Cousin

The Coast

Natural  History

Conservation    & Research

Area Size:  0.286 Km²
Island Highlights:  Giant Tortoise, Seychelles Magpie Robin, Fairy Tern, Seychelles Warbler, Seychelles Fody, Seychelles Sunbird, Brown & Lesser Noddies,

Introduction
Cousin is situated just off the south-western coast of Praslin, in close proximity to the neighbouring island of Cousine.  First established as a nature reserve in 1968, Cousin is now classed as a 'special' nature reserve (established 1975) and home to such rare and endemic species as the Seychelles bush warbler, Seychelles fody and the Seychelles magpie robin. 

When the island was first settled on in the early 1900s, the vegetation was cleared and thus a coconut plantation was established.  However, in 1968 it was taken over by the International Council for the Protection of Birds (ICBP) with the primary objective to safeguard the remainder of the dwindling Seychelles warbler population. 

Today the island is managed by Nature Seychelles, who carry out various monitoring, research and re-introduction projects.  Nature Seychelles have a list of certain guidelines that visitors are requested to abide by.  These include no picnicking or shell collecting and absolutely no smoking at any time.

The island is home to five of eleven endemic Seychelles species, including the Seychelles magpie robin, Seychelles sunbird, Seychelles fody, Seychelles blue pigeon and of course the Seychelles warbler.  The island has been considered by many as a place of pilgrimage for dedicated ornithologists. It boasts  winning several prizes, including the Condé Nast ecotourism award and a Tourism for Tomorrow award.

Visitors can access the island from Monday to Friday between 10 am and midday and are required to pay a small entry fee which contributes towards the maintenance of the reserve.  It is shut at the weekends and on public holidays. 

There is no visitor accommodation based on Cousin, so the only way for us to access the island is via a wet landing which is best done through the flexibility of one of our Natural History Private Yacht and Lodge Safaris.  Alternatively, we can help you explore the islands on a skippered small yacht charter.

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