Mauritius - Ill Aux Aigrettes

Enquire about Mauritius Holidays

When are you thinking of travelling?

100% Privacy Guaranteed

Like many reputable holiday companies we are ABTA registered, our ABTA membership number is 65310.

We also use ATOL protected tour operators. However if you wish to use a tour operator who is not ATOL protected then we will take our supplier failure insurance on your behalf.

For full details click here

Ile aux Aigrettes is a 25ha reef-ringed coral islet about 1km off the southeast coast. It contains the last remaining traces of the lowland ebony forest that once dominated much of coastal Mauritius, as well as numerous other endemic animal and plant species threatened with extinction.

Since the MWF obtained the long-term lease of the islet in 1986, they’ve been engaged in extensive rehabilitation of the ecosystem there, which had been severely damaged over 400 years. The aim is that Ile aux Aigrettes should one day resemble its original state as closely as possible. To this end, the MWF has been weeding the islet and replanting with native plants, restoring the forest and reintroducing endemic birds and reptiles known to have once lived there. In recent years, the olive white-eye, Telfair’s skink, Guenther’s gecko and seabirds have been reintroduced. As the threat from highly invasive plants, such as giant acacia, is very real, general maintenance weeding will continue for years to come. Reintroductions of fauna will also continue.

Visitors can enjoy fascinating guided tours of the islet, see some very rare flora and fauna and witness conservation work in process. It is one of the best places to see the rare pink pigeon and the Mauritius fody, and the only place in the Mascarenes where giant Aldabra tortoises roam completely freely. Two tortoise species are known to have existed in Mauritius; both are now extinct, having been used as a source of protein by passing sailors. The giant Aldabra tortoises, which can weigh as much as 200kg, are native to the Seychelles but have been introduced to the island as the closest surviving relative of the lost species. Visitors are also likely to see colourful day geckos basking in the sun. Tours last around two hours and the guide will take the time to explain the geology and history of the island.

North of Black River are two small mountain forest reserves, Corps de Garde and Le Pouce. The island’s smallest reserve, Perrier, is only 1.5ha and is between Curepipe and the Mare aux Vacoas reservoir. It protects a small remnant parcel of transition forest between lowland and montane rainforest and harbours a large number of endemic plants.

Other nature reserves include Bois Sec, Cabinet, Combo, Flat Island, Gabriel Island, Coin de Mire, Gouly Père, Les Mares, Marianne Islet and Serpent Island.

Get prices for Mauritius Holidays

When are you thinking of travelling?

Mauritius - Ill Aux Aigrettes

Natural History

Mauritius - Ill Aux Aigrettes