Mauritius

Introduction

Mauritius (1900 km²) is believed to be the oldest of the Mascarene Islands followed by La Réunion and Rodrigues. The oldest rocks of these islands have been dated at ca. 8 million, 3 million and 1.5 million years old respectively. However, there is still much debate about the age of Rodrigues, many believing it to be the oldest of the islands, based on its geology, biogeography and palaeontology.

Mauritius has a very unique and diverse Phelsuma fauna. Due to the introduction of exotic predators and habitat destruction, some species are facing serious problems. One species is no longer found on the mainland and confined only to the small offshore islet of Round Island. The native reptile fauna of Mauritius consists of five species of the genus Phelsuma.

Conservation

A study has been completed comparing the numbers of endemic Day Geckos of the Phelsuma family on the predator-free island reserve of Ile Aux Aigrettes with numbers on the mainland. A complimentary project has been done looking at numbers of introduced geckos and wolf snakes in the two areas. Results have yet to be analysed but it is hoped that an assessment of the impact of introduced predators will be obtained. The presence of the Indian House shrew (Suncus murinus) on Ile aux Aigrettes is preventing the reintroduction of reptile species.

In the future the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation hopes to expand its reptile programmes to encompass all the endemic species and so safeguard these unique species from extinction.

Climate

Temperatures along the coast are warm and seasonal, in summer (December-April) averaging 30° C, while in winter (May-November) the average is closer to 25° C. At higher elevations and mountain peaks the temperature is cooler, averaging 18° C. The prevailing winds are the south-easterly trades, which blow throughout the year. In the lowlands of Mauritius, the rainfall varies from 890 mm on the leeward side of the island, to 1905 mm on the southeast coast. In the uplands, the rainfall varies from 2540 mm to 4445 mm per annum. The rainfall is sufficient to permit the development of tropical moist forest on the windward side of the island and tropical dry forest on the leeward side. Cyclones also occur, and have helped to shape both the topography and species assemblages on the island. On Mauritius, abundant and heavy rains from these storms have created pronounced erosion.

Mauritius

Offshore islands

Other islands

Regions of interest

Related issues

Phelsuma species