Wildlife
Looking for a unique island adventure? Join the conservation team on selected wildlife patrols and discover some of Seychelles' most extraordinary species in their natural habitat.
Bats
The granitic islands of Seychelles are home to only two native bat species, both found on Silhouette Island.
The most visible is the Seychelles fruit bat (Pteropus seychellensis), also known as the Flying Fox. Often seen gliding above the forest canopy at dawn and dusk, these gentle mammals play an important role in pollinating plants and dispersing seeds.
Far rarer is the Seychelles sheath-tailed bat (Coleura seychellensis), one of the world's most endangered bat species. With fewer than 100 individuals believed to remain in the wild, it is listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Silhouette Island hosts one of the species' most important remaining roosts, making conservation efforts here particularly significant.
ICS actively monitors this elusive species through research, habitat protection, and awareness programmes aimed at ensuring its long-term survival.
Aldabra Giant Tortoises
Silhouette Island is home to some of Seychelles' most impressive Aldabra giant tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea), one of the largest tortoise species on Earth.
These remarkable reptiles can live for well over a century, with some individuals exceeding 150 years of age and weighing up to 250 kg.
Young tortoises can be observed in the resort's naturalistic tortoise sanctuary, where they are carefully monitored and cared for by the ICS team. As they grow larger and become less vulnerable to invasive predators, they are released into suitable habitats on the island, where they contribute to the thriving free-roaming tortoise population.
Reptiles & Amphibians
The geological history and isolation of Silhouette Island have created a unique environment rich in endemic wildlife.
Among its most fascinating residents are several species of frogs found nowhere else on Earth. One of these is the Seychelles Palm Frog (Sechellophryne pipilodryas), one of the world's smallest vertebrates and a species found exclusively on Silhouette Island.
The island is also a stronghold for the Seychelles Tiger Chameleon (Archaius tigris), an endemic reptile renowned for its remarkable camouflage abilities. Growing up to approximately 16 cm in length, this master of disguise blends seamlessly into the forest vegetation. Although spotting one can be challenging, an encounter with this rare species is always memorable.
Sea Turtles
Each year, Silhouette Island's pristine beaches become the nesting grounds for two magnificent species of sea turtles:
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Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) – Endangered
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Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) – Critically Endangered
During nesting season, females return to the beaches where they lay their eggs, often spending several hours carefully preparing their nests before depositing and covering their clutch.
Several weeks later, tiny hatchlings emerge and begin their first journey to the ocean. Remarkably, many of these turtles will return decades later to nest on the very beaches where they were born.
ICS conducts regular beach patrols to monitor nesting activity, collect valuable conservation data, and help protect these vulnerable species.
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Turtle Etiquette
To ensure nesting turtles remain undisturbed, guests are kindly asked to:
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Keep a respectful distance from nesting turtles.
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Avoid loud noises and sudden movements.
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Never use flash photography.
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Follow all guidance provided by the conservation team.
Any disturbance may cause a nesting female to abandon the nesting process and return to the ocean without laying her eggs.
By respecting these simple guidelines, you help support the protection of one of nature's most extraordinary life cycles.
​Together with the Island Conservation Society, Niva Labriz Seychelles is committed to preserving the exceptional biodiversity of Silhouette Island, ensuring that its unique wildlife and natural beauty continue to thrive for generations to come.