Mnemba Island is the ultimate escape. Selected by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the three most romantic ocean destinations in the world, Mnemba surpasses all expectations. The island is an incomparable barefoot paradise: private cottages are hidden in the dappled shade. The soothing rhythms of tide and time will ease your entire being - mind, body and soul.
A 2nd Baby Ader's Duiker born on the island
This is the second baby in two years for one of the two semi-habituated pairs we regularly see on the island.
I was unable to determine sex, despite the fact the little guy seemed to view me as a curiosity rather than a threat, letting me come within five metres of him/her.
Our new addition brings the total number of Ader’s duiker seen regularly to 6 (two pairs, one sub-adult and the newcomer) with anecdotal evidence from staff of other pairs deeper in the forest. From the 5 individuals brought to Mnemba in 2005 we are optimistic we have at least 10 now.
Ader’s duiker are critically endangered with the last count made on Zanzibar estimating only 640 individuals remaining in 1999. Anecdotal estimates of the population today predict as few as 300 left in the wild due to intense hunting for their ‘sweet meat’ and prized skins. Having Ader’s duiker successfully breeding on Mnemba Island is a major conservation achievement for & Beyond.
This is exciting stuff. Not as dramatic as gaur relocation in India perhaps, but this little species - a handsome fellow at that - is far more endagered and, given the pressures on Zanzibar, small isolated island populations like that on Mnemba may prove of pivotal importance in the future. Well done to &Beyond for focusing on this species.
By: ChrisR, Date: 12 February 2010
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