Scientific Research carried out in Seychelles

The SBS (Amendment) Act, 1997 gave SBS the mandate for the co-ordination of scientific research carried out in Seychelles and to issue research permit. This is a delegated responsibility by the Division of Industry of the Ministry of Economic Planning, which has the mandate for science and technology.

The SBS has put in place a process for receiving, reviewing and issuing of research permit for research application submitted by overseas applicants. This process is implemented in collaboration and consultation with the Department of Environment of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, other Government Department and Agencies, and NGO's. Most of the researches that have been carried out are related to environment, especially for the monitoring and conservation of biodiversity.

The hard copy of the Research Application Form can be obtained from the SBS and a soft copy can be downloaded from the SBS homepage. If there is no adverse comment or an outright refusal, a Research Permit is issued and this is copied to all stakeholders. The Permit gives details of the conditions for the research. If there is an outright refusal for the application, the applicant is informed and details of such refusal are also provided. If the applicant submits an appeal, this is reviewed by the Board of SBS. If there is adverse comments and concerns related to the application, consultation is carried out with both the party raising the concerns or adverse comments, and if necessary, the applicant is asked to provide clarification or modify the project.

Copies of the research reports are kept in the CISTID of SBS and these report are available for consultation by the public. The reports are also circulated to the stakeholders.


Latest Research Applications
Title Systematics of Scleractinian Corals in a Group Informally known as Bigmessidae
Applicant D., Huang
Address Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0208, United States of AmericaUSA
E-mail huangdanwei@ucsd.edu
Summary of Research This project aims to resolve the systematics of scleractinian corals in a group informally known as 'Bigmessidae'. Four currently recognized species were definitively described from the Seychelles; seven species have unspecific type localities in the Indian Ocean, but Seychelles is possibly the place of origin of their type material. Together with the fact that a majority of 'Bigmessidae' species is present in the Seychelles, it is evident that the study of these corals here is paramount for the accurate classification and estimation of scelectinian diversity. Research activity will involve the collection of coral samples, preservation of soft tissues for DNA work, and the cleaning and preparation of skeletons for morphological analysis. DNA will be extracted from tissues for phylogenetic analysis. Skeletons will be observed using various microscopic methods to examine coral morphology at several scales.


Title Project Wild Fauna Indian Ocean
Applicant Dr. Pablo, Tortosa.
Address Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Emergentes dans l' Ocean indien. Plateforme CYROI./Institut de Recherche pour le Developpement. 2 rue Maxime Riviere 97490 Ste Clotilde. La Reunion. France
E-mail Pablo.tortosa@univ-reunion.fr
Summary of Research This multidisciplinary research program aims to take stock of infectious agents associated with wild fauna in SOOI. Infectious agents known will be targeted (CHIKV, Denver, CCSO, WN, DSC, etc..) but donation of the tanks in inter-epidemic period has not yet been identified in the region. He will also seek to highlight infectious agents circulating low noise and has not yet been characterized because they did not, for reasons that remain to determine the origin cause of epizootics. Beyond an inventory of pathogens, this project will give the original genera in population genetics and systematic of arthropod pests (ticks, fleas, etc.). It will also complement the knowledge about the migration routes of various species of wild birds that are potential carriers of germs (West Nile, influenza, etc.) ectoparasites or infected themselves.


Title Population Assessment of the Fregate Enid Snail, Pachnodus Fregatensis on Fregate Island, Seychelles
Applicant Tatiana Raposo de Rezende
Address
E-mail mariatatifox@hotmail.com
Summary of Research This research is to determine the current population of Pachnodus fregatensis as well as to identify habitat requirements and species distribution on Fregate Island. The Fregate enid snail, Pachnodus fregatensis, is endemic to Fregate Island and listed in the IUCN Red List as an endangered species. Previous research conducted by Gerlach in 2002 in all habitats of the island revealed that between 1999 and 2001, the population of Fregate enid snails had a significant decline of 87 per cent, relative to the population size in 1999. This decline was associated to the rat eradication using Brodifacoum poisoning.


Title Conservation Ecology and Population Genetics of Sooglossid Frogs: A New Population, and Potential New Species on Praslin Island, Seychelles
Applicant J., Labisko
Address 1 De L'Angle House, The Green, Chartham, Kent. CT4 7JW, United Kigdom
E-mail jim@jlabs.org.uk
Summary of Research A current lack of knowledge as to the ecological requirements, population dynamic structure, and phylogenetic status of sooglossid frogs undoubtedly hampers conservation planning and is therefore critical for translating into conservation action. Further investigation in these areas is imperative, and in continuity with the previous work undertaken by Taylor et al. (2010) and once more supported by SIF, this project aims to clarify the ecological, taxonomic, and protection status of Sooglossus spp. frogs on Paslin sooglossids, feeding in to wider conservation planning for the EDGE Sooglossidae required for the ongoing assessment of IUCN Red List status, and as a contributory factor in providing the means for the Republic of Seychelles to maintain and improve upon its already significant achievements in meeting the biodiversity targets of Millennium Development Goal 725, and compliance with Articles 7 and 8 of the Convention of Biological Diversity 26.


Title A Systematic Survey of the Ailuronyx Geekos in the Seychelles
Applicant Raxworthy, C.
Address Herpetology Department, American Museum of Natural History, New York NY 10507, USA
E-mail : rax@amnh.org
Summary of Research The researchers will collect Ailuronyx (Bronze gecko) DNA tissue samples and some morphological specimens in the Seychelles. DNA samples would include the following types: 1) Tail tip sample taken from the extreme end of the tail (which will regenerate). 2) Shed (sloughed) skin fragments. 3) Frozen or alcohol-preserved salvage tissue taken from dead carcasses found in the field by the SIF staff and volunteers. Up to a maximum of 20 non-lethal DNA samples would be sampled for each Ailuronyx species form each island population. These samples would be collected by the SIF staff and volunteers, and Chris Raxworthy during his visit to the Seychelles as well as by other collaborating organisations where appropriate. The DNA samples would be deposited at the American Museum of Natural History, and be used to sequence mitochondrial and nuclear genes to assess genetic relationships between species and populations.


Title Systematics and Biogeography of Seychelloise Araliaceae
Applicant Lowry, Porter P. Dr.
Address Départment Systématique et Evolution, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Case Postale 39, 57 rue Cuvier 75231 Paris CEDEX 05, France
E-mail Lowry@mnhn.fr
Summary of Research The researchers will collect limited samples of Seychelloise Araliaceae to ensure their inclusion in studies on the taxonomy, phylogeny and biogeography of the genera Schefflera and Polyscias (incl. species formerly placed in Gastonia). This work would be carried out during a short visit (ca. 3 days) starting on October 10, 2010, and are therefore seeking permission to visit populations of the taxa mentioned above, collect material for phylogenetic and population genetic studies (a few square cm of leaf material preserved in silica gel) along with a limited number of voucher herbarium specimens, photograph the plants in the wild, and make population observations that may be of value for the future development of conservation plans.


Title Characterizing Diversity of the Endemic Seychelles Burrowing Skinks and Bronze Geckos using Morphology and Molecular Data
Applicant Harris, James [et. al.]
Address : CIBIO – Centro de Investigação em, Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos Campus Agrário de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas 4485-661 vairão Portugal
E-mail : james@mail.icav.up.pt, sara.rocha@mail.icav.up.pt, perera@mail.icav.up.pt
Summary of Research The researchers will fill the gaps in the knowledge of these lizards diversity by collecting more data on the distribution, genetic and morphological diversity of these taxa. In general the researchers intend to collect both morphological and molecular data. Our preliminary molecular data already allow us to target populations that can represent main lineages within each species (above) and where to look for morphological variation. Approximately 20 animals per island or distinct lineage will be measured in the field. Tail tips and drops of blood will be taken for genetic analysis. Vouchers will be needed in the case of Janetaescincus, but only a maximum of 10 animals will be sacrificed.


Title Ecology, Population Genetics and Disease of the Seychelles Black Parrot Coracopsis Nigra Barklyi
Applicant Seychelles Islands Foundation
Address : La Ciotat Building, Mont Fleuri, Victoria, Mahe
E-mail : sif@seychelles.sc
Summary of Research The Seychelles black parrot Coracopsis nigra barklyi is found on only two of over 100 islands in the Seychelles, making it one of the rarest endemic birds in the archipelago. The species occurs across Praslin, the second largest of the Seychelles granitic islands, but primarily in the areas of mature palm forest, particularly the Vallée de Mai. Previous work has been conducted on black parrot breeding ecology by the Department of Environment, the Seychelles Islands Foundation and the Island Conservation Society but a comprehensive programme of research is needed to extend the knowledge base and help identify and assess the potential effectiveness of proposed conservation strategies for the population. The overall objective of this project is to continue and expand the SIF programme of research and monitoring to identify potential threats and provide data of relevance and urgency for black parrot conservation.


Title A Census of Anous Tenuirostris on Fregate Island, Seychelles
Applicant Gane, Julie Alexandra
Address : Fregate Island Private
E-mail julie_gane@yahoo.ca
Summary of Research The main objective of this research will be to obtain current and complete census data on the breeding population of Anous tenuirostris on Fregate Island. If repeated annually, population trends will also be determined. Results can provide information that will determine whether alternative management strategies need to be implemented for the future preservation of the breeding population on Fregate. Another objective of the research is to determine how the breeding population has been affected since the eradication of rats and the additional human disturbance in the last ten years.


Title Insect-associated Nematodes of the Seychelles
Applicant Sommer, J. Ralf [et. al.]
Address Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Dept. Evolutionary Biology Spemannstr 37-39, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
E-mail Matthias.herrmann@tuebingen.mpg.de
Summary of Research The researchers would like to collect insect samples to screen them for nematodes. This study is part of a bigger project that started six years ago. The nematode Pristionchus pacificus was established as satellite organism for the comparison with Caenorhaditis elegans, another roundworm and the best-studied animal on earth. Like in C. elegans, at the beginning no one knew any detail on the biology and ecology of P. pacificus, which had been isolated only few times from randomly taken soil samples. Dr. Herrmann, joining the group of Prof. Sommer to elucidate the ecology of P. pacificus could show that there is an association with certain beetles. By taking insect- and not soil samples from all over the world the number of strains could be increased from 4 to 288 and the number of countries in which P. pacificus is found increased to 16, making P. pacificus the most wide-spread species in the genus. Also the number of new species in the genus Pristionchus could be enlarged from 4 in 2004 to 27 today. There is a clear biogeographic pattern, both in the species of the genus distribution (with an American clade, a European clade and an Asian clade) and within the species P. pacificus.


Title : Charactersation of the Montane Forest Types on the Island of Mahe (Seychelles) and their Diversity Patterns
Applicant Hicham, Elzein
Address Universite Libre de Bruxelles, Service Eco-Ethologie Evolutive - CP 160/12
E-mail helzein@ulb.ac.be
Summary of Research This study will provide the first quantitative description of the forest types from the higher mountains of the main island, Mahe. The description will include floristic and ecological indicators but also plant diversity indices, endemism richness and conservation value. The results of the research will be useful on short term for conservation purposes. The vegetation plots inventoried will be useful on medium to long term as permanent study sites, for potentially interested local stakeholders (e.g. invasive species, forest dynamics, climate change monitoring, etc.).


Title : Patterns of Plant Diversity within the Island of Mahe (Seychelles) and Implications for the System of Protected Areas
Applicant Laurie, Renguet
Address Universite Libre de Bruxelles, Service Eco-Ethologie Evolutive - CP 160/12 50 Av. F. Roosevelt; 1050 Bruxelles; Belgium
E-mail laurierenguet@hotmail.com
Summary of Research The main objective of this study is to compile most of the data on plant species distribution within the island of Mahe in order to (1) identify the gaps of exploration and (2) to analyse the patterns of diversity and the areas with higher conservation value. The sources will be the literature (e.g. Carlstrom 1996) and the specimens available in the Seychelles National Herbarium. Based on the results of the exploration gap analysis, new explorations will be done in the least collected areas. The results will constitute an important contribution to the improvement of conservation priorities.


Title Population Assessment of the Giant Tenebrionid Beetle, Polposipes (IUCN 2004) and is Endemic to Fregate Island, Seychelles
Applicant : Canning, Gregory
Address Fregate Island Private
E-mail gregcan@absamail.co.za
Summary of Research Polpospes herculaneus is a critically endangered species (IUCN 2004) and is endemic to Fregate Island. Assessments of the population have previously been carried out by Mellor in 2002, Gerlach in 1999 and 2002 and Lucking and Lucking in 1999. Following eradication of rats on the island an assessment was carried out by Gerlach in 2002 in all habitats on the island. Since this assessment was completed, vegetation changes have occurred on the island. Pterocarpus indicus woodland was an important site for these beetles and they inhabited this vegetation type in relatively high densities compared to most other vegetation types on the island. A fungal disease attacked P. Indicus trees in Mahe from 2002 (Boa 2002) and spread to Fregate. Pterocarpus woodland no longer exists on the island as a result of this fungal infection (per sobs.). There has been natural regeneration of this area with predominantly indigenous species, however minimal data is available on the effect that this dying off of Pterocarpus had on the beetle population.



Latest Research Reports
Researcher Pandolfi, M. [et al.]
Title Report of the Preliminary Activities for the Katiti Conservation Project of the University of Urbino
Publication Imprint Universita degli Studi di Urbino
Collation 5p
Abstract The project aims to investigate aspects of the ecology of the Seychelles Kestrel between Mahe and Praslin in order to define the causes of the reintroduction failure and of the critical status of the Praslin population to underline a conservation programme. After the first visit to Mahe they conducted a preliminary study, contact and discussion with other members of the study group for the Katiti conservation. In the draft the first phase of the study (preliminary survey) was settled to start in September on Mahe to focus the situation and the distribution of the Katiti population on the island, to locate active pairs and to plan and test field research methodologies. In the sample they planned to include pairs that nest in the forest and in urban/sub-urban territories to evaluate difference in breeding success, behaviour, relative abundance, etc. between the populations and to plan future researches.


Researcher Eikenaar, C. [et al.]
Title Parent Presence, Delayed Dispersal, and Territory Acquisition in the Seychelles Warbler
Publication Imprint 2007
Collation 3p, ill.
Abstract The presence of parents in the natal territory may play an important, but often overlooked, role in natal dispersal and the consequent acquisition of a territory. Living with parents in a territory may confer a fitness advantage to subordinates through, for example, the nepotistic behaviour of the parents or indirect benefits gained by helping to raise nondescendent kin. When a parent is replaced by a stepparent, such advantages are reduced or disappear and, as a result, subordinates may disperse. Subordinates that disperse after parent replacement may be constrained in their timing of dispersal, which could have negative fitness consequences. In the cooperatively breeding Seychelles warbler, the researchers that when a parent was naturally replaced or experimentally removed and subsequently replaced by a stepparent from outside the territory, subordinates dispersing when both parents were still on the natal territory. Our finding suggests that the presence in the , natal territory may promote delayed dispersal and facilitate the eventual acquisition of a breeder position outside the natal territory.


Researcher Brouwer, L. [et al.]
Title RHeterozygosity-fitness Correlations in a Bottlenecked Island Species: a Case Study on the Seychelles Warbler
Publication Imprint 2007
Collation 4p, ill.
Abstract The researchers used capture-mark-recapture models to investigate the effects of both individual and parental heterozygosity, measured at microsatellite loci on the survival of Seychelles warblers (Acrocephalus sechellensis), an endemic island species which went through a service population bottleneck in the middle of the last century. We found that an individual’s survival was not correlated with multilocus heterozygosity, or with heterozysity at any specific locus. However, maternal, but not paternal, multilocus heterozygosity associated with offspring survival, but only in years with low survival probabilities. A nestling cross-fostering experiment showed that this was a direct maternal effect as there was an effect of the genetic mother’s, but not of the social mother’s, heterozygosity.


Researcher Richardson, D. S.
Title Grandparent Helpers: the Adaptive Significance of Older, Postdominant Helpers in the Seychelles Warbler
Publication Imprint 2007
Collation 6p, ill.
Abstract The possibility that older, often nonreproductive, individuals may engage in kin-directed cooperative behaviour has been largely overlooked in the study of cooperative breeding. The researchers describe and investigate the adaptive significance of such “grandparent” helpers in the Seychelles warbler, the first bird species in which this phenomenon has been observed. On Cousin Island, over a period of 24 years, a significant proportion (13.7%) of females, but few males (3.0%), was deposed from dominant positions. Deposed females were replaced by related females. However there was no evidence that older, senescent females were stepping aside to gain greater fitness benefits by increasing the reproductive success of their offspring, rather than breeding themselves; deposed females were not postreproductive, nor was being deposed linked to age or reproductive senescence. Of the deposed females, 68% became subordinates and helped to raise group offspring, accounting for ca. 10% of subordinates in any year.


Researcher Komdeur, J. [et al.]
Title Explicit Experimental Evidence for the Effectiveness of Proximity as Mate-guarding Behaviour in Reducing Extra-pair Fertilization in the Seychelles Warbler
Publication Imprint 2007
Collation 5p, ill.
Abstract Extra-pair copulations (EPCs; copulations outside the pair bond) are widespread in birds and may result in extra-pair fertilization (EPFs). To increase reproductive success, males should not only seek to gain EPFs, but also prevent their own females from gaining EPFs. Although males could reduce the number of EPFs; indeed several studies have found no association between EPCs and EPFs. Male Seychelles warblers (Acrocephalus sechellensis) follow their partner closely during the period when the pair female is most receptive (fertile period). The researchers show that males that guarded their mates more closely were less likely to have extra-pair young in their nest. This study on the Seychelles Warbler is the first to provide explicit experimental evidence that mate guarding is effective in reproducing EPFs. First, in territories where free-living males were induced to stop mate guarding during the pair female’s fertile period, extra-pair parentage was higher than in the control group. Second, in the experimental group, the probability of having an extra-pair nestling in the nest was positively associated with the number of days during the fertile period for which mate guarding was artificially stopped. Thus, male mate guarding was effective in reducing the risk of cuckoldry


Researcher Eikenaar, C. [et al.]
Title Sex Biased Natal Dispersal in a Closed, Saturated Population of Seychelles Warblers Acrocephalus Sechellensis
Publication Imprint 2007
Collation 3p, ill.
Abstract The distances that individuals disperse, from their natal site to the site of first breeding and between breeding sites, have important consequences for the dynamics and genetic structure of a population. Nearly all previous studies on dispersal have the problem that, because the study area encompassed only a part of the population, emigration may have been confounded with mortality. As a result long-distance dispersers may have been overlooked and dispersal data biased towards short distances. By studying a virtually closed population of Seychelles warblers Acrocephalus sechellesis the researchers obtained almost unbiased results on several aspects of dispersal. As in the majority of other avian species, natal dispersal distance was female biased in the Seychelles warbler. Female offspring also forayed further from the natal territory in search of breeding vacancies than male offspring. The sex bias in natal dispersal distance did, however, depend on local breeding density. In males, dispersal distance did not vary with local density. Dispersal by breeders was rare and, unlike in most species, distances did not differ between the sexes.



HOW TO MAKE AN APPLICATION FOR RESEARCH
Download the Application Form by clicking Research Application Form

Save the form in the computer and open the Application Form in Microsoft Word.

Complete the form and send it to SBS by email or have it printed and send it by post.

"All research applications will be charged a processing fee of 100 Euro"

For further information on payment details contact - mcistid-sbs@email.sc or call (+248)380422








Creation Date : 03 Jan 2001 / Last Updated on : 10 November 2011
© SBS, All Rights Reserved.