Poivre Atoll

Poivre Atoll is situated on the eastern edge of the Amirante Bank, a short 268 km from the main island of Mahé. Made up of two islands, namely Poivre and Île du Sud, the Atoll forms part of the Outer Islands of the Seychelles. The remote islands of Poivre Atoll remained undiscovered until the 1770’s and thus the landscape has provided a quiet reprieve for various species. The islands of Poivre were first visited in 1770 and named by Chevalier du Roslan after his ship. It was later discovered that he was confused with Desroches Island and the island was renamed after Pierre Poivre, the Governor of Île de France and Réunion. Pierre Poivre also played an important role in introducing spices to the Seychelles and other Indian Ocean islands, which is why he became known as the famous “Peter Pepper”. Throughout the years, the atoll was used for farming vanilla, cattle and pigs. Once explored, the islands were used for vanilla, nuts, maize, cattle and pig farming. In recent years, the atoll’s landscapes have become a popular nesting ground for bird species like Chinese and Blue Heron, Whimbrels, fodies, noddies, Greater Frigate birds and Fairy Terns. The sandy shores are also important nesting grounds for Hawksbill and Green Turtles.