project updates
North Island Rehabilitation Project
Summary of areas rehabilitated in 2006 on North Island
Zone 6 (+/- 2.5 hectares - West beach Rd - saddle)
Alien vegetation clearing
Planting of endemic plants from nursery
Zone 8 (+/- 0.5 hectares - Takamaka Forest, West Beach)
Alien vegetation clearing
Planting of endemic plants from nursery
Zone 2d (+/- 1 hectare - Villa Road)
Alien vegetation clearing
Planting of endemic plants from nursery
Zone 10 (+/- 0.5 hectare - Bottom of Spa Hill)
Alien vegetation clearing
Planting of endemic plants from nursery
Total area rehabilitated: 4 .5 hectares
December 2006 - February 2007
Rehabilitation of zones
- Removal of alien vegetation behind Villa 10 and 11 was completed. Small pockets of alien vegetation behind Villas 8 and 9 and at the bottom of Spa Hill were also removed.
- Removal of alien vegetation (small coconuts, Alstonia etc) from behind Sunset Bar up to parking area has been completed. Aim is now to plant beach fringe plants along the beach, and coastal forest trees in the opened and cleared Takamaka forests.
Nursery propagation of endemic plants
- Daily maintenance of the endemic plants in the nursery is ongoing (watering, fungicides treatment, weeding and pricking out of seedlings).
- Bagging up of propagated plants continues. Seeds from various places have been collected in Mahé by members of the Botanical gardens. Seeds will be sent to North Island shortly for propagation.
August 2006
Alien vegetation clearing in zone 6
- Approximately 95% of the envisaged 2.5 ha has now been prepared for planting.
- Cut alien tree stumps have been further treated with herbicide to prevent them from re-growing.
- Cut material was further removed and chipped into compost.
Preparations for planting of endemic plants from nursery
- In preparation of the planting, colour-coded sticks have been prepared for the different endemic tree species.
- August received good rains; hence planting of the endemic species is scheduled for the 1st week of September.
- Planting of already purchased coco-de-mer seeds is scheduled for beginning of September.
Nursery propagation of endemic plants
- Daily maintenance of the endemic plants in the nursery is ongoing (watering, fungicides treatment, weeding and pricking out of seedlings).
- Further propagation of recommended endemic species as listed below:
Ficus reflexa: 42 plants
Allophyllus seychellensis: 702 plants
Premna serratifolia: 124 cuttings
Tournefortia argentea: seeds
July 2006
Alien vegetation clearing in zone 6
- Continuation of clearing of alien invader trees (Tabebuia, Alstonia, coconut palms)
- Other alien invader trees and shrubs (wild cherry, guava and others) were also cleared. Some areas appeared to be heavier dominated by wild cherry than initially anticipated.
- Approximately 70% of the envisaged 2.5 hectares has now been cleared in preparation for the planting of selected broad-leafed and fruiting species.
Planting of endemic plants from nursery
Although planting of endemic plants on the cleared areas was initially planned for May - June, the amount of rain received for 2006 is not suitable yet for planting. All plants required, which have been propagated 2 years ago, are ready in the nursery for planting out.
Nursery propagation of endemic plants
- Working closely with the local NGO Plant Conservation Action Group, North Island obtained seeds and cuttings of the endemic plants (required as per expert recommendations) from the Governmental Botanical Garden on Mahé. Seeds were grown and bagged on by a permanent staff member of the Landscape Team who will be training additional temporary workers next month.
Species and quantities:
Allophyllus seychellensis: 210 plants
Ficus reflexa: 105 plants
Introduction of endemic coco-de-mer palms
With the assistance of the local NGO Seychelles Island Foundation/ Government, 12 coco-de-mer seeds were purchased. Advice was sought on the proper planting and selection of suitable locations. More seeds are being sourced.
