Seychelles' Animals

Due to their remote location, the Seychelles have many unique endemic bird and animal species. The isolation of the islands long before the evolution of mammals on the planet, means that the only mammals which occur here naturally are those that could fly. Thus a large number of resident fruit bats make up the mammal population.

Tortoises

Reptiles thrive on the islands and the Seychelles are a dream come true for any herpetologist. Some species like the saltwater crocodile have become extinct due to human exploitation. However, giant tortoises and marine turtles like the hawksbill and green turtle are conservation success stories.

Aldabra Island is home to the largest population of giant tortoises in the world. These creatures can live for more than a century and weigh up to 250kg. Giant tortoises' shells are dark grey and are characterised by a high dome shape. Their long necks are able to reach leaves and branches a metre off the ground. They are excellent swimmers as they are naturally buoyant.

Geckos

The distinctive Seychelles green gecko is a bright lime-green with a scaly skin that appears to be almost irridescent. Their eyes are also vividly coloured, and they have no eyelids. Unusually, as most gecko species are nocturnal, the green gecko is active during the day.

Geckos are the only type of lizard that can produce sounds other than hisses. They are able to click, bark and squeak and croak. The Seychelles is home to 13 species of amphibians, 12 of which are endemic. A notable species is the minute pygmy piping frog. This brown and gold frog is only about the size of a finger nail and its solitary high-pitched squeak is often audible in higher areas.

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