10 Unique Seychelles Species: Wildlife You Must See

Seychelles may be famed for powdery beaches and gin-clear seas, but this little island nation hides a trove of one-of-a-kind creatures and plants you won’t find anywhere else. In-the-know locals will tell you the real magic happens when you wander off the sunbed and into the wild. From colossal Coco de Mer to birds back from the brink, here are ten endemic Seychelles species that’ll make you grab your binoculars (and give you serious bragging rights).

Now, slap on some mosquito repellent, channel your inner Attenborough, and get ready to meet the Seychellois residents who put the “wild” in “wildlife.” Each entry comes with where to spot them, fun anecdotes, and how to enjoy the encounter because this is not your average beach holiday.

1.Seychelles Black Parrot :The “Black” Parrot That’s Actually Brown

This drab-chic bird is Seychelles’ national icon, found only here. It isn’t truly black but smoky brown, blending into Praslin’s palm forests. Only a few hundred remain, mostly flitting around Praslin’s Vallée de Mai. Despite its low-key looks, this parrot can belt out a surprisingly shrill whistle from the canopy a treat if you’re lucky enough to hear it.

Get a glimpse into the incredible Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve on Praslin, Seychelles. Often described as a "garden of Eden" and a UNESCO World Heritage site, this primeval forest is home to unique flora, including the famous coco de mer palm. The stunning image below, shared by @tour.parrot,

Where to see them: 

Vallée de Mai on Praslin is prime habitat. Go at dawn with a guide, keep quiet, and listen for high-pitched squeals raining down from the palms. With luck you’ll spot one feasting on a wild papaya. It’s a treasure hunt vibe these parrots are elusive divas. But patience pays: snap a pic of a banded bird and you might get to name it in a conservation program.

2: La Digue’s Legendary “Widow”

Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher  La Digue’s Legendary “Widow”The male paradise flycatcher is goth-glam with inky-black plumage and a tail longer than its body. No wonder locals call it “veuve” (widow). This bird nearly vanished down to a few dozen on La Digue but now a few hundred exist (mostly on La Digue, plus some on Denis and Curieuse). Males flaunt streaming tail feathers, females are chestnut-brown, and pairs perform acrobatic mid-air dances. It’s the fanciest aerial show in the archipelago, if you’re lucky enough to catch it.

Where to see them: