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IRREPLACEABLE
COUSIN ISL AND
SE YCHEL L ES
I N N E R G UL F O F
TH A I L A N D
WHAT MAKES IT SO SPECIAL? WHAT MAKES IT SO SPECIAL?
Encircled by white-gold sands and thriving coral reefs, this
27-hectare jewel of an island is blanketed in verdant native
woodland, with areas of mangrove and a rocky outcrop
protruding from the southern half. Much of the mangrove forests that occupied this expanse
of mudflats were destroyed to create saltpans. Fortuitously,
these man-made saltpans now cater for important
populations of shorebirds in need of rest and refreshment
during migration.
WHO LIVES HERE?
Seychelles Warbler, Seychelles Magpie-robin, Hawksbill
Turtle
HOW WAS IT THREATENED?
Cousin Island had been cleared completely of native
vegetation and planted from coast to coast with coconut
trees. Restoration became a priority on discovering it was
the last refuge of the Seychelles Warbler.
OUR RESPONSE:
In 1968 (thus predating IBAs themselves), BirdLife (then
ICPB) launched a worldwide campaign to purchase the
island outright. In 1975, it was declared a Special Reserve.
The island is now 80% native forest, with ecotourism
supporting its upkeep.
OCT-DEC 2019 • BIRDLIFE
WHO LIVES HERE?
Greater Spotted Eagle, Spot-billed Pelican, Nordmann’s
Greenshank
HOW WAS IT THREATENED?
Saltpans are becoming less profitable, triggering owners to
sell their land to the aquaculture industry. The ecological
benefits of the saltpans was unintentional, but the lack
of recognition of their value threatened to ensure these
shorebird habitats went the way of the mangroves.
OUR RESPONSE:
Generous donors funded our Thai Partner, BCST, to
purchase Pak Thale: the site with the greatest numbers and
diversity of shorebirds in Thailand. These saltpans are now
a nature reserve, presenting ecotourism opportunities and
optimising conditions for wildlife.
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