Paradise Flycatcher & Yellow Crazy Ants Census 2024

In July 2024, our Research Team carried out the annual Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher Census on Curieuse Island. These small, socially monogamous birds are endemic to the Seychelles and play a crucial role in maintaining insect populations. To conduct the census, the team used audio recordings of the Flycatcher’s calls to attract individuals from the surrounding habitats. Using binoculars, they observed the birds and recorded their demographics and activity. A total of sixteen individuals were documented across several sites on Curieuse, including Baie Laraie, the Boardwalk, the Plant Nursery, Anse Jose, Caiman and Grande Anse.

During the same week, the team also conducted the Yellow Crazy Ant Survey on Curieuse. These ants, listed among the 100 worst global invasive species, can have devastating effects on island ecosystems. To conduct the survey, the team placed a tablespoon of fruit jam in the center of waterproof paper sheets, which were then laid along 50-meter transects at various sites. Following a one-hour waiting period, photographs of the sheets were captured to facilitate the manual counting of ants. This data will allow the team to assess the prevalence of this invasive species across the island.