Considering its isolated location in the Indian Ocean, the island of Mauritius has a relatively low diversity of wildlife. However, a large proportion of the this are endemic species that occur nowhere else in the world - and some are threatened by extinction. Most famously the dodo which disappeared in the 17th century. Local efforts though have saved more bird species from the brink of extinction than any other country including the rare pink pigeon and the Mauritius kestrel. The lush green forests, rugged mountain reserves, rivers and seas are home to an abundance of plant, animal, bird and marine species that make this an island rich in natural splendour.
