Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
Location: Praslin Island, Seychelles
Year of Inscription: 1983
Criteria: (vii) to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(viii)to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is a palm forest located on the island of Praslin in the Seychelles. The reserve is home to the endemic coco de mer palm, which produces the world's largest seed, and is considered to be one of the most important palm forests in the world. The forest is also home to a variety of endemic bird species and other wildlife.
Prominent Features: The Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is home to a variety of unique flora and fauna, including:
Coco de Mer Palm: A species of palm tree that is endemic to the Seychelles and produces the largest seed in the world, weighing up to 30 kg. Endemic Bird Species: The reserve is home to several species of birds that are found nowhere else in the world, including the Seychelles black parrot and the Seychelles blue pigeon.
Other Flora and Fauna: The reserve is also home to a variety of other plant and animal species, including several species of orchids, reptiles, and insects.
History: The Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve has been protected since the 1960s, and was officially declared a nature reserve in 1979.
Fun Fact: The coco de mer palm was once believed to grow on the ocean floor and was thought to have mystical powers.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can take a guided tour of the reserve to learn about the unique flora and fauna, hike the trails to see the coco de mer palms and other species, and visit the on-site museum to learn more about the reserve's history and biodiversity.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for adults is 350 Seychellois rupees (about 25 USD), and the fee for children under 12 is 175 Seychellois rupees (about 13 USD).
How to Reach It: The Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is located on the island of Praslin, which can be reached by plane or ferry from the main island of Mahé. There are several flights per day from Mahé to Praslin, and the ferry journey takes around one hour. Once on Praslin, visitors can take a taxi or rental car to the reserve, which is located in the center of the island.
Where to Stay: There are several hotels and resorts located on Praslin, including the Constance Lemuria Resort, the Raffles Seychelles, and the Paradise Sun Hotel Seychelles. There are also several guesthouses and vacation rentals available for those on a budget.
Next Stop: Aldabra Atoll
Year of Inscription: 1983
Criteria: (vii) to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(viii)to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is a palm forest located on the island of Praslin in the Seychelles. The reserve is home to the endemic coco de mer palm, which produces the world's largest seed, and is considered to be one of the most important palm forests in the world. The forest is also home to a variety of endemic bird species and other wildlife.
Prominent Features: The Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is home to a variety of unique flora and fauna, including:
Coco de Mer Palm: A species of palm tree that is endemic to the Seychelles and produces the largest seed in the world, weighing up to 30 kg. Endemic Bird Species: The reserve is home to several species of birds that are found nowhere else in the world, including the Seychelles black parrot and the Seychelles blue pigeon.
Other Flora and Fauna: The reserve is also home to a variety of other plant and animal species, including several species of orchids, reptiles, and insects.
History: The Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve has been protected since the 1960s, and was officially declared a nature reserve in 1979.
Fun Fact: The coco de mer palm was once believed to grow on the ocean floor and was thought to have mystical powers.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can take a guided tour of the reserve to learn about the unique flora and fauna, hike the trails to see the coco de mer palms and other species, and visit the on-site museum to learn more about the reserve's history and biodiversity.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for adults is 350 Seychellois rupees (about 25 USD), and the fee for children under 12 is 175 Seychellois rupees (about 13 USD).
How to Reach It: The Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is located on the island of Praslin, which can be reached by plane or ferry from the main island of Mahé. There are several flights per day from Mahé to Praslin, and the ferry journey takes around one hour. Once on Praslin, visitors can take a taxi or rental car to the reserve, which is located in the center of the island.
Where to Stay: There are several hotels and resorts located on Praslin, including the Constance Lemuria Resort, the Raffles Seychelles, and the Paradise Sun Hotel Seychelles. There are also several guesthouses and vacation rentals available for those on a budget.
Next Stop: Aldabra Atoll