Discover the Enchanting Silhouette Island: A Captivating Journey to Meet the World’s Rarest Bat in Seychelles
Exploring the Wonders of Silhouette Island: A Retreat in Seychelles
At Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort and Spa on Silhouette Island, visitors can enjoy not just breathtaking views but also a unique ecological experience. During a lazy morning stroll, guests may encounter Jonathan, an Aldabra giant tortoise basking in the sun. These tortoises, among the largest in the world, have made an impressive recovery from near extinction due to conservation efforts led by the Island Conservation Society (ICS). They now thrive on various islands in Seychelles.
Silhouette Island, a national park, offers more than stunning selfies and seafood. An intriguing night walk might reveal the elusive sheath-tailed bat, or Sousouri Bannann, one of the world’s rarest bats with just 83 remaining globally. Conservation is crucial for this critically endangered species, as Rico, an ICS officer, emphasizes. The island and Seychelles, more broadly, are home to other endemic species like the Seychelles magpie robin, the Seychelles white-eye, and the sunbird, as well as endangered amphibians such as the palm frog.
Guided treks led by Steven Boodna, assistant activity manager at the resort, offer guests the chance to explore the Silhouette Native Plants Garden Trail and marvel at the island’s biodiversity. This experience is not just an escape into nature but also an educational journey emphasizing the importance of ecological balance and tourism for Seychelles.
Getting to Silhouette Island is an adventure of its own. Visitors can fly directly to Mahé from Mumbai via Air Seychelles or take connecting flights from other major cities. From Victoria on Mahé, a scenic ferry ride takes guests to Silhouette Island, where bicycles and golf carts await them for exploring the tranquil retreat with its small community of less than 300 people.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/travel/a-visit-to-seychelles-silhouette-island-home-to-the-rarest-bat-in-the-world/article68828425.ece
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