Police Bay, currently untouched wilderness, potential world heritage site or resort development. Developers intend to change this natural setting to accommodate a 5 star Resort with golf course and up to 100 villas. I have been interested in finding the wetlands and documenting the natural landscape for some time. Today I made a research tour of the wetlands via Stand Up Paddle, observing indigenous species of flora and fauna on land and water. This is the last natural wetland on Mahé. A natural asset to all the people of the Seychelles and tourists.
Access though the thicket of Coconut palms by Stand Up Paddle.
Many species of fish live here, it is a nursery of native fish, frogs and reptiles.
The wetlands meet the sea, occasionally after heavy rains the water floods over the beach into the ocean.
The depth of the wetland varies depending on the season, the water level today was 75cm lower than the highest level of the year. At the higher level the water flows across the Police beach into the Indian Ocean.
Evidence of changing water levels can be seen against this huge granite formation
A screen calm environment filled with life including bees, butterflies, dragonflies, snails, spiders, Mascarene frog, Seychelles tree frog, Pygmy Piping frog, Swimming Caecilian, damsels, long armed freshwater prawn, praying mantis, beetles, Terrapin, fruit bats, skink,gecko, and freshwater fish make this their home.
The quiet, peaceful paddle amongst ferns, casuarina trees, reeds and palm trees. November 27th 2014
Many species of frogs live here
Point of entry to wetlands under coconut palms filled with ripe fruit.
Backpack with supplies for the day including bananas , passionfruit, water and camera.
No tracks here, just a dense thicket of coconut palms and pools of water separated from the surrounding wetlands with fish breathing from the surface of the oxygen depleted ponds.
No tracks here, just a dense thicket of coconut palms and pools of water separated from the surrounding wetlands with fish breathing from the surface of the oxygen depleted ponds.
Air temp 29C water temp 28C on 27th November 2014
Stunning natural beauty
Expansive wetlands habitat
Granite hills surrounding the wetlands feed rainwater into this natural basin.
Setting from the movie "African Queen" ?
A tropical wilderness, soon to be developed into a huge resort and golf complex.
https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-seychelles-save-grand-police-beach-ecosystem-in-seychelles?recruiter=50746047&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink
ReplyDeleteBee Cesar.
DeleteWe in the Seychelles are up and making people aware of the detrimental impact of the hotel project and have started an online petition. So please sign and hep us save Grand Police.. the more signatures will show the president people want to preserve our unique ecosystem!
ReplyDeleteStunning pictures. I've been there a couple month ago. due to the lock down of the area over the past decades for military/ police purposes this area is one of mahé's last untouched places... it was my favourite spot on mahé and became one of my favourite spots on this planet. would be sad to lose this for commercial purposes.
ReplyDelete