Reconnect with Nature in Mauritius

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Reconnect with Nature in Mauritius

As many of you may know, Mauritius has lost numerous native plant and animal species over the centuries. However, as the first tourists return post-pandemic, they are greeted not only with warm smiles but also with the opportunity to explore a rejuvenating paradise in the Indian Ocean.

Awe-Inspiring Sensations

Upon arriving, I felt as if I had stepped into a vibrant world bursting with the lush greens of vegetation and the turquoise hues of the sea. The cheerful chirping of birds and the intoxicating scents enveloped me, slowly pulling me into the island's charm. The monotonous days of the past seemed to dissolve, making way for a magical land illuminated by brilliant light.

As I walked to my hotel room, colorful birds flitted among the thriving trees, almost within reach. Before me lay the ocean, stretching out over a pristine white sand beach, glistening under the sun and shaded by swaying palm trees. The gentle waves lapped at the shore, inviting me to come closer.

A Warm Welcome

I arrived in Mauritius just ten days after the island reopened to tourists. The radiant smiles on the faces of the hotel staff instantly put me at ease. "Welcome! If you’re happy, I’m happy too," one staff member cheerfully exclaimed.

That night, I drifted off to sleep to the soothing sounds of the waves and the gentle rustle of palm fronds. The next morning, I awoke to a gloomy sky and heavy rain, but Rose Marie Pierre from the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation remarked, "We are so happy for the rain."

Exploring Ile aux Aigrettes

Taking a boat to Ile aux Aigrettes, I was struck by the pristine beauty of the waters and soon spotted giant tortoises meandering about. A small bird with bright red feathers perched nearby: it was the Mauritius fody, a species at risk of extinction. Rose was thrilled to see this little bird.

As Rose shared stories about the pink pigeons that dwindled to just nine individuals in the 1990s, one landed on a nearby branch, making me feel as if I had stepped into a fairy tale.

A Tragic History

When Portuguese and Dutch explorers arrived in Mauritius in the 16th and 17th centuries, they found no inhabitants, only the dodo—a flightless, gentle bird. The dodo was an easy food source for newcomers, but the introduction of other species, like rats and monkeys, led to their decline.

Human activity has contributed to the extinction of many other native species. Rose explained that only two species of giant tortoises remain in Mauritius, sharing a similarly tragic fate as the dodo. These tortoises once played a vital role in dispersing the seeds of native plants, prompting a restoration program for Aldabra tortoises from Seychelles.

Discovering the Interior

Returning to the mainland, I continued to explore the interior, where majestic basalt cliffs rise above sprawling sugarcane fields. The landscape here is beautiful in its own right, but my trip to Ile aux Aigrettes made me realize that Mauritius has lost not just wildlife, but also its primeval forests. Trees have been cut down to build ships, export furniture, and make roads for sugarcane fields.

The French replaced the Dutch in the early 18th century, bringing enslaved people from various parts of Africa to work. By 1810, the British had seized the island and also utilized enslaved labor until it was abolished; afterward, they turned to contract labor from India and other parts of Asia.

Restoration Efforts

While sugarcane still dominates the landscape of Mauritius, there are now individuals and organizations actively working to protect the remaining native species, safeguard the environment, and reforest the nation. I met Darren Taylor, director of Pure Breaks, who is undertaking a restoration project on a piece of land he acquired.

We visited Ebony Forest, a reserve dedicated to protecting the island’s flora and fauna. A young guide named Jean-Francois enthusiastically shared the importance of restoring Mauritius's natural ecosystems before we planted a native tree ourselves.

Investing in the Future

Returning to Heritage Le Telfair hotel, I found it not only luxurious but also deeply committed to environmental conservation. This resort boasts a 1,300-acre nature reserve, part of a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

As I spent an evening by the pool, I watched Mauritius fruit bats take flight at dusk, searching for fruits and seeds, adding a lively atmosphere to the scene. These bats can have wingspans of up to 80 cm, but they aren't particularly favored by many farmers.

Positive Steps Forward

On the northern coast of Mauritius, in the Anse La Raie lagoon area, I stayed at another hotel focused on sustainability. While it may appear to be a standard four-star resort from the outside, a closer look revealed a serious commitment to environmental protection.

This journey was not just a vacation; it was an exploration of Mauritius's natural beauty and the human efforts to restore its ecosystems.

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