CONSERVATION
A Natural Haven Waiting for You
The essence of North Island is the sustainable, ecologically sensitive utilisation of a precious natural treasure.
OUR LEGACY
The ‘Noah’s Ark Project’
What is the ‘Noah’s Ark Project’?
North Island was purchased with the goal of returning the unique biodiversity of the Seychelles to the island, by reintroducing endangered endemic species that had become locally extinct or brought to the verge of extinction previously, due (directly or indirectly) to human impact. Recognising the opportunity to contribute and to marry conservation and ecotourism, North Island immediately embraced a comprehensive rehabilitation and conservation plan that was soon named “the Noah’s Ark project.”
Why Was The Island In Need Of Restoration?
The fragile ecology and unique species of many islands, including those in the Seychelles, were heavily damaged by human activity. Even before colonial settlement in 1756, visiting ships had introduced alien species that harmed local fauna and flora. North Island’s native species were particularly affected by the introduction of the European black rat, which arrived via boats. In 1826, Madame Beaufond established a coconut plantation on the island, introducing more alien plants and animals. Although the farm was abandoned in 1976, the introduced species, including coconut trees and rats, continued to thrive.
What Does Island Rehabilitation Mean And How Is It Done On North Island?
In the early 1990s, scientists evaluated several Seychelles islands for rehabilitation, ranking North Island fifth. However, the government lacked funds for necessary eradication efforts of rats and cats before reintroducing endemic species. In 1997, Wilderness Safaris and private shareholders purchased the island with plans to restore its biodiversity and fund this through an eco-friendly lodge.
Construction of the lodge began in 2002, and by 2003, eradication efforts for feral animals (cats, cows, pigs, and chickens) were successful. However, the first attempt to eradicate black rats failed. In 2005, North Island partnered with a French conservation fund (FFEM) and the Island Conservation Society (ICS) for a project to restore biodiversity. A large-scale eradication operation in September 2005, involving New Zealand expertise and helicopter-supported poisoning, successfully eradicated black rats, making North Island the largest tropical island with hills to achieve this.
While the rat eradication was a significant success, maintaining a rodent-free environment remains a challenge due to the risk of accidental introductions via boats and barges.
OUR PROJECTS
Sea Turtles
For centuries, hawksbill and green turtles were heavily exploited in the Seychelles for their economic and cultural value—hawksbills for their ornate shells and green turtles for calipee used in turtle soup. This led to drastic population declines, prompting a global ban on the tortoiseshell trade in 1977 and triggering strong conservation efforts in Seychelles.
Dr. Jeanne Mortimer played a key role in establishing long-term sea turtle monitoring from 1995–1998, personally training the Environment Team on North Island, where conservation practices—like tagging, nest marking, and relocating vulnerable nests—continue today. Despite environmental threats like rising tides, these efforts have paid off.
North Island is now a vital nesting site, especially for hawksbill turtles, which uniquely nest in daylight. Since legal protections began in 1994, hawksbill nests have increased sixfold and green turtle populations have grown 29 times. In 2023 and 2024, over 400 nests were recorded annually, and early 2025 data shows a significant further increase.
Aldabra Tortoises
At the time the island was purchased, the population of Giant Aldabra Tortoises had declined significantly, with only a small number remaining. Among these were two well-known adult males, Brutus and Patrick, both recognised for their impressive size and presence.
In 2003, as part of a conservation initiative, North Island invited contributions from Seychellois individuals and institutions. This appeal resulted in the arrival of 15 additional tortoises, significantly boosting the island’s tortoise population and genetic diversity.
Further reinforcement came in February 2008, when Anonyme Island donated seven more Giant Aldabra Tortoises. These individuals underwent a three-week quarantine period on North Island to ensure their health and prevent the spread of disease. Once cleared, they were released onto the island’s western plateau, an area designated for rewilding and habitat restoration.
One of the new arrivals, a particularly large male named Harry, became notable for his habit of sleeping on an unlit road. To ensure his safety and visibility to vehicles at night, conservation staff applied reflective stickers to his carapace — a simple measure that quickly turned Harry into a recognisable and much-loved figure among island visitors.
Evidence of successful breeding soon followed. Between December 2005 and March 2006, 11 hatchlings, estimated to be about one month old, were discovered. These juveniles were reared in captivity to protect them from predators and unintentional harm due to their small size. Once they had grown large enough to be visible to drivers and less vulnerable in general, they were released on the eastern side of the island between October 2008 and September 2009. Guests frequently observed and celebrated these releases, which marked an important milestone in the island’s restoration.
The conservation program has continued to expand. A significant translocation in March 2025 in partnership with IOTA and MACCE further increased the tortoise population, which is now estimated at approximately 170 individuals. This growth reflects the success of North Island’s long-term commitment to restoring native biodiversity and creating a secure habitat for one of the world’s most iconic reptile species.
Forest Restoration
In 1999 and 2000, Michael J. Hill surveyed the vegetation of North Island before the construction of a resort, identifying 188 plant species, mostly introduced species, including 16 invasive ones. Only 42 of the angiosperms were native, with one endemic species and one subspecies. The coconut palms were not native but descended from introduced varieties.
Vegetation restoration began by removing invasive plants and reintroducing native species. A nursery was established in 2001 to grow native plants, producing over 12,000 by 2005. In 2004, North Island joined the “Rehabilitation of Island Ecosystems” project, successfully restoring 40 hectares of land by 2008, planting 13,000 native trees and replacing most invasive plants.
A flexible five-year plan was created for vegetation recovery, and after the project ended in 2010, efforts continued with a new plan for 2013–2017. From 2016, a broader Environmental Management Plan (EMP) approach was adopted, building on earlier successes. The rehabilitation is ongoing, with guests involved in tree-planting activities to help restore the island’s ecosystem.
Seychelles White-Eye
In 2006, the Seychelles White-eye, a Critically Endangered bird with only about 400 individuals across three islands, was part of a conservation effort involving relocation to increase its chances of survival. North Island was selected, along with Cousine Island, to host the species.
In 2007, 25 birds were successfully moved to North Island with support from the Island Conservation Society and a Paris-based ornithologist. Monitoring has shown high survival and reproduction rates, with the population exceeding 100 by 2016. North Island aims to support more of Seychelles’ 12 endemic bird species, such as the Seychelles Warbler and Magpie Robin, by maintaining a rodent-free environment and restoring vegetation.
North Island Beaches
The East Beach naturally shifts from one side of the island to the other with the changing seasons, as winds and ocean currents redistribute sand the size of the beach changes, building up one shoreline while reducing the other.