Seychelles Kestrel rescued from the deadly grip of the Mapou |11 May 2026

Seychelles Kestrel rescued from the deadly grip of the Mapou

Turtle season has ended on Cousin Island Special Reserve. With the onset of the seabird breeding season, the team has moved back into the forest, censusing the seabirds and assessing their nests.

During this time of year, the Pisonia (bwa mapou) trees produce their sticky seeds, which adhere to bird feathers, potentially rendering them flightless and ensnared.

Recently, science officer Chris Tagg was checking seabird nests when he noticed something move out of the corner of his eye. It was clear a bird had gotten snared in Pisonia. However, its mottled coloration gave him pause.

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