This underrated archipelago off the east coast of Africa is commonly missed in favour of its fabulous neighbours similar to Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles.
However travellers trying to transcend the shiny Indian Ocean brochures are in for a deal with. Comoros is house to among the world’s richest marine biodiversity and the island of Mohéli was designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2020.
On our new nine-day Comoros Wildlife Expedition, travellers will get the prospect to identify humpback whales and spinner dolphins, watch sea turtles nest and snorkel amongst manta rays, parrot fish and reef sharks alongside vibrant coral reefs.
We caught up with native marine ranger Salim Ben Ali – in any other case often called Rambo – to study extra in regards to the islands’ wildlife and perceive how conservation efforts are enhancing the percentages for uncommon and endangered species.
Rambo and a colleague patrolling native waters
Rambo prepares for a scuba dive
When did you develop into a ranger and why?
I was a farmer and a fisherman. I may see that our nation has wonderful pure riches however I may additionally see that they have been beginning to disappear.
I grew to become a ranger in 2014 as a result of I wished to guard these landscapes and creatures – if we don’t do it, our kids could have nothing. I additionally wish to defend our wonderful pure setting in order that guests from different international locations also can come and luxuriate in the great thing about Comoros.
Dolphins are a daily sight in Comoros
What wildlife can travellers spot in Comoros?
We’ve got many endemic species in Comoros – from the Moheli brush warbler to the Grand Comoro day gecko – in addition to lemurs, parrots and varied forms of dolphins and whales. Rangers really feel a duty to guard all of them and protect the biodiversity of our islands. We’ve got many success tales already.
The Livingstone’s fruit bat (or flying fox) – discovered solely on the islands of Anjouan and Moheli – is without doubt one of the world’s largest bats. They’re threatened by deforestation and enlargement of human settlements into their habitat. However via Moheli Nationwide Park’s work to guard the forests, numbers are rising.
Inexperienced sea turtles are additionally in danger. Sadly, human poaching generally is a actual risk, as they’re very susceptible when nesting on seashores. Due to academic packages and our work as rangers patrolling for poachers, native individuals are studying in regards to the significance of conservation and this risk has been vastly lowered.
One of many rarest animals noticed round Moheli is the dugong. Whereas poaching of those mild giants has now ceased, they’re nonetheless susceptible as a result of lack of their major meals supply, sea grass. Sea grass beds have diminished because of erosion and sedimentation from elevated cultivation on the island. Packages are actually in place to teach farmers with higher strategies to scale back topsoil erosion and sedimentation, which is able to improve sea grass progress and assist give the dugongs an opportunity to rebound.
My favorite creatures are humpback whales. It’s unbelievable to be near such an infinite animal however really feel no sense of aggression on their half or worry on mine. It’s one thing that few individuals get to expertise. Each time, I’m reminded how crucial it’s for us to guard them, in order that future generations have the prospect to share this similar expertise.
A gaggle of travellers get out on the water across the Comoros archipelago
Why ought to nature lovers go to Comoros?
Moheli Nationwide Park workers have been working laborious to protect the unbelievable nature right here for greater than 20 years. There have been various current research by worldwide scientists who’ve confirmed that each our marine setting and the first forest listed here are exceptionally well-preserved examples of Indian Ocean island ecosystems.
We’ve got one of many highest ranges of marine biodiversity on this planet. So if you’re searching for the prospect to discover a stupendous pure setting that few travellers have ever seen, then come go to us right here in Comoros!