Home to some of the unique marine specie colonies, Seychelles, is a marine biologist’ haven.
Lying some 1,600 kms east of the mainland African continent and northeast of the island of Madagascar, Seychelles is a group of 158 islands. Many of these are tropical isles, home to a diverse marine animals and birds.
The island is home to Aldabra, which is the world’s largest coral atoll and hence, is protected under the aegis of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is also home to some of world’s largest tortoise and many sea bird colonies.
Then there are the countless number of plant species. Including the 81 which is purely native to these groups of islands. Some of the well-known include, the Coco der mer and Azul, which due to its shape is called the ‘love nut’.
The local jellyfish tree is also one of the ‘famous’ plant specie, which unfornately is fast diminishing and can only be found in certain areas. Certain other unique plants are spread far and wide on the islands.
Camiguin Island , Philippines
The island-province of Camiguin is a pear-shaped volcanic island in the northern tip of Mindanao. It is approximately 90 kilometers north of the City of Cagayan de Oro. It is bounded to the north by Bohol Sea, to the west by Macajalar Bay, to the southeast by Gingoog Bay and to the east by Butuan Bay.
Camiguin is the smallest province in Northern Mindanao, with its land area pegged at 29,187 hectares. It is composed of five towns, namely, Mambajao – the capital town, Mahinog, Guinsiliban, Sagay and Catarman. The island plays host to seven volcanoes, including the still-active Mount Hibok-Hibok. According to the National Statistics Office, Camiguin has a total population of 74,232 persons, making the province the second smallest in the Philippines in terms of population.
Among the Province's major products are coconut, cassava, banana, camote, palay, corn, fruits, coffee and vegetables. Camiguin's volcanic soil has proved to be a fertile ground for planting various crops. At present, the Provincial government is looking into an agricultural program that would increase the cultivation of fruit trees and vegetables in Camiguin. The Province is also among the best abaca fiber producers in the country. Camiguin is proud of its natural resources, which include sulfur deposits, geothermal energy, agricultural lands and fishing grounds.
The Camiguin culture is a mixture of both Boholano and Cebuano culture. It is very colorful and creative. The people are deeply religious, hospitable and friendly. Cebuano is the major dialect in the Province. However, in the towns of Sagay and Guinsiliban, where most of the indigenous tribes reside, the Kinamiguin dialect is still spoken. Kinamiguin is derived from the Manobo dialect with some mixture of Boholano.
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