The remoteness of Mauritius had limited opportunities for natural colonisation of animals and there are only a few endemic species including birds and reptiles. There are no native mammals except for bats and there are no amphibians in Mauritius. Over 100 species of bird have been recorded in Mauritius and in the main island there are seven or eight surviving endemic species such as The Mauritius grey white-eye, The Mauritius Kestrel, Mauritius Parakeet and Pink Pigeon all came close to extinction but are now increasing thanks to intensive conservation efforts. Seabird colonies are present on many of the smaller islands of the country including two further endemic species the Warbler and Rodrigues Fody visible in Rodrigues island. A wide variety of birds and other animals have been introduced into Mauritius such as myna, red fody, red-whiskered bulbul, and zebra dove which are some of the most common and conspicuous birds of the islands.
You will also discover the Seychelles' Aldabra Tortoise and other species in various natural site of the island. Visiting a park nested in the Deep South of Mauritius you can encounter the Giant Tortoise living in Semi-liberty, where you can also meet Domino, the centenarian tortoise, who tips the scale at 275 kgs. Among this lush green setting, you will discover an exuberant fauna with over 100 Nile crocodiles that are raised in the park, iguanas, monkeys, lemurs, deer, wild boar, Japanese carp, Mauritian bats, Radiata Tortoises, fresh water turtles, geckos, eels, chameleons and more.
In the west part of Mauritius, a stopover at Casela Nature Parks will give you a chance to connect with nature and to interact with a wide variety of animal species. The Park has a population of over 1,800 animals and Animal lovers can have a taste of Africa in Mauritius with a unique chance to encounter antelopes, white rhinos, zebras, ostriches, Kudus, camels, Impalas, Oryx, Nyalas, Waterbucks and many more. Here you can also have the chance to interact and walk with Lion and other big cats such as Cheetah, Serval and Caracal.