Wildlife wonders: Unique fauna & flora of Mauritius in Chamarel
Did you know that…Mauritius was home to what was once called the "world's rarest parrot"?
Or that the Mauritian national flower is so rare that it can only be found on one mountain peak all across the island?
Learn more in this article about the unique fauna & flora of Mauritius you’ll found in Chamarel.
The unique ecosystem of Mauritius
It's true: for such a small island, Mauritius boasts a diversity of fauna and flora – a real feast for the eyes and for your camera! Endemic as well as foreign animal and plant species coexist in the tropical island, forming a melting pot reminiscent of Mauritius' vibrant culture, people, and history.
Come along on a virtual tour of Mauritius’ fauna and flora – and learn to better spot them during your visit!
Immersion into the wildlife of Chamarel
First stop: Chamarel village!
A quaint little village found in the South-West, Chamarel is only home to about 1000 inhabitants. For good reason: the village is primarily dedicated to nature and wildlife conservation. As a result, Chamarel has stunning sceneries to offer visitors: from the vertiginous Chamarel waterfall, to its sloping heights, rushing rivers, thick forests and lush foliage. City life will seem like a faraway memory when you first enter the village: time feels like it has slowed to the most leisurely pace there.
Discovering the fauna of Chamarel
Aldabra tortoises
Found in the heart of the village, the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark offers visitors the opportunity to explore over 8.5 hectares of preserved green areas. Visitors are also invited to pay a visit to the park’s resident giant Aldabra tortoises. Originally from the Seychelles, these gentle creatures can grow past 1 metre and weigh up to 250kg (550lbs)! They are especially well-loved by children of all ages.
Pink Pigeons
The Pink Pigeon is a pigeon species endemic to Mauritius. These beauties get their name from their generally pinkish appearance: pinkish-grey plumage, pink feet, and a dark pink beak, making them quite noticeable in the wild. But these exceptional birds had almost gone extinct: in 1991, only 10 of them remained. Today, thanks to conservation efforts that the Geopark proudly supports, their numbers have grown and several birds have been released in the Ebony Forest in Chamarel. So be on the lookout for a dash of pink on your next visit!
Echo Parakeets
Once referred to as the “World’s Rarest Parrot”, the Echo Parakeet is the last remaining native parakeet to Mauritius.With a cheerful, bright green plumage and a red beak, the echo parakeet naturally stays in canopies, making it hard to actually distinguish it. This rare specimen can be observed in the Geopark but also in the Ebony Forest.
The flora that paints Chamarel
Ebony trees
Valued by early settlers, Black Ebony is aprized tree species, renowned for the quality of its wood. Overcutting soon ledto the tree becoming endangered. Even today, Mauritian law forbids cutting downof Black Ebony trees as conservationists work towards the species’ survival.Even so, these rare trees can be admired at the Ebony Forest in Chamarel.
Coffee plantation
There is something tranquil about neat, cultivated rows of aromatic coffee plants standing in between large palm trees. Breathe in the fresh air while you visit the expansive fields in the Chamarel Seven Coloured Geopark, where the only local Mauritian coffee is grown. The coffee beans are available for purchase in the souvenir shop at the park.
Beyond Chamarel: Mauritius' Fauna and Flora
Exploring Wildlife across Mauritius
Fruit bats
Mauritius is home to giant fruit bats. Although quite inoffensive, they are fond of mangoes, litchis and other delicious, locally-grown fruits. You can hear them squeaking at night as they gather around fruit trees and you may even be able to find one or two of them taking naps in broad daylight.
Crab-eating macaques
These long-tailed are native to South-EastAsia but were likely introduced by Dutch settlers in Mauritius. Cheeky with a fun-loving personality, you can find these macaques on mountain tops and forests across the island and in a few specific regions such as in Grand Bassin.
Geckos
The next time you see a leaf moving in a tree, make sure it's not actually a gecko! Often bright green with splashes of blue and red, Mauritian geckos originate from neighbouring Madagascar. Today,you can find them in fruit trees around the island and on beaches.
The unique plant life of Mauritius
The Flamboyant
As you visit Mauritius, you will come across many other enchanting trees and plants, one of which is the Flamboyant. Unmissable and brightly-coloured, these iconic trees often line scenic roads and signal the end of year season with the blooming of its red flowers.
The Frangipani tree
The Plumeria or Frangipani is well-known for its beautiful, fragrant flowers that bloom in delicate shades of white, and pink. You can find these trees near beaches or resorts – don’t hesitate to tuck in fallen flowers in your hair for an added beachy flair in your photos!
Fruit trees
Don’t forget the tropical fruit trees while you’re in Mauritius! Mangoes, litchis, longans, papaya… You can find different varieties of these colourful fruit-bearing trees all across Mauritius in orchards or even in locals’ yards.
Supporting wildlife conservation in Mauritius
Rogers Hospitality's engagement
Rogers Hospitality, the group behind the Geopark, passionately supports the conservation of our rich wildlife by working with national organisations (such as the National Parks Conservation Service), local NGOs (such as Reef Conservation), and UNESCO. Our determination and efforts have been recognised on the local scale, earning us an award at the Sustainable Tourism Mauritius Award 2023
How you can support the conservation programmes during your visit
As a visitor, you can support local conservation programmes by visiting places and attractions that contribute towards the preservation of local biodiversity. Always keep the environment in mind when making any purchases and try not to choose single-use items.
Ready to visit the Chamarel Seven Coloured Geopark?