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Latest news: NPTS evicted from Silhouette island.

In December 2010 the CEO of the Islands Development Company, Mr Glenny Savy, notified NPTS that he was evicting us from our premises on Silhouette island. In March 2011 we were forced to close all our projects on the island. From 1997 to 2011 NPTS had been the only conservation organisation active on Silhouette island and the only independent conservation body permitted to be present on any IDC island.

After 14 years of dedicated voluntary work NPTS was forced to leave the accommodation and office premises that they had been permitted to occupy in return for their voluntary management of conservation on the island. After a meeting with IDC and the Ministry of Environment in January, we were informed that the NPTS Information Centre, built and funded by NPTS, was scheduled for demolition - a decision about which we have sought legal advice. At this meeting MoE made it clear that they would not support NPTS in any way and were dismissive of the dedicated years of voluntary conservation and research on Silhouette. Subsequent written appeals to the Vice-President did not even solicit a reply.

Over the life of the Silhouette Conservation Project, NPTS has raised in excess of SR. 2,000,000 (£100,000) by way of direct project funding and donations. These funds covered all NPTS projects on the island plus NPTS management expenses, but no money was ever paid to NPTS members in the form of salaries. In order to compensate IDC for their support, NPTS offered to pay rent for the accommodation/office building. This offer was rejected out of hand. This building has remained unoccupied and neglected since March and all conservation and protection of the environment has ceased and, as a result the Silhouette National Park remains only a 'paper-park' a year after its official designation. For more news see here. A history of conservation on Silhouette island can be found in Phelsuma voulme 19.

NPTS logoNature Protection Trust of Seychelles

Protecting wildlife and habitats for the future

A non-profit, non-governmental organisation registered in Seychelles, founded in 1992 under the Chairmanship of Ron Gerlach. NPTS works to conserve the biodiversity of these unique islands. Our conservation projects are based on informed scientific research which aims to protect species by protecting their habitats.

Successful projects include the establishment of the Roche Caiman Bird Sanctuary on Mahé; Seychelles Terrapin Research Project; Giant Tortoise Conservation Project and the Seychelles Red Data Book 1997.

NPTS is a member of IUCN, The World Conservation Union and members have been represented on the IUCN Species Survival Commission in the Re-introduction Specialist Group, Madagascar & Mascarene Reptile & Amphibian Specialist Group, Amphibian Specialist Group, Tortoise & Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, Heron Specialist Group and the Southern African Invertebrates Specialist Group.

NPTS - helping to save our natural heritage

We are involved in numerous research projects and field studies as well as action programmes.  Our conservation work focuses on ecosystems (especially the Silhouette island key biodiversity area) and flagship species, including giant tortoises and the Seychelles sheath-tailed bat.

BIRD CONSERVATION

NPTS works to conserve birds through research, publication and conservation of important bird habitats.  These have included the establishment and management of the Roche Caiman Bird Sanctuary, monitoring for the African Waterbird Census and publication of 'Birdwatch'.  We have active interests in conservation of and research into the Seychelles kestrel (Falco araea).

PLANT PROJECTS

With the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew NPTS has investigating the conservation genetics of threatened Seychelles plants to develop strategies for conserving the most critically endangered species.  Current collaboration includes work on Impatiens gordonii with the Eden Project.  We are establishing new populations of this critically endangered plant and similarly threatened species (Achyrospermum seychellarum and Pseuderanthemum tunicatum).  Work on Silhouette island aims to increase the numbers of Trilepisium gymnandrum and to re-establish Rothmannia annae on the island.

INVERTEBRATE CONSERVATION PROJECTS

NPTS is investigating the status of Seychelles invertebrates.  These are often overlooked but are a vital part of biodiversity. NPTS work has rediscovered species not seen for 100, years such as the Seychelles bee hawkmoth.  NPTS also works with the Zoological Society of London on the breeding of threatened species from Fregate island.

tortoise logoSEYCHELLES GIANT TORTOISE CONSERVATION PROJECT

Project patron: Sir David Attenborough

Since 1840 it has been assumed that all Indian Ocean Giant Tortoises had been exterminated with the exception of the Aldabran species. Detailed research by NPTS confirmed, in 1997, that two supposedly 'extinct' Seychelles tortoise species do survive.

The NPTS Seychelles Giant Tortoise Conservation Project has established captive breeding groups with the aim of rescuing these two species from the extinction that was thought to have claimed them over 150 years ago. This remarkable project was established on Silhouette island in 1997 when viable breeding groups of both species were brought to the island.  Successful captive breeding is leading to the reintroduction of tortoises to the wild in 2006.  This is a unique opportunity to rescue two charismatic species and to demonstrate that apparent extinction need not always be forever.

terrapin logoTERRAPIN CONSERVATION PROJECT

NPTS research discovered that the two Seychelles species are on the edge of extinction. Fewer than 250 of either species survive due to pollution, predation and development. We aim to save these species through captive breeding and reintroduction to secure reserves.

SILHOUETTE ISLAND CONSERVATION PROJECT

In 1996 NPTS started a major project to conserve Silhouette; the third largest of the central islands.

Silhouette's steep mountains and untouched forests make it the most natural of the islands, with large populations of rare animals and plants. Its unique ecosystems contribute to its being one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the Indian Ocean.

Despite the great biological value of Silhouette, it has no legal protection. With the arrival of the first inhabitants the forests were plundered for their timber; unsuccessful attempts at agricultural development were made. Now that a new sense of the value of Silhouette's biodiversity is prevalent, special reserve status for the island is being campaigned for by NPTS.

NPTS aims to preserve the natural habitats of Silhouette and to restore degraded areas to their near-natural state. Your support for one of the many conservation projects on Silhouette can help to secure its future.

Download the NPTS 2009 report on scientific activity on Silhouette island.

CURRENT AND FUTURE PROJECTS

NPTS continues to develop new research and conservation projects. These projects include research on the Seychelles kestrel (Falco araea) and Seychelles sheath-tailed bat (Coleura seychellensis). NPTS currently carries out monitoring and research on Seychelles reptiles and amphibians and is intending to carry out further research on the Seychelles chameleon (Calumma tigris) and Seychelles tree-frog (Tachycnemis seychellensis).

PUBLICATIONS

NPTS publishes an annual scientific journal, "Phelsuma" covering all aspects of biology and conservation throughout the western Indian Ocean.

"Birdwatch", NPTS's quarterly publication, covers news of birds in the area and includes reports from most of the reserves in the islands.

NPTS published the first Seychelles Red Data Book in 1997 and started a monographic series on the Seychelles fauna in 2006.

MEMBERSHIP

The NPTS is a membership organisation.  Members may receive either or both NPTS periodicals.

CONTACT

The NPTS can be contacted at the addresses listed or by e-mail:  jstgerlach@aol.com

SITE INDEX

LINKS 

Regional conservation sites:
	Madagascar Wildlife Conservation


International conservation sites:
	World Conservation Monitoring Centre
	World Conservation Union (IUCN) 
	International Species Information System
	Conservation International
	Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
	
Tortoise sites:
	Turtles of the World
	British Chelonia Group
	California Tortoise & Turtle Society 
	SOPTOM
	Chelonian Research Foundation
	
Chameleon sites:
	Chameleon Conservation Society

Gecko sites:
	Global Gecko Association

Caecilian sites:
	Gymnophiona.org

Natural history books:
	Natural History Book Service