Forest
restoration
Forest restoration
Invasive alien species pose a grave threat to oceanic islands, such as Mauritius.
Non-native or exotic organisms often outcompete and kill native flora and fauna, contributing to their extinction. Whole landscapes can be changed as invasive species can alter fire regimes, exacerbate soil erosion, and reduce water quality. Our strategy is to remove the problem species, animals and plants, and reintroduce endemic species so we can safeguard what little biodiversity remains.
Forest Restoration: Controlling Invasive Alien Plants and Planting Native Species
While there are more non-native plant species in Mauritius than native, not all are invasive or problematic.
The worst invasive alien trees that our restoration teams battle to control are:
Hiptage benghalensis, liane cerf
Origin: India, Asia
Psidium cattleianum, Chinese guava
Origin: Brazil
Tabebuia pallida, tecoma
Origin: Caribbean Islands
Ravenala madagascariensis, Ravenala
Origin: Madagascar
Syzygium jambos, Jambos
Origin: Malay archipelago
Litsea spp., Bois d’oiseaux
Origin: Asia
Our Approach To Restoring An Endemic Forest
Remove woody exotics
(Year 1)
Propagate endemic plants
(Year 1)
Plant endemic plants
(Year 1)
Maintenance weeding 3-4 times
(Year 1)
Maintenance weeding 2-4 times per year
(Year 2-5)
The Transformation
Before
• Invaded guava forest
• Low biodiversity
• Low carbon sequestration
After
• Restored forest (after 4 years)
• High biodiversity
• High carbon sequestration
Forest Restoration: Controlling Introduced Mammals
Since the discovery of Mauritius by sailors, the introduction of mammals has devastated the indigenous biodiversity that evolved in their absence.
Introduced herbivores voraciously consume seeds, seedlings, and native vegetation, hindering the natural regeneration of forests, while introduced carnivores prey on vulnerable endemic bird species, causing a sharp decline in their populations by eating the eggs, chicks, and adult birds.
Pigs
Herbivore
Deer
Herbivore
Rats
Omnivore
Cats
Carnivore
Mongoose
Carnivore
Long-tailed macaque
Omnivore
Tenrec
Omnivore
Our Approach
Controlling these introduced species is the only way to let native biodiversity thrive. It is a long-term and sustained effort as our sites are continually re-invaded. But it makes the difference.
Our bird and reptile numbers are increasing and it is helping the forest regenerate naturally.
Fencing to exclude deer and pigs
Goodnature traps to control rats and tenrec
Goodnature traps to control mongoose
Timm’s traps to control mongoose and feral cats
AT220 to control feral cats, rats and mongoose
We manage a 50 ha. predator control grid at Ebony Forest, the largest in the Indian Ocean, and a 40 ha. predator control grid at Vallée De L’Est. By controlling invasive alien plants and animals these sites are ideal for the reintroduction of pollinators and seed-dispersers.
To learn more about our individual species projects see the individual pages.
Contributing to a Sustainable Future
By restoring forests, protecting threatened species, and inspiring people to care for nature, we are helping to create a healthier, more resilient planet for generations to come.
Our actions on the ground contribute to global efforts to safeguard biodiversity and promote sustainable development.
Current Sponsors
A big thank you to all our supporters, partners and sponsors.
