Mauritius Wildlife

Mauritius is home to several endemic and peculiar animal species. Anything that lived on the island prior to the arrival of colonists either flew, floated or hitched a ride. Many of the species that endure are endemic to the island.

Big bats and feral pigs

The giant fruit bat is one of the original mammals on the island. These impressive creatures have wingspans of nearly a metre, their furry bodies change from pitch black at their feet to a golden orange around their shoulders and heads.

During the day, they nest in large colonies in gorges and on the mountainsides and at night they feed on fruit.

Other than the bats, all of the mammals on the island were brought there by people. You may see Javan deer, feral pigs and monkeys in the forests, all of which are imports from Asia.

Towering tortoises

This lack of mammals on the island meant that there were lots of reptiles. Two species of giant tortoise became extinct, but were replaced by the Aldabra giant tortoise from the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles.

These impressive creatures can live in excess of 100 years, reach up to a metre in length and weigh as much as 250 kilograms!

The island also has many native, colourful day-geckos and skinks.

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