BGF#4
Type: Small
SeyCCAT strategic objective: 1
Lead Project Partner: Robert Mondon
Partners: WildWings Bird Management/Prof Chris J Feare.
Summary:
Seychelles is home to a rich diversity of endemic and indigenous fauna and flora in the marine and terrestrial realms, including some of the largest breeding colonies of seabirds in the world. A large volume of research has been undertaken to identify and support conservation measures and results have been published in a wide variety of international journals. As a result, conservation in Seychelles has achieved a high international profile and has led to the development and application of many conservation initiatives that have improved the conservation status of many species that had been formerly endangered by human activities.
The results of these initiatives are generally published in international journals, but NGOs are active in the practical application of the conservation actions identified to achieve environmental protection goals. NGOs began as largely expatriate-run organisations but are increasingly staffed, and led, by Seychellois and young Seychellois are being educated in environmental concerns and ameliorations through courses at UniSey and outreach from the NGOs.
We feel that more could be done to reach out to even younger children. To this end, our vision is to start a series of books aimed at schoolchildren in the 8-11 age range. The books will describe the life-histories of selected iconic Seychelles animals that are abundant but subject to a variety of threats from human-induced environmental changes. Crucially, the books will be written in simple language (that could easily be translated into Creole) and illustrated with amusing cartoons. Together, these should present an informative account explaining where the animals fit in human social life and how threats, both within Seychelles and from global impacts, might influence our relations with them.
Our first book, “Sootina” describes the life of a female Sooty Tern, from her hatching in a large colony on Bird Island, through her development on the island, first flight, dispersal over the Indian Ocean, return to breed at 5 years old and long life thereafter. The threats she faces include dependence on large fish (especially tuna) to make small fish available at the sea surface, effects of climate and overfishing on food availability, adverse weather and, when she returns to the nest, the intensive harvesting of eggs. These threats require protective measures at sea and on land. The text explains these in simple, accessible terms, accompanied by illustrative cartoons that stress the major concerns.
The first book makes use of information collected on Seychelles Sooty Terns over many years and will include findings from our current SeyCCAT-funded project using satellite transmitters to identify important feeding areas for juveniles that fledged in 2019, but the book project does not duplicate any of that work.
The project does not involve other donors
SeyCCAT funds: SCR 100, 000
Co-financing: SCR 127,500
Duration: 9 months
Project Application Form: Coming soon!
Environment and social management Plan: Coming soon!