Wildlife wonders of Mauritius

Mauritius, a volcanic island situated in the heart of the Indian Ocean, has an interesting variety of wonderful endemic wildlife. Stephanie Manuel, a Mauritian photographer, shares her fascination for tropical nature and helps to bring more awareness about local wildlife through her vibrant photos.

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Mauritius, a remote island, offers an ideal ecosystem for species to freely adapt and diversify. Endemic species such the pink pigeon and the charismatic ornate day gecko survive despite the fact that their natural habitat is threatened by the introduction of non-native species as well as the pressure exerted by human populations.

The example of the Mauritius fruit bat which recolonises a neighbouring island can once again play its role of seed disperser. This brings a message of hope about how nature is a master in evolution thus teaching us the importance of protecting endemic species.

About the photographer

Stephanie Manuel is a photographer from Mauritius. Inspired by her background as a brand specialist in Wellness, she aims at capturing the essence of nature. From the iconic endemic geckos to the colourful insects, this little island provides daily inspirations for her photography.

As a member of WILDLive!'s team, she works at sharing wildlife knowledge to the young generation through a social media web series. From Mauritius, France and Africa, her photos are powerful communication tools which enable her to connect with others by evoking a feeling of wonder and support nature conservation.

View more of Stephanie Manuel's photos via her website.

To view the images as a slideshow, click on the arrows in the top right hand corner of the photos below.

A pair of Mauritius ornate day gecko Phelsuma ornata, basking on the yellow stem of a latanier bleu. The male on the right is more colourful as compared to the smaller female; lle aux Aigrettes, Mauritius.
A pair of Mauritius ornate day gecko, basking on the yellow stem of a latanier bleu. The male on the right is more colourful as compared to the smaller female. lle aux Aigrettes, Mauritius. © Stephanie Manuel
Majestic red-tailed tropicbirds flying at sunrise. Round island, Mauritius.
Majestic red-tailed tropicbirds flying at sunrise. Round island, Mauritius. © Stephanie Manuel
Aldabra giant tortoise Dipsochelys dussumieri covered in golden brown dry earth, Mauritius.
Aldabra giant tortoise covered in golden brown dry earth. Mauritius. © Stephanie Manuel
The side look of the charismatic Telfair's skink (Leiolopisma telfairii), endemic to Mauritius; Round island, Mauritius.
The side look of the charismatic Telfair's skink, endemic to Mauritius. Round island, Mauritius. © Stephanie Manuel
A bush cricket framed by tropical green leaves blown; Mauritius.
A bush cricket framed by tropical green leaves blown. Mauritius. © Stephanie Manuel
The elegant pink pigeon (Nesoenas mayeri) on a bois boeuf. The morning light enables us to clearly identify the particular pink colour of its feet, bill and circle around the eye; lle aux Aigrettes, Mauritius.
The elegant pink pigeon on a bois boeuf. The morning light enables us to clearly identify the particular pink colour of its feet, bill and circle around the eye. lle aux Aigrettes, Mauritius. © Stephanie Manuel
The Mauritius fruit bat Pteropus niger following the culling in 2015 is now an endangered species; lle aux Aigrettes,Mauritius.
The Mauritius fruit bat ollowing the culling in 2015 is now an endangered species. lle aux Aigrettes, Mauritius. © Stephanie Manuel
A red-tailed tropicbird Phaeton lepturus nesting in a vegetation-sheltered nook; Round island, Mauritius.
A red-tailed tropicbird nesting in a vegetation-sheltered nook. Round island, Mauritius.© Stephanie Manuel
The peaceful walk of the Aldabra giant tortoise (Dipsochelys dussumieri); Round island, Mauritius.
The peaceful walk of the Aldabra giant tortoise. Round island, Mauritius.© Stephanie Manuel
Hermit crabs exploring the beach at sunrise; north coast, Mauritius.
Hermit crabs exploring the beach at sunrise. Mauritius. © Stephanie Manuel
An arboreal snail Omphalotropis rubens endemic to Mauritius exploring a vine with blue flowers creates a poetic composition with its pointed shell; Mauritius.
An arboreal snail endemic to Mauritius exploring a vine with blue flowers creates a poetic composition with its pointed shell. Mauritius. © Stephanie Manuel
Several red-tailed tropicbirds supervising their nests while flying over the cliff; Round island, Mauritius.
Several red-tailed tropicbirds supervising their nests while flying over the cliff. Round island, Mauritius. © Stephanie Manuel
Female blue-tailed gecko Phelsuma cepediana on a banana leaf exposing its gorgeous nearly golden green textured skin; Mauritius.
Female blue-tailed gecko on a banana leaf exposing its gorgeous nearly golden green textured skin. Mauritius. © Stephanie Manuel
A Mauritius Echo Parakeet Psittacula eques that seems to be having a rest just after its lunch as we can see leftover pieces of fruit on its bill; Black River Gorges National Park, Mauritius.
A Mauritius Echo Parakeet that seems to be having a rest just after its lunch as we can see leftover pieces of fruit on its bill. Black River Gorges National Park, Mauritius. © Stephanie Manuel
Closeup of a butterfly that belongs to the family of the blue butterfly visiting a Mexican vine flower, Mauritius.
Closeup of a blue butterfly visiting a Mexican vine flower. Mauritius. © Stephanie Manuel
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