Aldabra atoll, Seychelles
At a longitude of 46°20′E and a tropical latitude of 9°24′S can be found an atoll
of unparalleled significance in conservation. The world's largest raised coral atoll, here in the far
southwest of the Seychelles archipelago, is known as Aldabra. Its unique geomorphology, flora, fauna and
terrestrial ecosystems were honoured in 1982 with its dedication as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Aldabra
is unique in the way its terrestrial ecosystem is dominated by a herbivorous reptile: almost all
terrestrial ecosystems across the world have, by contrast, large carnivorous mammals as the dominant animals.
The atoll first appeared on navigational maps in 1509 with the earliest recorded landing following over two centuries later in 1742. From 1814 when the atoll became part of the British Crown Colony of Mauritius its history has been eventful and chequered. During a brief period of the Sixties it made world headlines as the world scientific community rallied behind the Royal Society of London in saving the atoll from joint British-US plans to develop it as a major military staging post. Military development would have razed the delicate ecosystems and science would have lost an irreplaceable jewel. The Royal Society took over the lease in 1971 and formally opened the Research Station on Picard Island at the northwest corner of the atoll. Eight years later a non-governmental organisation, Seychelles Islands Foundation (S.I.F.), was founded to manage Aldabra. After a two year transition period S.I.F. took full control of Aldabra in 1981 and to this day manages and coordinates all research, visitation and nature conservancy on the atoll.
