This biosphere reserve, located on Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, is important for the conservation of the last remnants of the islands’ endemic vegetation, the tropical evergreen forest.
Description
Map
Surface : 8,582.21 ha
- Core area(s): 6,574 ha
- Buffer zone(s): 497.21 ha
- Transition zone(s): 1,511 ha
Location: 20°22' to 20°28'S; 57°24' to 57°28'E
Administrative Authorities
National Parks and Conservation Service
Ministry of Agro Industry and Food Security
Reduit
80835
Mauritius
Tel.: (230) 464 2993
Email: npcs@govmu.org
Website ǀ Facebook ǀ Twitter
Ecological Characteristics
About 25% of Mauritius flora and fauna is endemic to the island, but with the invasion of alien species the indigenous nature is at high risk. Being part of the Black River Gorges National Park, the biosphere reserve fosters in situ conservation through human intervention (e.g. weeding of exotic species, trapping introduced macaques) and ex situ conservation such as plant propagation and captive breeding of birds.
Socio-Economic Characteristics
No people live in the biosphere reserve. However, about 500,000 tourists spend annually their holidays in the area (1997). Within the national park an information center raises public awareness and provides environmental education through exhibitions, talks and seminars. Furthermore, environmental education is carried out in local schools by the National Parks and Conservation Service.
Back to Biosphere Reserves in Mauritius
Back to Biosphere Reserves in Africa
Back to World Network of Biosphere Reserves
Last updated: November 2020