Alphonse Atoll

Alphonse Atoll

Satellite Image of Alphone Group (Alphonse Atoll north)
Geography
Coordinates	7°0′31″S,52°43′46″E
Area	1.4 km2 (0.54 sq mi)
Country
Seychelles
Demographics
Population	less than 300

Alphonse Atoll is one of two atolls of the Alphonse Group, the other bing St. François Atoll. Alphonse is usually included as a par of the Amirantes, but lies 87 kilometers south of the main bank, from which it is separated by deep water. Alphonse lies just three kilometers north of St. François Atoll. The atoll has just one island, Alphonse Island, with a population of fewer than 300. It was discovered on 27 June 1730 by Chevalier Alphonse de Pontevez, commanding the French frigate Le Lys. A small hotel has been built on Alphonse Island specialising in fly fishing. The area of the island is 1.74 km². The total area of the atoll, with more than 3 km in diameter, is about 8 km², including reef flat and lagoon.

Wedge-tailed Shearwater breed despite the presence of rats and cats. Common Waxbill (probably introduced) breeds and is found nowhere else in Seychelles other than Mahe and La Digue. Introduced House sparrow also breeds. The isolation of Alphonse acts as a magnet to migratory birds and Seychelles Bird Records Committee has recorded more bird species here than anywhere south of the granitics apart from Aldabra, including the only record of Sociable Lapwing for the entire southern hemisphere. Conservation on the island and on neighouring St Francois Atoll is managed by Island Conservation Society.

See also

• Geography of Seychelles
• Outer Islands (Seychelles)

External links

• Alphonse Resort
• Island Conservation Society
• Seychelles Bird Records Committee

Coordinates: 7°00′31″S 52°43′46″E / 7.00861°S 52.72944°E / -7.00861; 52.72944

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