Our Staff

The only human occupants of Aride Island are the staff of Island Conservation Society, who possess a range of necessary skills including in conservation, logistics and boat handling

Island Manager

Rahim Hypolite

Rahim joined ICS in May 2013 as a Purchasing Officer at the Head office and thereafter as the Operations Officer. In late 2020, he was promoted to the post of Island Manager, responsible for the overall management of the Aride Island Special Reserve. He completed several courses in store and inventory management and accounting and is currently completing additional study in business management. In addition to possessing considerable experience as a store keeper and purchasing officer at SPDF, UCPS and Dynamics, Rahim is also an Able Seaman (Coast Guard to be specific). Rahim’s experienced service culture, Can-Do Attitude and ready smile are his trademarks. His strong work ethic has helped him to achieve a number of successes in his career keeping in mind the needs of all key stakeholders. He has interests in photography, diving and nature exploration. Till today he is still mesmerized by an unforgettable experience on Cosmoledo for its unique and stunning sunrise and sunset, hence why the atoll is his favourite place in Seychelles.

Conservation Officer

Estella Snowden

As the Aride Island Conservation Officer, Estella Snowden is responsible for management of terrestrial and marine conservation programs, supervision of ICS staff and volunteers, implementation of the conservation management plan, and data analysis and management. Estella holds a master’s degree in Biodiversity, Wildlife, and Ecosystem Health from the University of Edinburgh. She began her career in conservation working with the Maui Invasive Species Committee in Hawaii and spent three years teaching in Kyrgyzstan and China. Before coming to Seychelles, she lived in a remote field camp in Tanzania working as a Natural Resources Data Analyst with African People & Wildlife where she played a lead role in the transition to ArcGIS Online. In 2019, Estella co-authored a framework for community-based conservation published by National Geographic and African People & Wildlife. In her free time, Estella enjoys running, snorkeling, diving, and wildlife photography. She is passionate about marine wildlife and her favourite place is to driving through the bush in search of gerenuks and bat-eared foxes.

Conservation Ranger & Boat Driver

Ricky Adeline

Ricky works on Aride as both a Ranger and Boat Driver. He has completed an apprenticeship course with the Seychelles Maritime Academy and was also trained as a Chef by the Seychelles Tourism Academy. As a Ranger, Ricky monitors the Seychelles Magpie-robin’s daily behaviour and breeding habits. He is also responsible for monitoring breeding success for Brown and Lesser Noddy, invertebrate species, terrapins, and sea turtles. Before coming to Aride, Ricky worked with Dream Yacht Charter as a Deckhand and Technician and as Ranger on Cousin Island with Nature Seychelles. Ricky enjoys surfing, fishing, photography, and crafting. His favourite species is the Seychelles Magpie-robin due to its intelligence and personality. He is also drawn to the Cuckoo for its unique characteristics and appearance.

Conservation Ranger

Vanessa Dufrenne

Vanessa completed her Advanced Fisheries Science training through the Seychelles Maritime Academy which included an internship on Frégate Island. She later went on to work with the Seychelles National Parks Authority as a ranger and with the Marine Conservation Society Seychelles on Mahe as a research assistant. She enjoys football, nature, watching movies, and adventuring. She is a talented photographer in her spare time. Her favourite animal is the Green Turtle hatchling because their colour is unique and beautiful.

Conservation Ranger

Liam Padayachy

Liam completed an apprenticeship course with the Seychelles Maritime Academy where he was trained in the operation of boats, fishing, and technology. He also attended an entrepreneurship training in business management with Guy Morel Institute. As a Conservation Ranger, Liam is in involved in monitoring sea turtles, Seychelles Magpie-robin, invertebrates, Wedge-tailed Shearwater, Tropical Shearwater, phenology, and anti-poaching. Liam also helps with boat maintenance, operation, island water supply, and site maintenance. Liam previously worked with Marine and Cargo as a boatman and deckhand. He also worked as a technician and deckhand with Sunsail and Moorings. In his free time Liam enjoys exploring nature from terrestrial to marine environments, listening to music, and he has an interest in automobiles. His favourite animals are dogs.

Conservation Ranger

Francis Salomon

Francis first worked on Aride Island as a Ranger and Boat Driver in 2004 and returned in 2018. During his time away, Francis worked as a watch maker in Switzerland. He is a highly skilled mechanic, handy with tools, and an experienced boat driver. As a Ranger, Francis monitors breeding success for Fairy Tern, Seychelles Magpie-robin behaviour, invertebrates, and sea turtles. As an experienced Boatman and mechanic, he takes the lead on regular engine maintenance and repairs. Francis also helps to repair infrastructure around the island and takes excellent care of the garden.
Francis enjoys fishing, reading, and watching films in his time off. He is also an avid diver and snorkeler. His favourite place is Aride, which is why he has returned after his years spent away.

Conservation Ranger

Nicky Jean

Nicky completed an apprenticeship course with the Seychelles Maritime Academy where he was trained in fishing and technology. As a Conservation Ranger, Nicky helps to monitor sea turtles, Seychelles Magpie-robin, invertebrates, Wedge-tailed Shearwater, Tropical Shearwater, phenology, and anti-poaching. Nicky also helps with boat maintenance, operation, and site maintenance. In his time off work, Nicky enjoys playing sports and listening to music. His favourite species is the Hawksbill Turtle and he enjoys working on Aride where they nest.

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