TOUR CODE: ISL – SEY07
Conservation expedition to Seychelles
The highlights f this conservation expedition include Working alongside local partner staff, Swimming in the Indian Ocean at the end of hard days work, Exploring the other islands of the Seychelles, Enjoying snorkeling and seeing turtles in the water, trying a fun dive, Looking out for incredible ‘mega-fauna’ in the area, such as whale sharks, manta rays, and dolphins from the boat, Exploring National Parks, Visiting breeding areas for the hawksbill and green turtle, and endangered giant tortoises
Project Life
This expedition covers a wide range of conservation efforts as you rotate between projects. You will spend the majority of your time on foot working in the forests and on the beaches, experiencing different field techniques and varied project sites. At the end of each workday, you will return to our base with the rest of your team to relax together. You will share camp duties on a rotational basis, as well as sleeping in shared dormitory style accommodation.
You should expect to work 5 ½ days each week, Monday to Friday, with weekends free for you to explore the surrounding area, snorkel, dive or just enjoy island living.
Details of the project
On this expedition, you will focus on several key conservation efforts within and around the Curieuse Island National Park which may include the following.
Lemon Shark Project
The mangrove system on Curieuse Island is an important nursery ground for the sicklefin lemon shark (Negaprion acutidens). GVI Seychelles is conducting a capture and release study of the shark population using P.I.T. tags and acoustic tracking. Presently, very little is known about these creatures and we hope to answer many questions such as what time of the year do they pup, what is the survival and growth rate and in which areas are they found.
Bird Monitoring
GVI is undertaking a baseline study of the bird life that is found on Curie use Island. Regular bird surveys record species that are utilizing different parts of the island with new sightings sent to the Seychelles Birds Record Committee.
Coco de Mer Survey
The endemic Coco de Mer has the largest seed of all living plants and is found only on the islands of Praslin and Curieuse. Following on from a successful census of the trees covering Curieuse Island the GVI team is now conducting a growth study of these charismatic palms.
Mangrove Distribution Surveys
Curieuse Island has the largest remaining area of mangrove forest left within the Seychelles inner granitic islands. GVI Seychelles is conducting a mangrove distribution survey in relation to hydrology, temperature, salinity and tidal inundation.
Giant Tortoise Census
Giant tortoises were relocated to Curieuse Island in the 1980s as part of conservation efforts to protect the species. Over the last thirty years, the population has reproduced successfully and spread throughout the island. GVI conducts an annual census of the tortoise population and records key measurements on growth and distribution.
Hawksbill Turtle Surveys
Curieuse Island has some of the most important hawksbill turtle nesting beaches within Seychelles. Throughout nesting season, GVI conducts patrols of the beaches, recording data on nesting turtles and tagging females.
In conjunction with the Seychelles National Parks Authority, you may also find yourself participating in various educational campaigns and activities including mangrove replanting, endemic flora re-vegetation, beach cleans and environmental education classes.
Leisure Time
Volunteering with GVI not only allows you to participate in programs assisting disadvantaged communities or endangered ecosystems but it also offers wonderful opportunities to travel in the local area in your downtime or further afield either before or after your program.
Trip Includes
Pre-departure support and discounted services
24-hour emergency phone
Airport pick-up and drops
Long term experienced staff
Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
All meals
Location orientation
All necessary project training by experienced staff
All necessary project equipment and materials
24-hour in-country support
First Aid & CPR training
Terrestrial research training
Live and work in a protected reserve under GVI
ENJOY AFRICA