aride Island emerges as a significant granitic island in the Seychelles archipelago, showcasing the unique geographical and climatic patterns of this oceanic setting. 

Granitic Seychelles 

Aride Island belongs to the Granitic Seychelles, a group of islands known for their distinctive granite rock formations. These islands were formed from ancient continental land masses, resulting in an array of spectacular landscapes. On Aride Island, granite cliffs and quartz veins signal the late stages of crystallization of granitic magmas, testimony to the island’s volcanic past. The island is situated within the Indian Ocean, 10 kilometers north of Praslin. 

• Location: Indian Ocean 
• Distance from Praslin: 10 km North 
• Geological Composition: Granite rock formations with quartz veins

   

Inner Islands 

Aride Island is a part of the Inner Islands of Seychelles, noted for their lush topography and dense vegetation. As the most northerly of these islands, it is a natural sanctuary, fostering a diverse ecosystem. With an area of approximately 0.7 square kilometers, this island is significant for its conservation efforts. The climate here is tropical marine; temperatures are relatively stable due to the moderating effects of the ocean, with the Southeast Trade Winds influencing the weather patterns, bringing seasonal changes. 

• Area: ~0.7 km² 
• Nature Reserve Status: Since 1975 
• Climate Influences: Southeast Trade Winds

   

History of Aride Island 

Aride Island, a vital nature reserve in the Seychelles, boasts a transformative history from early human settlement to a haven for biodiversity. 

Leper Colony 

In the early stages of settlement, Aride Island served as a leper colony. The date of this establishment is not well documented, but it represents a significant and somber chapter in the island’s history. The living conditions and experiences of the colony’s inhabitants remain a sobering reflection of the era’s medical practices. 

French Commandant 

Jean-Baptiste Malavois, the French Commandant of the Seychelles in the late 18th century, was instrumental in the early documentation of Aride Island. His accounts from 1787 describe the island as an unwelcoming and rugged territory, composed primarily of rocks. These early explorations by French voyagers laid the groundwork for future cultivation and settlement efforts on the island. 

Conservation Efforts 

Conservation initiatives on Aride Island have been instrumental in creating a sanctuary for diverse wildlife. These efforts are largely driven by organizational oversight and legal protection measures. 

Island Conservation Society 

The Island Conservation Society (ICS) has been proactive in managing Aride Island’s Nature Reserve since 2003. The organization’s activities include: 

• Monitoring: Focused efforts on seabird species, endemic land birds, turtles, and the preservation and restoration of natural vegetation and marine ecosystems. 
• Volunteer Programs: Dedicated volunteers support continuous conservation work, contributing significantly to the maintenance and research efforts on the island.

   

Special Reserve 

Established as a Special Reserve in 1975, Aride Island has specific regulations designed to protect its unique biodiversity. 

• Legal Protection: The Aride Island Special Reserve Regulations of 1979 enforce activities that ensure the long-term preservation of the island’s nature reserve. 
• Conservation Actions: Measures to protect endemic species and control invasive species contribute to maintaining the ecological balance crucial to the island’s status as a top nesting site for tropicbirds and other seabirds.

   

The combined efforts of the ICS and the implementation of legal protections ensure that Aride Island remains a vital sanctuary within the Seychelles Islands, preserving its rich natural heritage for future generations.