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To meet the goal of the expedition Ria visited several parks in Mauritius, each representing a different habitat. The most important
were Ile aux Aigrettes with lowland coastal forest, Black River Gorges National park with upland forest and the
underwater world of the Indian Ocean. She also visited neighbouring Réunion which is geographically part of the Mascarenes
but administratively part of France.
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The park was proclaimed on 1994; it covers an area of 68 km² including humid upland forest, drier lowland forest and marshy heathland. The most important endemic species found here are the Echo Parakeet and Pink Pigeon.
The Echo parakeet is the last of four to seven Psittacula parakeet species that once existed on Western Indian Ocean Islands.
It is closely related to the Indian Ring-necked Parakeet. The Echo is slightly larger, a darker green and has more rounded wings and a shorter broader tail. Also their call is very different.
The Echo was once one of the most rare bird species in the world but their estimated number is now 400 individuals.
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Ile aux Aigrettes is a sanctuary half a mile off the west coast near Mahebourg. It's covered with lowland coastal forest and is the last remnant of this kind of forest that once surrounded much of Mauritius. The aim is to keep Île aux Aigrettes in a condition much as it was before man landed in Mauritius.
The species found here are Pink pigeon, Mauritius fody, Olive white eye, Telfair's skink, Phelsuma gecko, Aldabra Tortoises and White-tailed tropic birds.
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As in Mauritius there once were three parrot species on Reunion. Mauritius managed to save one, Reunion is now completely without parrots. All three are extinct.
Ria visited Reunion to see the difference between the two islands which were considerable. Mauritius is 8 million years old; Reunion is 2 million years old which was clearly visible on the height and shape of the mountains.
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To view the log of this expedition please go to "Handwritten journal".
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* "The AFC Flag Expeditions Program is a unique fellowship program established and operated by the Artists For Conservation Foundation™ (AFC),
making possible the artistic field study of unique, threatened habitats, and rare or endangered species in remote parts of the world. AFC
Signature Members can apply for support and the privilege of carrying the flag of this exclusive group of distinguished artists on their journey.
For more information, visit www.natureartists.com/flagexpeditions."
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