Mammals
The only mammals present in Seychelles when humans first arrived were bats, with two endemics in the granitics, one of which is a regular visitor to trees of the plateau at Aride.
|
House Mouse Mus musculus was accidentally introduced to Aride at an unknown date. They are pests around houses so that Aride staff have to take great care to secure food and avoid leaving exposed scraps. Originally native to Asia, the House Mouse reached the eastern Mediterranean around 13000 BC, only spreading into the rest of Europe around 1000 BC. Eradication has been discussed for many years, but is difficult. It is known that House Mice predate seabirds elsewhere, so it is feared this is a possibility at Aride. The subject of potential eradication one day when funding and scientific know how permit, remains in the agenda of ICS. Photo: Xocolatl 17:04, 14 January 2008 (UTC), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons).
|
The Seychelles Fruit Bat Pteropus seychellensis is endemic to the granitic islands of Seychelles. It is an important component of the ecosystem for the islands, dispersing the seeds of many tree species. Although it is still hunted for meat on some islands, it remains abundant thanks largely to the increased number of fruit trees grown since human settlement, providing an abundant food supply. Unlike insectivorous bats, fruit bats have excellent vision. They also have sharp teeth that enable bats to penetrate the flesh of fruits and very long tongues that unroll when feeding. When not feeding, the tongue is tucked away internally around the rib cage rather than in the mouth.
|
DID YOU KNOW?
It is thought that the primary reason for the taming of the domestic cat was to control mice. Indeed, cats were unwisely introduced to Aride at one time to control mice, leading to the extinction of the original Seychelles Magpie-robin population in the 1930s (Xocolatl, via Wikimedia Commons).
It is thought that the primary reason for the taming of the domestic cat was to control mice. Indeed, cats were unwisely introduced to Aride at one time to control mice, leading to the extinction of the original Seychelles Magpie-robin population in the 1930s (Xocolatl, via Wikimedia Commons).
Seychelles Fruit Bats are excellent fliers, often crossing open water to reach Aride. Over the sea, bats often dip their chests or feet in the water. They may lick the water off when at roosts possibly as a source of salt, which is otherwise poor in their fruit diet. Alternatively, this behaviour may be to help to get rid of parasites.