Nature & Environment

Almost the entire coast of Mauritius is surrounded by a fringing coral reef — a natural barrier that breaks the force of the Indian Ocean and creates the calm, turquoise lagoons for which the island is famous. Only in the south and at some points on the west coast is the reef absent — there the ocean meets the coast unimpeded.

The Reef in Numbers

• Length: Over 150 kilometers of coral reef surround the island
• Lagoon area: Around 300 km² of protected shallow water
• Coral species: Over 100 species of hard and soft corals
• Fish species: Over 800 species, many of them endemic
• Sea turtles: Green sea turtle and hawksbill turtle

Threats

The reef is under pressure: coral bleaching due to rising water temperatures, sediment input from agriculture, overfishing, and — particularly painful — the oil disaster of the MV Wakashio in July 2020, when a Japanese freighter ran aground off the southeast coast and over 1,000 tons of oil spilled into the sea. The impacts on the reef and the mangroves were devastating — cleanup efforts continue to this day.

Mauritius is making significant efforts to protect the reef: The Blue Bay Marine Park is a protected underwater area, coral restoration projects are underway in several locations, and sustainable fishing is being promoted. As a visitor, you can help: Do not stand on corals, do not buy souvenirs made of coral or shells, and use reef-safe sunscreen (without oxybenzone and octinoxate).

Mauritius has one of the most tragic environmental stories in the world — the dodo has become a global symbol of human-induced extinction. Yet the island has also produced some of the most impressive conservation successes of all time.

Rescued Species

• Mauritius Kestrel: In 1974, there were only 4 specimens left worldwide — the rarest bird in the world. Thanks to an unprecedented breeding program by the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and local conservation authorities, today over 300 live in the wild. One of the greatest conservation success stories ever.
• Pink Pigeon: Reduced to 12 individuals, now over 400 again. Can be observed with some luck in Black River Gorges National Park.
• Mauritius Parakeet: The only surviving parrot of the Mascarene Islands. Brought back from the brink of extinction, today around 800 animals.
• Aldabra Giant Tortoises: As a replacement for the extinct Mauritian giant tortoises, Aldabra tortoises were introduced from the Seychelles. They can be encountered in Pamplemousses, La Vanille, and on Ile aux Aigrettes.

Ile aux Aigrettes

The small island of Ile aux Aigrettes off the southeast coast is a living laboratory of conservation. On just 26 hectares, invasive plants have been removed and replaced with native vegetation. Today, Pink Pigeons, Aldabra tortoises, and rare geckos live here in a largely restored ecosystem. Guided tours by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation start from Mahébourg (from 800 MUR / 16€, duration: 2 hours). Highly recommended for anyone interested in conservation.