Much of the Mascarene Plateau (estimated size of 130,000 km2) was exposed over 16,000 years ago when the sea level was much lower. Now, only the mountain peaks, which form the granitic islands, and the more recent coral islands, exist above water. Such geological features and history make the Seychelles one of the world’s natural wonders. Plants and animals of the older granitic islands are of mixed origins. With distant relatives in Asia and Africa, the endemic plants and animals of the granitic Seychelles adapted through various ancestral stages. Whilst the coral islands have a much more recent natural history, the biodiversity they support are also very interesting. The Seychelles share many common links with Madagascar and Asia, but endemism is high for example in amphibians there is almost 90% endemism. In fact, Seychelles has the highest degree of amphibian endemism of any island in the world, holds the record for the largest seed, and many other wonders of the natural world. There are also 82 endemic plants, 2 endemic mammals and 12 endemic birds. Much work needs to be done to understand those species and their habitats. <- The Valle de Mai – Garden of Eden (Starship)