Capital

Victoria

Official Language(s)

Seychellois Creole, English, & French

Fun Fact

An 18th-century pirate hideout, and legend insists pirate loot worth over $130 million is still buried there waiting to be found

National Animal

Aldabra Giant Tortoise

National Bird

Seychelles Black Parrot

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Animal Laws of Seychelles

The Animal Laws of Seychelles PDF contains the general animal protection laws and related statutes for Seychelles. Uncaged World updates these bi-annually. Always check official sources for the most up-to-date legal status.

Animals of Seychelles

Aldabra Giant Tortoise

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

The Aldabra Giant Tortoise is one of the largest tortoise species in the world and is native to the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles. These long-lived herbivores can live for more than a century and feed on grasses, leaves, and other vegetation. Their grazing helps shape the island ecosystem, making them important ecological engineers. Thanks to conservation efforts, Aldabra Giant Tortoises remain one of the world's most successful giant tortoise populations.

Seychelles Black Parrot

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

The Seychelles Black Parrot is a rare bird found only in the forests of Seychelles, particularly on the island of Praslin. Recognized by its dark plumage and strong curved bill, it feeds on fruits, seeds, flowers, and leaves of native forest trees. As the national bird of Seychelles, it plays an important role in seed dispersal and forest health. Habitat loss and its limited range make conservation efforts especially important for this species.

Coconut Crab

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

The Coconut Crab is the largest land-living arthropod in the world, found on islands throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is known for its powerful claws, which can crack coconuts and other hard foods. Coconut Crabs feed on fruits, seeds, carrion, and a variety of other organic matter. These impressive crustaceans can live for decades and play an important role in island ecosystems as scavengers and seed dispersers.

Seychelles Fruit Bat

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The Seychelles Fruit Bat is a large flying fox found in the forests and coastal habitats of Seychelles. It feeds primarily on fruits, flowers, and nectar, making it an important pollinator and seed disperser for many native plants. Active mainly at night, this bat roosts in trees during the day and can often be seen flying between islands in search of food. Its role in maintaining healthy forest ecosystems makes it one of Seychelles' most important native mammals.

Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

The Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher is a rare songbird found only on a few islands of Seychelles. Males are especially striking, with glossy black plumage and long, flowing tail feathers. These birds feed mainly on insects, catching them in midair or among forest vegetation. Once threatened by habitat loss, the Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher has benefited from conservation efforts and remains one of the country's most treasured endemic birds.

White-spotted Eagle Ray

IUCN Red List: Endangered

The White-spotted Eagle Ray is a graceful marine fish found in tropical and subtropical oceans around the world. It is recognized by its dark body covered in bright white spots and its long, whip-like tail. These rays glide through coastal waters, lagoons, and coral reefs, feeding on mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish. Their powerful jaws allow them to crush hard-shelled prey, making them important predators in marine ecosystems.