|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
| Biosphere Reserve Information | ||||
|
MACCHABEE/BEL OMBRE |
|
|||
|
||||
| General Description |
This biosphere reserve, located on Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, is important for the conservation of the last remnants of the islands’ endemic vegetation, the tropical evergreen forest. About 25% of Mauritius flora and fauna is endemic to the island, but with the invasion of alien species the indigenous nature is at high risk. Being part of the Black River Gorges National Park, the biosphere reserve fosters in situ conservation through human intervention (e.g. weeding of exotic species, trapping introduced macaques) and ex situ conservation such as plant propagation and captive breeding of birds. No people live in the biosphere reserve. However, about 500,000 tourists spend annually their holidays in the area (1997). Within the national park an information center raises public awareness and provides environmental education through exhibitions, talks and seminars. Furthermore, environmental education is carried out in local schools by the National Parks and Conservation Service. |
|||
| Major ecosystem type | Tropical humid forests | |||
| Major habitats & land cover types | Marshlands characterized by Lycopodium spp., Pandanus spp., Sphagnum spp. etc.; Philippia/Phylica heath with Astelia hemichrysa, Coffea spp., Blechnum attenuatum etc.; tropical evergreen forest dominated by Myrtaceae, Rubiaceae and Sapotaceae including Sideroxylon grandiflorum, Ocotea cupularis, Tambourissa sieberi etc.; mid-altitude forest composed mainly of Labourdonnaisia glauca, Mimusops petiolaris and Diospyros spp. | |||
| Location | 20°22' to 20°28'S; 57°24' to 57°28'E | |||
| Area (hectares) | ||||
| Total | 3,594 | |||
| Core area(s) | 3,594 | |||
| Buffer zone(s) | ||||
| Transition area(s) when given | ||||
| Altitude (metres above sea level) | +50 to +65 | |||
| Year designated | 1977 | |||
| Administrative authorities | National Park and Conservation Service | |||
| Last updated: 11/24/1999 |
|
