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ASK THE EXPERT
Nikki White, director of destinations and sustainability, Abta “As so many tourism activities involve the viewing of animals in the wild, as part of its Global Animal Welfare guidelines, Abta has developed a supporting manual focused on this issue. Wildlife tourism has many positive aspects, but if it is not managed responsibly it also has the potential to harm the welfare and habitat of the animals being viewed. Direct contact and feeding of marine mammals is unacceptable, and other areas of concern include limiting boat engine noise and flash photography, protecting the marine environment and taking additional care around young or breeding animals. If managed properly, viewing animals in the wild can offer immense economic and social benefits to local people, incentivising and encouraging them to conserve their indigenous wildlife.”
endemic birds, plus chameleons, geckos, butterflies and snakes. Book it: Cox & Kings’ Madagascar: Lemurs, Rainforests & Islands 14-day private tour starts from £3,695 and includes accommodation, flights and transfers.
coxandkings.co.uk
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GIANT TORTOISES IN THE SEYCHELLES Clients who look beyond the sensational beaches of the
Seychelles will find a destination that surprises thanks to its wildlife. The Seychelles has one of the
highest levels of unique wildlife in the world, with around 30 endemic species of reptiles and amphibians, 13 species of seabird colonies, the world’s smallest frog, and the largest population of giant tortoises living on the Aldabra Atoll. Nikki Hain, product manager for the Indian Ocean at Premier Holidays, says: “One of my favourite experiences for wildlife is Bird Island, which is a haven for migratory birds and other wildlife, including Esmeralda, the world’s oldest and heaviest tortoise.” When weighed by the Royal
Zoological Society in the 1980s, Esmeralda, now thought to be aged over 170, broke the scales at 298kg, and made history by becoming the world’s heaviest free-roaming tortoise.
INDIAN OCEAN WILDLIFE DESTINATIONS
Esmeralda is more than 170 and is the world’s heaviest free-roaming tortoise, breaking the scales at 298kg
As well as encountering more than 20 Aldabran giant tortoises roaming freely around Bird Island, visitors can
learn about Bird Island’s dedication to conservation, and see its thriving Sooty Tern seabird colony. “Visitors can also see the endangered hawksbill and green turtles, which have both benefited from conservation programmes,” adds Hain. Book it: Premier Holidays offers an eight-night holiday to the Seychelles for £1,899 including six nights’ B&B at Berjaya Beau Vallon and two nights’ full- board on Bird Island. The price includes return flights and transfers, based on two adults sharing in March 2017.
trade.premierholidays.co.uk
ABOVE: Manta ray, the Maldives LEFT: Indri lemur, Madagascar BELOW: Giant tortoise, Seychelles
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travelweekly.co.uk 10 November 2016
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