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The Seychelles magpie‐robin's (SMR) five island populations exhibit some of the lowest recorded levels of genetic diversity among endangered birds, and high levels of inbreeding. These populations collapsed during the 20th century, and the species was listed as Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List in 1994. An assisted translocation‐for‐recovery program initiated in the 1990s increased the number of mature individuals, resulting in its downlisting to Endangered in 2005. Here, we explore the temporal genomic erosion of the SMR based on a dataset of 201 re‐sequenced whole genomes that span the past ~150 years. Our sample set includes individuals that predate the bottleneck by up to 100 years, as well as individuals from contemporary populations established during the species recovery program. Despite the SMR's recent demographic recovery, our data reveal a marked increase in both the genetic load and realized load in the extant populations when compared to the historical samples. Conservation management may have reduced the intensity of selection by increasing juvenile survival and relaxing intraspecific competition between individuals, resulting in the accumulation of loss‐of‐function mutations (i.e. severely deleterious variants) in the rapidly recovering population. In addition, we found a 3‐fold decrease in genetic diversity between temporal samples. While the low genetic diversity in modern populations may limit the species' adaptability to future environmental changes, future conservation efforts (including IUCN assessments) may also need to assess the threats posed by their high genetic load. Our computer simulations highlight the value of translocations for genetic rescue and show how this could halt genomic erosion in threatened species such as the SMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leafless Vanilla species complex from the South‐West Indian Ocean (SWIO) region has long been a taxonomic challenge, due to limited patterns of morphological differentiation and an absence of variation within chloroplast sequences. This complex includes seven known morphospecies: V. madagascariensis, V. bosseri, V. decaryana, and V. perrieri endemic to Madagascar, V. humblotii presumed as endemic to the Comoros Archipelago, but also present in Madagascar, V. roscheri from the East African coast, and V. phalaenopsis endemic to Seychelles. A previous population genetic study using microsatellite markers allowed us to distinguish, in addition to the five recognized Malagasy taxa, two other genetic clusters present in the East of the island. An integrative taxonomy approach was therefore conducted by combining microsatellite and morphological data used in the previous study with new data sets, and by adding ITS sequencing data, to validate the taxonomic level of these Malagasy genetic clusters and unravel phylogenetic relationships between SWIO species. As a result, based on phylogenetic, genotypic and morphological evidence, nine species were discriminated in the SWIO region, including seven in Madagascar, with two new eastern species. The leafless Vanilla group originated and diversified in Madagascar, from an ancestor of African descent, with three subsequent independent colonization events from Madagascar to the other territories of SWIO within the two main lineages (white versus yellow flower species). The new Malagasy species, V. allorgeae Andriamihaja & Pailler sp. nov., and V. atsinananensis Andriamihaja & Pailler sp. nov., are described and a new identification key is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benthic components of tropical mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) are home to diverse fish assemblages, but the effect of multiscale spatial benthic characteristics on MCE fish is not well understood. To investigate the influence of fine‐scale benthic seascape structure and broad‐scale environmental characteristics on MCE fish, we surveyed fish assemblages in Seychelles at 30, 60 and 120 m depth using submersible video transects. Spatial pattern metrics from seascape ecology were applied to quantify fine‐scale benthic seascape composition, configuration and terrain morphology from structure‐from‐motion photogrammetry and multibeam echosounder bathymetry and to explore seascape–fish associations. Hierarchical clustering using fish abundance and biomass data identified four distinct assemblages separated by the depth and geographic location, but also significantly influenced by variations in fine‐scale seascape structure. Results further revealed variable responses of assemblage characteristics (fish biomass, abundance, trophic group richness, Shannon diversity) to seascape heterogeneity at different depths. Sites with steep slopes and high terrain complexity hosted higher fish abundance and biomass, with shallower fish assemblages (30–60 m) positively associated with aggregated patch mixtures of coral, rubble, sediment and macroalgae with variable patch shapes. Deeper fish assemblages (120 m) were positively associated with relief and structural complexity and local variability in the substratum and benthic cover. Our study demonstrates the potential of spatial pattern metrics quantifying benthic composition, configuration and terrain structure to delineate mesophotic fish–habitat associations. Furthermore, incorporating a finer‐scale perspective proved valuable to explain the compositional patterns of MCE fish assemblages. As developments in marine surveying and monitoring of MCEs continue, we suggest that future studies incorporating spatial pattern metrics with multiscale remotely sensed data can provide insights will that are both ecologically meaningful to fish and operationally relevant to conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The failure to meet global biodiversity targets clearly indicates the need for biodiversity management and conservation efforts to be more effective, and this in turn requires better understanding of the current barriers to success. Islands are known as biodiversity hotspots but nowhere has biodiversity loss been so acute as in island ecosystems. To identify the barriers to effective island ecosystem conservation, we conducted 32 semistructured interviews with conservation and management practitioners from island nations in the Western Indian Ocean region. Practitioners described 33 barriers to meeting their objectives under 12 overarching topics and suggested 14 solutions to these. Most barriers described by interviewees existed at organization level (55%), followed by national (24%) and site/project level (21%). Of the 33 barriers described by practitioners, the most commonly associated cause was limited capacity (23.5%), followed by lack of government coordination and limited resources (both 21.6%), lack of incentives (11.8%), poor leadership (11.7%), and finally interpersonal issues interfering with progress (9.8%). Most solutions centered around bridging capacity gaps. By defining these barriers, we can bring them forward for discussion and allocate resources and efforts to bridging them. Only by doing so can we increase the effectiveness of our management efforts and maximize our chances of achieving global biodiversity targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last two decades, the Seychelles quietly rose into the top echelon of the global offshore industry and then it experienced a sharp decline. Two different global networks contributed to this outcome. A global advisory network welcomed the Seychelles into its fold before a global banking network that controls access to US dollar transactions constricted its ties with the country. The larger significance is threefold. First, attention must be paid to global networks as both facilitating neoliberal globalization and as partially recoiling from it. Second, networks oriented around US dollar clearing banks and offshore advisers should be studied closely given the power that comes from their gatekeeper roles. Third, a development strategy founded on offshore business can run aground when faced with tightening global networks and a wavering domestic commitment. The result of these developments is a two‐track offshore economy with a downward path in some jurisdictions but greater continuity in other parts of the offshore system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the associative behavior of skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis), yellowfin (Thunnus albacares), and bigeye (T. obsesus) tuna within multi‐species aggregations associated with drifting fish aggregating devices (dFADs) in two different regions of the western Indian Ocean: the Mozambique Channel and the Seychelles, using acoustic telemetry. We documented the residence and absence times of tunas at two temporal scales (coarse and fine scale) and made comparisons between regions. A total of 56 tunas were tagged and released at 7 different dFADs (4 in the Mozambique Channel and 3 in the Seychelles) during four research cruises. We recorded the first observations of skipjack tuna making excursions of more than 24 hours away from dFADs before returning and confirmed findings of other studies showing that yellowfin tuna can make long excursions (4.07 days) before returning to their home dFADs. Combining both studied regions, average residence times were 7.59 days (min 0.03; max 16.49), 6.64 days (min 0.01; max 26.72), and 4.58 days (min 0.09; max 18.33) for bigeye, yellowfin, and skipjack tuna, respectively. Exponential models best fitted the residence times for all three tuna species, indicating time‐independent probabilities of departure from dFADs. For yellowfin tuna, at a coarse temporal scale, no regional differences were observed in the residence times. However, at a fine temporal scale, regional differences were apparent in both residence and absence times. This study provides new information on the associative behavior of tunas at dFADs in the Indian Ocean which is key to improving the science‐based management of dFADs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Baroclinic seamount-trapped waves are thought to influence their surrounding ecosystem; however, trapped waves are not well-studied in near-equatorial settings, where stratification is strong and Burger numbers (...) are large. Motivated by observations, we use daily output (2005-2009) from the global Parallel Ocean Program Model (POP) to examine topographically trapped baroclinic waves around the Seychelles Plateau (S > 400) in the tropical Indian Ocean. These trapped waves are associated with velocity and temperature oscillations at periods of 15-16 days, similar to the dominant period of some equatorial Yanai waves. Energy flux maps using POP output suggest that quasi-biweekly equatorial Yanai waves excite trapped waves on the western and south-western flanks of the Seychelles Plateau, near the surface. The anticyclonic energy flux associated with the trapped wave extends vertically throughout the water column and around most of the plateau circumference, diminishing on the eastern flank of the plateau. This work highlights the role that equatorial planetary waves and trapped waves play in facilitating energy redistribution, dissipation, and mixing in the tropical ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the 1970s there has been a significant interest in small island developing states (SIDS). Since the 1990s the vast majority of this focus has been on economic and environmental ‘vulnerabilities’. This paper reaffirms the importance of ‘the social’ when analysing the ‘vulnerabilities’ of SIDS through a country case study of Seychelles in the context of its SIDS status. It outlines Seychelles' demographic processes and macroeconomic volatilities and discusses its post-independence social development achievements. This paper provides critical analysis of how these achievements have been attained and considers the extent to which the present levels are sustainable. It argues that significant social gains are under threat from a range of domestic and international forces, potentially destabilizing the main pillar of the economy, tourism. The paper concludes that while the economic and environmental vulnerabilities of SIDS are of conceptual importance, reaffirming the centrality of the social is vital to understanding the potential causes and consequences of these vulnerabilities. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether freshwater fish colonize remote islands following tectonic or transoceanic dispersal remains an evolutionary puzzle. Integrating dating of known tectonic events with phylogenomics and current species distribution, we find that killifish species distribution is not explained by species dispersal by tectonic drift only. Investigating the colonization of a nonannual killifish (golden panchax, Pachypanchax playfairii) on the Seychelle islands, we found genetic support for transoceanic dispersal and experimentally discovered an adaptation to complete tolerance to seawater. At the macroevolutionary scale, despite their long‐lasting isolation, nonannual golden panchax show stronger genome‐wide purifying selection than annual killifishes from continental Africa. However, progressive decline in effective population size over a more recent timescale has probably led to the segregation of slightly deleterious mutations across golden panchax populations, which represents a potential threat for species preservation in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of bonefishes Albula spp. has been hindered by unresolved species distributions and a general lack of life‐history information. This study provides the first genetic species identifications of Albula spp. from the northern Indian Ocean. The roundjaw bonefish Albula glossodonta was documented in the Red Sea, and the smallscale bonefish A. oligolepis was identified in the Gulf of Aden with no evidence supporting sympatry. Estimates of genetic differentiation indicate three closely related lineages of A. glossodonta in the Red Sea, Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean (Red Sea‐Pacific Ocean, Fst = 0.295; Red Sea‐Seychelles, Fst = 0.193; Pacific Ocean‐Seychelles, Fst = 0.141). In addition, the authors provide the first life‐history information of Albula spp. in the Indian Ocean. Age‐based growth models of A. glossodonta from the Red Sea demonstrated statistically significant differences compared to previously published data from the Pacific Ocean. Spawning activity during winter months was derived from gonado‐somatic index values of A. glossodonta from the Red Sea and corresponded with spawning seasonality previously documented for the species in the Pacific Ocean. The results of this study aid in refining biogeographical uncertainties of Albula spp. and illustrate the importance of collecting regional growth information for subsequent management of A. glossodonta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the potential of mangrove pollen from Mahé, Seychelles, to improve existing metre‐scale Late Holocene sediment‐based sea‐level reconstructions. Mangrove species at two mangrove sites are broadly zoned according to elevation within the tidal frame. Modern pollen rain from traps deployed for 1 year generally have a poor relationship with modern vegetation, and relatively low pollen production rates. Pollen from mangrove species that live in narrow elevation zones (e.g. Avicennia marina) are poorly represented in modern pollen rain, while pollen from mangrove species that live across a larger elevational range (e.g. Rhizophora mucronata) are relatively well represented. Pollen was found in extremely low concentrations in mangrove surface and core sediments, which inhibited further study into pollen transport and preservation. The results from this modern study demonstrate that utilizing mangrove pollen would not decrease existing metre‐scale vertical uncertainties in Late Holocene sea‐level reconstructions in the Seychelles. We suggest that this approach may still be successful in other locations if mangrove vegetation is (i) zoned at a more extensive lateral scale and (ii) is closely associated with modern pollen rain and surface sediments, and (iii) sedimentological conditions promote the preservation of pollen in fossil sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ocean circulation around and over the Seychelles Plateau (SP) is characterized using 35 months of temperature and velocity measurements along with a numerical model. The results here provide the first documented description of the ocean circulation atop the SP. The SP is an unusually broad (~200 km), shallow (~50 m) plateau, dropping off steeply to the abyss. It is situated in a dynamic location (3.5-5.5°S, 54-57°E) in the south-western tropical Indian Ocean where northwesterly winds are present during austral summer and become southeasterly in austral winter, following the reversal of the western Indian ocean monsoon winds. Measurements around the Inner Islands, on the SP, have been carried out since 2015. Velocity measurements show that most of the depth-averaged current variance on the SP arises from near-inertial oscillations and lower-frequency variability. Lower-frequency variability encompasses seasonal and intraseasonal variability, the latter of which includes the effects of mixed Rossby-gravity waves and mesoscale eddies. A global 0.1° numerical ocean simulation is used in conjunction with these observations to describe the regional circulation around the SP. Atop the SP, circulation is dominated by ageostrophic processes consistent with Ekman dynamics, while around the SP, both geostrophic and ageostrophic processes are important and vary seasonally. Stratification responds to the sea surface height semiannual signal which is due to Ekman pumping-driven upwelling (related to the Seychelles-Chagos Thermocline Ridge) and the arrival of an annual downwelling Rossby wave. Plain Language Summary This study characterizes the Seychelles Plateau (SP) circulation using 35 months of temperature and velocity measurements and a global numerical model. The SP is an unusually broad shallow plateau (~50 m), situated in the south-western tropical Indian Ocean. In this region, ocean and climate dynamics are strongly modulated by the western Indian Ocean monsoon signal, with northwesterly winds from December to March, and southeasterly winds from April to November. Model results show that the seasonal circulation is dominated by local wind-driven processes at the peak of the monsoons (December to February and June to August), while the rest of the year, circulation is controlled by a combination of local and remote atmospheric and oceanic processes. Atop the Plateau, oscillations with periods similar to the rotation rate of the earth at this latitude (~6 days) and planetaryscale waves traveling along the equator are important contributors to the ocean circulation. Temperature observations taken near the island of Mahé, show the warmest water in April and May (>29° C) and the coldest water in July and August (<26° C). The results here will aid regional navigation and will contribute to an improved understanding of regional models and biogeochemical cycles and fisheries over the SP region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement: Ecosystem‐based adaptation (EbA) is increasingly being used to reduce the impacts of climate change on vulnerable people and landscapes. The international EbA South project implemented EbA interventions across three countries (Mauritania, Nepal, the Seychelles), piloting the restoration of mountain, desert and coastal ecosystems to enhance the climate resilience of local communities. The experiences of the EbA South project across these distinct ecosystems and socio‐economic environments provide unique insights into the adaptive management invariably required within EbA initiatives. This analysis also provides lessons on how to share knowledge among different stakeholders and countries to advance South‐South cooperation. Summary: Climate change is having an increasingly negative impact on the world's most vulnerable societies. Ecosystem‐based adaptation (EbA) uses biodiversity and ecosystem services to help local communities adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change. This approach, which has the potential to be implemented across a wide range of ecosystem types and scales, is increasingly being adopted by governments and international donors within climate change adaptation initiatives. The objective of the EbA South project was to enhance the climate resilience of communities in Mauritania, Nepal, and the Seychelles by building institutional capacity, mobilizing knowledge and transferring EbA technologies based on China's experience in successfully implementing restoration. The project implemented EbA interventions in the drylands of Mauritania, Himalayan forests in Nepal, and the coastal zone of the Seychelles. All interventions were carefully monitored by researchers to generate scientific evidence of the impacts of EbA. Here, we provide implementers of EbA with the major lessons learned from the EbA South project, namely: (a) quantifying the full suite of ecosystem goods and services generated through EbA at a landscape scale; (b) budgeting in advance for management of time‐consuming complexities related to socioeconomics and ecology such as land‐use conflict, ineffective government structures, disagreements regarding intervention options, and challenging environmental conditions; (c) undertaking long‐term research for adaptive management and documenting the project's successes; (d) providing platforms for effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders with different first languages; and (e) regularly adjusting exit strategies for maintenance of the EbA landscapes after closure of the project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between 1967 and 1973, the indigenous people of the Indian Ocean's Chagos Archipelago were forcibly displaced from their homelands so the US Government could construct a strategic military base on the island of Diego Garcia. The people of Diego Garcia and the rest of the Chagos Archipelago now live in poverty in the island nations of Mauritius and Seychelles, nearly 2,000 kilometres from their homes. Analysing formerly classified government documents, this paper demonstrates how between the end of World War II and the final removals in 1973, the US Government planned, ordered, financed, helped orchestrate, and participated in the expulsion of the exiled people, known as Chagossians or Ilois. While some have detailed the role the British Government played in the removals, this paper clarifies how the US Government bears primary responsibility for the expulsion. Ultimately the creation of the base at Diego Garcia and the expulsion of the Chagossians reveal much about how the United States has exercised its political, economic, and military will on the world since World War II. The paper explains the significance of Diego Garcia and the expulsion of the Chagossians to post-war US foreign relations, incorporating comparative analyses of other forced migrations caused by the construction of US military facilities, including those in the Marshall Islands; Thule, Greenland; Okinawa, Japan; and Vieques, Puerto Rico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Konkan and Kerala Basins constitute a major depocentre for sediment from the onshore hinterland of Western India and as such provide a valuable record of the timing and magnitude of Cenozoic denudation along the continental margin. This paper presents an analysis of sedimentation in the Konkan–Kerala Basin, coupled with a mass balance study, and numerical modelling of flexural responses to onshore denudational unloading and offshore sediment loading in order to test competing conceptual models for the development of high-elevation passive margins. The Konkan–Kerala Basin contains an estimated 109 000 km3 of Cenozoic clastic sediment, a volume difficult to reconcile with the denudation of a downwarped rift flank onshore, and more consistent with denudation of an elevated rift flank. We infer from modelling of the isostatic response of the lithosphere to sediment loading offshore and denudation onshore infer that flexure is an important component in the development of the Western Indian Margin. There is evidence for two major pulses in sedimentation: an early phase in the Palaeocene, and a second beginning in the Pliocene. The Palaeocene increase in sedimentation can be interpreted in terms of a denudational response to the rifting between India and the Seychelles, whereas the mechanism responsible for the Pliocene pulse is more enigmatic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major theme in contemporary social theory is the questioning and destabilization of boundaries – self/other, culture/nature and gender being the most obvious areas. Not least for this reason, creole identities, ostensibly premised on openness and mixing, deserve renewed attention. Although the term creolization, as borrowed from linguistics, is sometimes used in a broad comparative sense, the creole world refers to the outcome of a particular historical experience, namely that of displacement, slavery, emancipation and its aftermath reverberating into the present. Key terms are uprootedness, cultural mixing and creole languages existing in diglossic situations with metropolitan ones. Creole intellectuals in the Caribbean have celebrated the cultural creativity characteristic of these societies but have been criticized for ignoring class, racism and gender issues. By embracing the egalitarianism and openness of creoledom, they have become vulnerable to criticism of being handmaidens of neoliberalism or neocolonialism. Controversies over creole identity are related to fundamental questions in anthropology. Drawing on material mainly from the Indian Ocean region, in this article I attempt to create a dialogue between debates over creole identity and theoretical questions raised in social and cultural theory concerning the relationship between cultural difference and social inequality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rich microflora community (or biofilm) dominated by cyanobacteria coats most exposed rock surfaces (in both marine and terrestrial environments) in the tropics. Such biofilms are thought to play a role in weathering, crust formation and nutrient cycling. An initial, short-term study (1982–83) of microfloral colonization on 0·1 × 0·1 m cleared plots on Quaternary reef limestones on Aldabra Atoll revealed considerable variability in colonization rates, with wetter sites and softer rocks prone to more luxuriant growths. This paper reports on further studies of colour, biomass and effects of the developing microfloral communities from almost 100 out of the c. 300 original plots which were revisited in 1998. Many sites still show limited colonization. Where a microfloral community has re-established, weathering effects are notable and consistent with those found on surrounding rock. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In tropical regions all over the world, holothurian (sea cucumber) fisheries are an important source of income for local communities., Almost all fisheries targeting holothurians are considered fully exploited or in decline, and several fisheries have collapsed., This study examined the differences in abundance of commercially exploited and ecologically important coral reef holothurian species between long established marine protected areas (MPAs) and unprotected areas in the inner islands of the Seychelles., Over a period of 1 month, 21 sites across the inner islands of the Seychelles were surveyed, nine of which were within MPAs., The probability of observing holothurians in areas protected from fishing (~80%) was twice that in areas subjected to fishing., The probability of observing holothurians of high or medium commercial value in counts was 10-fold greater inside rather than outside MPAs., Habitat was an important determinant of holothurian presence: occurrence of high and medium value holothurians was associated with rock and coral habitats., MPAs may help conserve high densities of holothurians of economic importance., Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the forms of economic restructuring recently undertaken by Mauritius and Seychelles in response to recent changes in the global economy, which have a fundamental impact upon their socio-economic landscape. We argue that both Mauritius and Seychelles have recently embarked upon programmes that do not actually attenuate their exposure to the vagaries of international trade but continue a historic pattern of development that addresses ailing economic performance by refining and then replacing one small set of industries with another. The latest phase of restructuring is merely the most recent instalment in this pattern. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the articles published in the "International Journal of Pediatric Obesity" (IJPO) in 2010. He argues that most of the trends from the news in 2010 were discussed in the 2010 issues of the journal. An overview of the articles published in IJPO in 2010 is offered. The author mentions the article in the third issue, which investigates the prevalence of overweight and underweight in public as well as private schools in Seychelles.

In island ecosystems, reptiles play diverse ecological roles as a result of niche broadening, which increases potential niche overlap between species. Ecological niche partitioning is a means of reducing direct competition between coexisting species and differences in habitat use among island gecko species have been suggested as a by-product of specialization to feeding on certain resources. Here, we examine modes and drivers of niche partitioning of two endemic species of Phelsuma gecko ( Phelsuma sundbergi and Phelsuma astriata) in relict native palm forest in the Seychelles to further understanding of congeneric reptile co-existence in native habitats. Phelsuma abundance, microhabitat use and habitat composition were quantified in different macrohabitat types. P. sundbergi showed a clear preference for habitat dominated by the coco de mer palm, Lodoicea maldivica and a strong association with male individuals of this dioecious species. P. astriata density increased significantly with arboreal biodiversity but did not display a relationship with a specific tree type. High levels of resource segregation were determined along the microhabitat axis, based on differential tree preference. Our results suggest that P. sundbergi and P. astriata may have evolved to co-exist in this habitat type through partitioning of microhabitat as members of a divergent specialist/generalist assemblage determined by consumption of L. maldivica pollen by P. sundbergi. Our findings concur with the hypothesis that differences in habitat use among island reptiles are a by-product of trophic specialization and support the conservation of native habitat for maintenance of reptile diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the coconut whitefly, Aleurotrachelus atratus Hempel, has been recorded from various islands in the southwestern Indian Ocean. Field surveys in La Réunion, the Seychelles, the Comoros and glasshouses in Paris have allowed us to record this whitefly on 56 palm species, some of which are endemic and/or threatened species. Most of trees showed low infestation levels, except for the coconut palm that is its main host plant. Such a wide host range has facilitated the rapid geographical dissemination of this whitefly. A field study was conducted in 2006 in La Réunion, to gain a better understanding of the bioecology of A. atratus in a tropical insular ecosystem. The whitefly was found throughout the island, from sea level to 800-m altitude. Five parasitoid species (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) were found associated with the populations of this pest, with Eretmocerus cocois Delvare being the dominant one. A laboratory study showed that the pre-imaginal development of A. atratus is around 48 days at 25–27°C, which is relatively long compared to other whitefly species. With a sex ratio of one male per 1022 females collected in La Réunion, it appears that the whitefly reproduces by thelytoky. It represents a threat to ornamental and agricultural palms as well as to natural palm ecosystems in the absence of effective parasitoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. We compared the prevalence of body weight categories between public and private schools in the Seychelles, a rapidly developing small island state in the African region. Methods. In 2004-2006, weight and height were measured and self-reported information on physical activity collected in children of three selected grades in all schools in the country. Overweight, obesity and thinness were defined according to standard criteria. Results. Based on 8 462 students (377 in private schools), the prevalence of overweight (including obesity) was markedly higher in private than public schools (boys: 37% [95% CI: 31-44] vs. 15% [14-16]; girls: 33% [26-41] vs. 20% [19-22]). The prevalence of thinness grade 1 was lower in private than public schools (boys: 9% [5-13] vs. 20% [19-21]; girls: 13% [8-18] vs. 19% [18-20]). Students in private schools reported more physical activity at leisure time while students in public schools reported larger weekly walking time. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that school type may be a useful indicator for assessing the association between socio-economic status and overweight in children, and that overweight affects wealthy children more often than others in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2002, when Rene was still in power, the UAE donated $50m to help the Seychelles - then facing an acute foreign currency shortage - to import food and other vital goods to replenish empty shelves. The former first lady of the Seychelles and several other high-profile figures were in court on January 21st over a $50m embezzlement scandal that has gripped the paradise island nation. On January 21st, the court ordered that Sarah Zarqhani Rene, widow of late president France Albert Rene who ruled from 1977 to 2004, remain in custody on charges of money laundering, along with another three co-accused. [Extracted from the article]

We assessed the 15-year trends in the distribution of body mass index (BMI) and the prevalence of overweight in the Seychelles (Indian Ocean, African Region) and the relationship with socio-economic status (SES). Three population-based examination surveys were conducted in 1989, 1994 and 2004. Occupation was categorized as ‘labourer’, ‘intermediate’ or ‘professional’. Education was also assessed in 1994 and 2004. Between 1989 and 2004, mean BMI increased markedly in all sex and age categories (overall: 0.16 kg m−2 per calendar year, which corresponds to 0.46 kg per calendar year). The prevalence of overweight (including obesity, BMI ≥ 25 kg m−2) increased from 29% to 52% in men and from 50% to 67% in women. The prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg m−2) increased from 4% to 15% in men and from 23% to 34% in women. Overweight was associated inversely with occupation in women and directly in men in all surveys. In multivariate analysis, overweight was associated similarly (direction and magnitude) to occupation and education. In conclusion, the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity over time in all age, sex and SES categories suggests large-scale changes in societal obesogenic factors. The sex-specific association of SES with overweight suggests that prevention measures should be tailored accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Some invasive alien plants accelerate nutrient turnover in the ecosystem because the litter they produce has a high specific leaf area (SLA), high concentrations of nutrients and low concentrations of lignin and polyphenolics, and therefore decomposes rapidly. These litter properties are typical of plants from nutrient-rich but not nutrient-poor ecosystems, and we therefore hypothesize that species that successfully invade nutrient-poor ecosystems might not exhibit them. We tested our hypothesis in a nutrient-poor tropical forest on a granitic island in the Seychelles. 2. Leaf litter properties and annual decomposition rates of six native and six invasive woody species were compared in a field experiment. Each species group included two pioneer, two understorey and two canopy species. We also compared soil fertility under trees of Cinnamomum verum (dominant alien canopy tree), Falcataria moluccana (alien pioneer N-fixing tree) and Northea hornei (dominant native canopy tree), measuring total nutrient concentrations and nutrient absorption by ion exchange resins. 3. Within the ecological groups of pioneer and canopy species, litter of invasive species had higher mean values of SLA (120% higher) and leaf N concentration (80% higher), and litter decomposition was 40%–80% faster (rate k) than for native species; however, there were no such differences in the group of understorey species. Soils sampled under the three tree species differed little in nutrient concentrations. 4. The results indicate that even on the very nutrient-poor soils of the granitic Seychelles, some pioneer invasive species produce more decomposable litter and therefore have the potential to alter rates of nutrient cycling. However, the small differences in soil fertility beneath native and invasive trees suggest that impacts of invasive species on nutrient cycling are more complex and less predictable in nutrient-poor ecosystems, where several nutrients may be co-limiting, and native and alien species coexist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. There are few data on overweight in children in developing countries. Such data are important to guide public health policy. We assessed trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children from the Seychelles, a middle-income island state in the Indian Ocean. Methods. Multiple cross-sectional surveys were conducted each year between 1998 and 2004 on all students of all schools in four selected school grades (crèche, 4th, 7th and 10th years of mandatory school). Weight and height were measured and children were asked about walking time and frequency of physical exercise at leisure time. Excess weight categories were defined according to the criteria of the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Results. Data were available for 33&VeryThinSpace;340 observations in 1998–2004, corresponding to 23&VeryThinSpace;459 individual children measured once or several times. Based on IOTF criteria, the prevalence of ‘overweight’ or ‘obesity’ increased from 8.7% to 13.5% in boys, and from 11.8% to 18.6% in girls from 1998 to 2004 (P<0.001). The prevalence of ‘obesity’ increased from 2.1% to 5.2% in boys and from 3.1% to 6.2% in girls (P<0.001). Using CDC criteria, the prevalence of ‘at risk of overweight’ and ‘overweight’ increased by similar proportions. The shift towards higher values over time was larger in the upper than the lower tail of the BMI distribution. Physical activity decreased over calendar years and was inversely associated with excess weight. Conclusions. The prevalence of excess weight increased markedly over a seven-year period in children in the Seychelles. This is likely to reflect a rapid nutrition transition with increasingly positive energy balance. These findings stress the need for programs and policies aimed at promoting physical activity and healthy nutrition in countries in epidemiological transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mascarene ridged frog, Ptychadena mascareniensis, is the only African amphibian species thought to occur on Madagascar and on the Seychelles and also Mascarene islands. We explored its phylogenetic relationships and intraspecific genetic differentiation to contribute to the understanding of transoceanic dispersal in amphibians. Fragments of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene were sequenced from specimens collected over most of the distribution area of P. mascareniensis, including populations from Madagascar, Mascarenes and Seychelles. We identified five deeply divergent clades having pairwise divergences >5%, which probably all represent cryptic species in a P. mascareniensis complex. One of these seems to be restricted to Madagascar, the Mascarenes and the Seychelles. Sequences obtained from topotypic material (Réunion) were identical to the most widespread haplotype from Madagascar. The single Mauritian/Seychellean haplotype differed by only one mutation from a Malagasy haplotype. It is likely that the Mascarene and Seychellean populations were introduced from Madagascar by humans. In contrast, the absence of the Malagasy haplotypes from Africa and the distinct divergences among Malagasy populations (16 mutations in one divergent hapolotype from northern Madagascar) suggest that Madagascar was populated by Ptychadena before the arrival of humans c. 2000 years ago. Because Madagascar has been separated from Africa since the Jurassic, this colonization must have taken place by overseas rafting, which may be a more widespread dispersal mode in amphibians than commonly thought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study details the first baseline survey of the Critically Endangered Seychelles Scops OwlOtus insularis, currently only recorded from the 152-km2 island of Mahé, the largest and highest island in the granitic Seychelles, western Indian Ocean. A survey was conducted in October 2000–March 2001 using playback of conspecific calls in random squares (500 m× 500 m) with midpoints being at least equal to 100 m asl. Playback was conducted in 159 of a possible 375 squares (42%). Territorial responses were detected in 60 of 159 (38%) squares, which represented an estimated 70 distinct territorial responses. Pairs responded in 51% and single birds responded in 49% of squares where a response was elicited. Scops Owls were more likely to be detected at higher altitudes, in mixed forest, and sympatrically with endemic frogs (Tachycnemis seychellensisandSooglossusspp.). Two models were used to predict population: one based exclusively on altitude resulted in a population estimate of 134–159 territories (268–318 individuals) within a 34-km2 range, whereas a second incorporating altitude and vegetation, which excluded unsuitable habitat, resulted in an estimate of 125–142 territories (250–284 individuals) in a 31-km2 range. We discuss the implications of our findings to the Owl's conservation status and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The critically endangered Seychelles Black Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone corvina was once found on at least five of the inner (granitic) islands in the Seychelles archipelago, western Indian Ocean. Currently, it is only found on two islands, with c. 98% of the world population ( c. 150–200 individuals) occurring on the 10-km2 island of La Digue. Creation of additional island populations is therefore considered crucial in improving its conservation status. The presence of native broad-leaved plateau forest in proximity to wetland areas is proposed as an important selection criterion when considering the suitability of other islands for translocation, due to the presumed importance of insect prey (dependent on water) in the diet. We quantified habitat use, territory composition, the effect of water on invertebrate abundance, and foraging and breeding success to determine the importance of native broad-leaved woodland and wetland areas for Flycatchers. Flycatcher territories contained significantly more native broad-leaved woodland (88%) than its availability on the plateau (43%); Flycatchers used native tree species significantly more for both foraging (81%) and nesting (95%) than their availability within territories (71%); and territory size varied inversely with the density of native broad-leaved tree species. Native broad-leaved forest was associated with semipermanent and permanent water bodies and availability of native forest habitat was a good predictor of territory distribution. The number of aerial insects trapped was higher close to water, but there was no effect of the proximity to water on the number of insects counted on foliage. The majority of identified prey species in adult diet were not dependent on water: Orthoptera and Lepidoptera were the most common prey groups, comprising 66% of identified prey items. There was no effect of proximity to water on foraging or breeding success ( c. 35%): depredation was the major factor determining breeding success, and accounted for the majority of nest failures. The importance of wetland areas to Flycatchers therefore appears to have been over-emphasized. The implications for translocation and conservation of the Flycatcher are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary 1. Demographic models are assuming an important role in management decisions for endangered species. Elasticity analysis and scope for management analysis are two such applications. Elasticity analysis determines the vital rates that have the greatest impact on population growth. Scope for management analysis examines the effects that feasible management might have on vital rates and population growth. Both methods target management in an attempt to maximize population growth. 2. The Seychelles magpie robin Copsychus sechellarum is a critically endangered island endemic, the population of which underwent significant growth in the early 1990s following the implementation of a recovery programme. We examined how the formal use of elasticity and scope for management analyses might have shaped management in the recovery programme, and assessed their effectiveness by comparison with the actual population growth achieved. 3. The magpie robin population doubled from about 25 birds in 1990 to more than 50 by 1995. A simple two-stage demographic model showed that this growth was driven primarily by a significant increase in the annual survival probability of first-year birds and an increase in the birth rate. Neither the annual survival probability of adults nor the probability of a female breeding at age 1 changed significantly over time. 4. Elasticity analysis showed that the annual survival probability of adults had the greatest impact on population growth. There was some scope to use management to increase survival, but because survival rates were already high (> 0·9) this had a negligible effect on population growth. Scope for management analysis showed that significant population growth could have been achieved by targeting management measures at the birth rate and survival probability of first-year birds, although predicted growth rates were lower than those achieved by the recovery programme when all management measures were in place (i.e. 1992–95). 5. Synthesis and applications. We argue that scope for management analysis can provide a useful basis for management but will inevitably be limited to some extent by a lack of data, as our study shows. This means that identifying perceived ecological problems and designing management to alleviate them must be an important component of endangered species management. The corollary of this is that it will not be possible or wise to consider only management options for which there is a demonstrable ecological benefit. Given these constraints, we see little role for elasticity analysis because, when data are available, a scope for management analysis will always be of greater practical value and, when data are lacking, precautionary management demands that as many perceived ecological problems as possible are tackled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary 1. A major challenge for population ecology is to predict population responses to novel conditions, such as habitat loss. This frequently involves understanding dispersal decisions, in terms of their consequences for fitness. However, this approach requires detailed data, and is thus often inappropriate for urgent problems on poorly known species. This may be resolved by developing a predictive framework based on well-studied species, for applying to those that are less well understood. 2. Population size, group sizes and habitat occupancy of the Seychelles warbler (Acrocephalus sechellensis ) can be predicted by determining the evolutionary stable dispersal strategy. For densities near to demographic equilibrium, regulation results from the combined effects of non-breeding and use of sink habitats. 3. In the Seychelles warbler, resident male non-breeders compete for breeding vacancies on neighbouring territories. The resulting kin competition is a key process for predicting the observed balance between regulation by non-breeding and regulation by sink use. Family groups, in which offspring delay dispersal, hoping to fill a vacancy on a local territory, are common among group-living species. This suggests that kin competition may frequently play a central role in the population regulation of socially complex species. 4. Although all the model variants considered are complex, predictions are shown to be insensitive to a range of simplifications, illustrating that, despite significant evolutionary import at the individual level, some behaviour can be unimportant when considering population level questions. Identifying which behavioural strategies have significant demographic consequences is key to the further development of population models based on fitness maximizing behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the new economic policy in Seychelles.

Objective and Method: To compare the response of a dipstick assay (DSA) detecting Leptospira-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies with that of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), an indirect haemagglutination assay (IHA), the microagglutination test (MAT) and a polymerase chain reaction assay (PCR) in patients with leptospirosis confirmed by MAT alone or by MAT and/or PCR (MAT/PCR).Result: In 75 patients with acute leptospirosis diagnosed by MAT (respectively, 90 patients diagnosed by MAT/PCR), the response in paired early and convalescent sera was positive in 78.9% (67.9%) by DSA, 76.0% (67.8%) by ELISA, 58.7% (55.6%) by IHA, 44.0% (53.3%) by PCR, and 100% (90.0%) by MAT. In early serum only, the response in patients diagnosed by MAT (respectively by MAT/PCR) was positive in 36.0% (38.9%) by DSA, 36.0% (37.8%) by ELISA, 14.7% (18.9%) by IHA, 39.2% (48.3%) by PCR, and 53.3% (58.9%) by MAT titre > or =1:100. DSA detected the main serogroups implicated in human leptospirosis in Seychelles and demonstrated sensitivity comparable to ELISA. In 124 single sera from control subjects without overt disease, the response was positive in 4.8% by DSA, 3.2% by ELISA, 3.2% by IHA, 13.8% by PCR, 37.9% by MAT titre > or =1:100, and 2.4% by MAT titre > or =1:800, giving evidence of the frequency of both past and current subclinical infection in Seychelles and that DSA was less sensitive than MAT to detect moderate levels of leptospiral antibodies.Conclusion: DSA is a simple and reproducible assay well adapted to field conditions and could usefully contribute to the evaluation of leptospirosis in areas devoid of serological laboratory facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biology of 17 species of scolytid bark beetles in the genera Coccotrypes, Cryphalus, Hypocryphalus and Hypothenemus, found on the island of Mahé in the Seychelles is discussed. Particular attention is paid to their distribution, host plants, gallery systems, breeding systems and potential economic importance. Eight species are recorded from the Seychelles for the first time. Brief notes are given on 7 further species recorded from the Seychelles but not found in this study. Two species, Hypothenemus birmanus and H. eruditus are potential pests of stressed seedlings and transplants. Species of Coccotrypes may reduce the regeneration of certain endemic trees and palms with large seeds. Zusammenfassung Biologische Studien zur Borkenkäferfauna auf den Seychellen Es wird über die Biologie von 17 Scolytiden-Arten der Gattungen Coccotrypes, Cryphalus, Hypocryphalus und Hypothenemus, die auf der Insel Mahé der Seychellen gefunden wurden, berichtet. Der Schwerpunkt liegt dabei auf der räumlichen Verbreitung, den Wirtspflanzen, den Gang- und Brutsystemen sowie der potentiellen wirtschaftlichen Bedeutung dieser Borkenkäferarten. Acht Arten wurden erstmals auf den Seychellen gefunden. Zu 7 weiteren Arten, die ebenfalls auf den Seychellen, aber nicht in dieser Untersuchung gefunden wurden, werden kurze Angaben gemacht. Die beiden Arten Hypothenemus birmanus und H. eruditus sind potentielle Schädlinge geschwächter Sämlinge und verschulter Pflanzen. Die Arten der Gattung Coccotrypes können die Regeneration bestimmter endemischer großsamiger Bäume und Palmen verhindern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From a sample census of giant tortoises in the south-eastern region of Aldabra atoll, the size of the markable population was estimated as 87 300. A subsequent recapture study of the same population gave an estimate of 68 100. Sampling errors are unlikely to account for the difference, which is significant at the 1% level. After taking into account obvious violations of the underlying assumptions the difference remains. The sample census estimate is thought to be the more reliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pisonia mycorrhizas found in Seychelles possessed transfer cells next to the fungal sheath and Hartig net. There were extensive wall-ingrowths on outer-tangential and radial walls of epidermal cells, and on parts of cortical cells, in contact with the mycorrhizal fungus. In general structure, having basidiomycete sheath, transfer cells, and Hartig net between epidermal cells only, the mycorrhizas resembled those from the Australian Great Barrier Reef; Seychelles material had poorer definition of the layers in the sheath and a better-developed Hartig net. Mycorrhizal development was best at sites with coral sand, the characteristic habitat for P. grandis. At the one site which had soil derived from granite, only one mycorrhiza was found, although many roots were examined and most of these had hyphae at the root surface. In the older mycorrhizas the transfer-cell walls changed from red-purple staining to blue with toluidme blue (pH 4.4), probably because of incorporation of phenolic material; the sheath showed damage and increased impregnation with dark-coloured phenolic material. From these changes it is suggested that the mycorrhizal association is likely to be functional for only a short distance back from the tip. Comparison of mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal roots suggested that the transfer cells were induced by the fungus, but that a complete sheath was not necessary for their formation. The transfer-cell wall-ingrowths were clearly distinguishable from ' papillae' formed in fungal invasion, by their morphology, staining properties, and appearance in the electron microscope. The unique structure of the Pisonia mycorrhiza puts it in a category of its own, and its discovery in Seychelles implies that the mycorrhizal habit is widespread in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a discussion on the vegetation of Seychelles. Many islands of Seychelles are almost under coconut cultivation. The only primary plant formation left in Seychelles is the mountain forest, which is restricted to highest elevations. The soil in this region is of rich brown color and of variable depth. The forest comprises of evergreen trees, with dark green color foliage with a reddish tinge. The trees also have stilt roots, to adapt to dynamic conditions. Epiphytes are abundant in this area, besides mosses and ferns. The soil was of sedentary laterite type. Vateria sechellarum species is almost extinct. Besides cutting of trees, the general disturbance of environment affected larger species.

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The article reports on the building of hotels in Seychelles to boost tourism revenues for the Indian Ocean archipelago. It is said that the islands are relying heavily on the tourist trade, receiving a record of 140,627 people in 2006. It is also said that half of the new hotels will be large 3-, 4-, 5-star properties, while the rest will be smaller establishments. It is stated that construction of a 1.3 billion dollar luxury tourism complex is just one of some 20 similar investment projects slated for coming years.

The article discusses the result of a survey of plants showing virus disease symptoms. The survey, which was conducted in the Seychelles archipelago on Mahé island, made analysis on leaf curling symptoms of several plants found out the presence of a new leaf curl virus. The virus was found in the tomato leaf extract that was analyzed using two sets of degenerate primers to detect the presence of begomoviruses by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The newly identified virus is named Tomato leaf curl Seychelles virus (ToLCSCV).

The article reports on the approval of R2,412,213,000 proposed budget for 2009 by the National Assembly of Seychelles on December 19, 2008. The approval happened after the opposition abstained from voting on its general principles and merits. According to Finance Minister Danny Faure, there will be improvement of public transport such new bus fares, reconstruction in education and health systems, and reform in exchange rate system.

The article reports that the government of Seychelles has devalued its rupee's rate against the U.S. dollar from 7.5 to eight. The monetary policy is intended to bring increased competitiveness and economic stability. The central bank governor Francis Chang Leng raised the minimum interest rate paid on bank deposits in an effort to reduce the demand for foreign exchange and encourage citizens to put their money in savings accounts. The rupee-dollar foreign exchange rate change represents a 6.6 percent devaluation.

The article reports on the agreement of the Belgian government to a 15-year rescheduling of a multimillion-dollar debt owed to it by Seychelles. The money, which was used to finance the Mahe east coast land reclamation, will be paid back at the rate of $1 million per year, following a five-year grace period. Seychelles has also signed a Double Taxation Avoidance agreement with Belgium.

Reports that Madagascar will join the Southern African Development Community in August 2004, while Seychelles has decided to leave.

Focuses on Albert Rene's decision to step down as president of Seychelles on April 14, 2004. Political career of Rene; Turn over of Rene's reins of power to his Vice-President James Michel; Brief statement issued by Michel regarding his role as president.