Reunion

General description

The lava of Piton des Neiges, the highest point of Reunion island, was formed some three million years ago. This volcanic island is in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar and covers 2512 km². The island is famous for the Piton de la Fournaise, one of the World’s most active volcanoes, there are three vast erosion-created craters in its centre (Salazie, Mafate and Cilaos) and the islands slopes are criss-crossed by numerous ravine forming torrents. Reunion island benefits from a tropical climate and is home to numerous endemic plant and animal species.

Study site

The Roche Ecrite

This forest occupies parts of Saint-Denis and Possession communes. It has a vast altitudinal gradient which provides for rich and varied habitats, from low altitude rain forest to high altitude forest. It is the last area to harbour the Reunion cuckooshrike which occurs in two distinct sites covering 12 km² in total.