Becoming a true “Island Girl”
Christie Roselie recently received hands-on in-the-field conservation training on Cousin Island Special Reserve. She shares about her experience there.
Hello, my name is Christie. I’m 17 years old and currently a student at the Seychelles Maritime Academy (SMA). Recently, I had the privilege of being on Cousin Island Special Reserve as part of my work-based experience. My goal was to gain practical skills and expand my knowledge about the island’s unique biodiversity. This experience not only taught me a lot but also helped me grow in ways I never imagined.
When I first arrived on Cousin Island, I didn’t know much about life on an island away from home. However, I was warmly welcomed by the team on the Special Reserve. Their kindness, respect, and hospitality immediately made me feel at home. My journey to the island on the Mini-Mahe boat was both fun and nerve-wracking due to the rough weather. Despite my initial fears, I safely arrived and gradually got used to the boat rides. The team even encouraged me to try steering the boat! Although I struggled at first, I am eager to improve and become more confident in this skill.
During my first month, I learned a lot about Cousin Island’s incredible biodiversity. I spent time studying the seabirds, land birds, and skinks, among other species. Two birds stood out to me as favourites: the Seychelles Magpie Robin and the Seychelles Fody. I particularly enjoyed our Tuesday and Friday SMR (Seychelles Magpie Robin) monitoring sessions. We would whistle to attract the robins, identify their ring colours, and ensure they were doing well. The Seychelles Fody, with their delightful chirps, became my morning companions. Feeding them added a special touch to my days.
Welcoming guests to the island was another important part of my role. I ensured they felt comfortable by helping them with life jackets, providing mosquito repellent, and sharing safety tips. Assisting with the boat push every morning at 9:30 became a routine I enjoyed.
One of the highlights of my stay was working with turtles, particularly Hawksbill turtles. It was nesting season, and I had the opportunity to learn how to tag turtles, measure them, count their eggs, and perform nest translocations. My patrol duties involved checking the beaches for tracks or nesting turtles while carrying the necessary equipment for tagging and record-keeping. Initially, I was nervous about tagging turtles, fearing I might hurt them. With training and practice, I became more confident. Ensuring guests maintained a respectful distance from nesting turtles was also part of my responsibilities.
Nest translocation was another crucial task. Due to high tides, we relocated ten nests in two days to safer areas. I was proud that we managed this without damaging any eggs or losing them to predators like crabs.
In my free time, I indulged in activities like snorkelling, swimming with fish, and admiring the vibrant corals. Watching sunsets from the beach or the island’s viewpoint was incredibly calming. Taking walks along the shoreline added to my cherished memories.
This experience has been transformative. I’ve learned so much about nature, gained practical skills, and developed a deep appreciation for island life. For a teenager passionate about the environment, this was a dream come true. I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the staff on Cousin Island for their warmth and guidance. I am excited to share my experiences with my friends and family, and I can confidently say that I’m now officially an “island girl!”