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Ile aux Aigrettes is an islet of 24.7 hectares
in area, barely a kilometre off Pointe d'Esny, near Mahébourg,
South East of Mauritius. Previously, during World War Two, the islet
served as a military base by the British, who built 2 artillery
pieces onsite, one of which can still be seen.
Efforts have been taken by the Government and the Mauritius
Wildlife Appeal Fund to preserve the endemic fauna and flora. About
40 different species of endemic plants characteristic of the flora
that once existed on the coastal mainland can be found on this island.
The progessive elimination of rodents has allowed the
natural regeneration of many endemic plants and birds, like the
Kestrel and the Pink Pigeon.
A visitor centre is to open on the island and nature
trails marked with guides for visitors.
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