Photo story: reefs, rainforests and rare species in Mauritius

View across the Black River National Park from the Gorges Lookout Point at sunrise.

A unique complete skeleton of the dodo. The flightless bird, which went extinct in the 17th century, is the world’s most famous example of an animal becoming extinct and now the national emblem of Mauritius.

Tourists at Seven Coloured Earth, an extraordinary geological formation of volcanic rock found in the Black River National Park.

Portrait of Rose Marie Pierre, a Mauritian Wildlife Foundation guide on the Ile aux Aigrettes, a small island located just off the coast of Mauritius.

Butterfly display in the Ebony Forest Reserve, Black River National Park.

With a drop of over 100 metres, the Chamarel Falls, situated in the lush tropical forests of Black River Gorge National Park, is the highest and most spectacular waterfall in Mauritius.

View towards the iconic Rempart Mountain from Tamarin Bay, popular with bird watchers and hikers.

The Mauritius Fody, a rare species of bird endemic to the island of Mauritius and on the endangered species list.

Aldabra tortoises can grow to more than a meter in length and live to 150 years old, making them one of the oldest living species on the planet.

View of the iconic Le Morne Brabant on the south-western tip of Mauritius.

A local fishing boat heads out into the crystal-clear waters of Le Morne peninsula on the Indian Ocean.

Portrait of Nitish Dassagne, a guide in the Bel Ombre Nature Reserve.