Silhoutte

The Coast

Natural  History

Conservation    & Research

Area Size:  19.95 Km²
Maximum Altitude:  740 metres
Population:  136
Highlights:  La Passe, Creole Architecture, Anse La Passe, Anse Lascars, Dauban Mausoleum, Seychelles Sheath Tailed Bat, Giant Tortoise

Introduction

Silhouette is situated some 30 km off the western coast of Mahé and is the third largest island of the Seychelles archipelago.  Unlike its neighbouring islands, Silhouette is of volcanic origin.  The island is characterised by its dramatic mountain profile which can be seen dominating the view from Mahé's Beau Vallon beach.  In total, Silhouette has five mountain peaks: Mont Dauban, Mont-Pot-a-Eau, Gratte Fesse, Mont Corgat, and Mont Cocos Marrons.

The island is renowned for its incredible wealth of biodiversity and is home to an array of endemic and threatened flora and fauna.  The majority of Mount Dauban is covered with albizia trees, however, towards the top of the mountain, an abundance of endemic plant species can be found.  A proportionate amount of the island is covered by primeval and mist forests. 

In August 2010, Silhouette National Park was opened by President Mr James Michel.  93% of the island's land area has been designated as protected.  The declaration of Silhouette as a National Park demonstrates the importance of conserving the island's flora and fauna as well as the critically endangered species that reside there.   

Despite its large size, the island has a very small population, which resides in the settlement of La Passe.  Silhouette provides only one accommodation for visitors, Labriz Silhouette.  There are no roads; therefore it is the ideal safe haven for walkers.  For the really keen hikers, there are two paths which trail through equatorial forests and link La Passe with Grande Barbe and Lass Passe to Anse Mondon.  Between half a day and a day would be needed to hike there and back. 

Historically speaking, Silhouette, together with North Island was the very first island to be spotted by crew aboard the Sharpeigh expedition in 1609.  However, it was not until the early 19th century that it was first settled upon.  It is believed that the notorious pirate Jean Hodoul who was once a resident of the island, buried his treasure here.

Fortunately for Silhouette, its 740 metre height has saved the island from the destruction of deforestation, which has sadly affected other islands.  Its height has also prevented overdevelopment of tourism infrastructure and potential destruction of wildlife habitats. 

Silhouette very much reflects the traditions and style of Creole culture.  There are a number of traditional Creole houses dispersed throughout the island, while the old Plantation House stands as a national monument, typifying Creole architecture.  Typically, Creole buildings always include a spacious veranda which extends around its perimeter with a flight of stairs on all four sides. 

One particularly significant and somewhat imposing piece of Creole architecture to be found on Silhouette is that of the Dauban Mausoleum, located in a beautiful secluded area, set amongst lush vegetation and coconut trees.  It is a national monument comprising six huge columns which are aligned on the façade and on part of the lateral sides of the structure.  The Dauban Mausoleum provides an insight into social and economic aspects and the Dauban family's status and the overall prosperity of the island.

Photographs kindly provided by Ralph Pannell & STB

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