Rare owl to be transferred from Conception

There are plans to transfer a fair share of Conception Island’s population of ‘zwazo linet’ (white owl) to North and other islands where there are no rodents. The rare small white owl was found on Conception, a barren island off Port Glaud some years ago. Since Conception is also infested with rats, ornithologists fear that the population of this rare bird, already on the brink of extinction, can disappear altogether. So there are plans to introduce a few dozen on some other islands, such as North Island, where a “deratisation” campaign has been successfully carried out.

Conception and neigbouring Therese islands were recently purchased by Indian magnate Siva, who has been buying over a dozen prime properties in Seychelles. Therese, which has super beaches and ideal for snorkeling could one day be snatched up for tourism development. The owner will then also be able to take vacationers on day trips to his own bird sanctuary.