Saving Paradise

When Nature Seychelles first attempted to hung a beehive at the Heritage Garden, the only creatures that seemed to benefit were the lizards (Seychelles Skink) abundant on most Islands. A queen bee had been discovered in the Garden with many bees around her. So Mr. Hoareau, a bee expert with 40 years experience was called in to organize the colony and collect some honey. However efforts came to naught when in Terence’s words, ” a bunch of lizards had a big feast on the bees’ larvae and also ate up all the honey”. The skinks had discovered an entrance to the hives.

Mr. Hoareau has been called in again to jump start our honey project. This time he comes prepared. He has sealed all entry into the beehive and designed the hive in a manner to only allow entry for the bees. Mr. Hoareau is photographed below at work attracting the bees to his hives using citronella from the Garden and other sweet smelling plants.

The beekeeping project at the Heritage Garden is intended to encourage the community to start similar projects. Honey was used in traditional medicine in the Seychelles and has many benefits. It is however becoming expensive to buy. It is our hope that this project takes off, and that we get to the honey before the skinks!