How a lot have you learnt about Comoros? If the reply is just not a lot, you’re not alone.
This underrated archipelago off the east coast of Africa is usually ignored in favour of its fabulous neighbours equivalent to Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles.
However travellers seeking to transcend the shiny Indian Ocean brochures are in for a deal with. Comoros is residence to a few of the world’s richest marine biodiversity and the island of Mohéli was designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2020.
On our new nine-day Comoros Wildlife Expedition, travellers will get the prospect to identify humpback whales and spinner dolphins, watch sea turtles nest and snorkel amongst manta rays, parrot fish and reef sharks alongside vibrant coral reefs.
We caught up with native marine ranger Salim Ben Ali – in any other case often called Rambo – to study extra in regards to the islands’ wildlife and perceive how conservation efforts are enhancing the percentages for uncommon and endangered species.
When did you change into a ranger and why?
I was a farmer and a fisherman. I may see that our nation has wonderful pure riches however I may additionally see that they have been beginning to disappear.
I grew to become a ranger in 2014 as a result of I wished to guard these landscapes and creatures – if we don’t do it, our kids may have nothing. I additionally need to defend our wonderful pure surroundings in order that guests from different nations may also come and revel in the fantastic thing about Comoros.
What wildlife can travellers spot in Comoros?
We have now many endemic species in Comoros – from the Moheli brush warbler to the Grand Comoro day gecko – in addition to lemurs, parrots and numerous varieties of dolphins and whales. Rangers really feel a accountability to guard all of them and protect the biodiversity of our islands. We have now many success tales already.
The Livingstone’s fruit bat (or flying fox) – discovered solely on the islands of Anjouan and Moheli – is likely one of the world’s largest bats. They’re threatened by deforestation and growth of human settlements into their habitat. However by way of Moheli Nationwide Park’s work to guard the forests, numbers are rising.
Inexperienced sea turtles are additionally in danger. Sadly, human poaching is usually a actual risk, as they’re very susceptible when nesting on seashores. Due to instructional applications and our work as rangers patrolling for poachers, native persons are studying in regards to the significance of conservation and this risk has been drastically diminished.
One of many rarest animals noticed round Moheli is the dugong. Whereas poaching of those light giants has now ceased, they’re nonetheless susceptible as a result of lack of their major meals supply, sea grass. Sea grass beds have diminished because of erosion and sedimentation from elevated cultivation on the island. Applications are actually in place to coach farmers with higher methods to cut back topsoil erosion and sedimentation, which can enhance sea grass progress and assist give the dugongs an opportunity to rebound.
My favorite creatures are humpback whales. It’s unbelievable to be near such an unlimited animal however really feel no sense of aggression on their half or worry on mine. It’s one thing that few individuals get to expertise. Each time, I’m reminded how essential it’s for us to guard them, in order that future generations have the prospect to share this identical expertise.
Why ought to nature lovers go to Comoros?
Moheli Nationwide Park employees have been working arduous to protect the unbelievable nature right here for greater than 20 years. There have been quite a lot of latest research by worldwide scientists who’ve confirmed that each our marine surroundings and the first forest listed here are exceptionally well-preserved examples of Indian Ocean island ecosystems.
We have now one of many highest ranges of marine biodiversity on the planet. So if you’re in search of the prospect to discover a phenomenal pure surroundings that few travellers have ever seen, then come go to us right here in Comoros!
Impressed to embark on a nature-themed journey on these lesser-known African isles? Try our Comoros Wildlife Expedition.
