When people think of Seychelles’ wildlife, they picture sea turtles, crabs, giant…

SEP 16 2025 · 18:22

When people think of Seychelles’ wildlife, they picture sea turtles, crabs, giant tortoises, whales, seabirds, corals, fish and pristine beaches. But Assomption Island is an overlooked treasure: it has the richest butterfly population in all of Seychelles. 🐛✨ It’s so extraordinary that Assomption could be renamed “Butterfly Island”. 🦋 Yet insects rarely make it onto our list of “favourite animals”. Many see them as pests to get rid of, rather than as the foundation of thriving ecosystems. Insects pollinate plants, recycle nutrients, and feed other species — like the bats of Assomption for example. Insects help keep nature in balance. The luxury hotel development being built claims to cover just 1% of the island’s footprint. But this doesn’t account for the impact of artificial lighting: 💡 Artificial lights draw insects in huge numbers, pulling them away from their natural habitats. 🧪 When people see “too many bugs,” spraying begins — silently erasing the very species that keep the island alive. Our beloved Madam Torti (Dr. Jeanne Mortimer) reminds us that nature is a delicate, interconnected web. Once these small but essential species are lost, the damage ripples upward through the entire system. 🎧 Listen to the full @greenprophet_ interview: “They Call Her Madam Torti. She Might Be the Only One Who Can Save Seychelles Turtles.” It’s a must-hear for anyone who loves Seychelles and its wildlife. #ScientistsSpeak #ScientistsforAldabra #AssomptionIsland #Aldabra #Conservation #Seychelles #MarineConservation #Biodiversity #InsectsMatter #BiodiversityMatters #MadamTorti