Nocturnal wildlife around Saint-Gilles: what can you observe from your terrace?

A warm breeze drifts through the palm trees. It’s past 8 p.m., and the action begins on your terrace.

Not that of cars or neighbors, no.

The more discreet one, nocturnal animals to observe in Reunion. They come out of their hiding places, slide along the walls. You see them without disturbing them, you hear them without always identifying them.

Geckos, bats, moths… Some are endemic, others just passing through. And all contribute to the incredible biodiversity that surrounds you, even in a residential neighborhood.

Latitude 21 , your nature guide dedicated to the riches of the island, invites you to look up… and rediscover your evenings.

>>> I choose a room with a terrace to observe the local wildlife in the evening

Geckos visible around Saint-Gilles

They often appear first. Silent, crawling, sometimes lit by a wall spotlight, the geckos visible around Saint-Gilles are easily spotted on the white facades.

These are often nocturnal geckos of the genus Hemidactylus , notably the mercatorius or the frenatus , two endemic or introduced species that have become familiar.

Their behavior is dictated by the insects they hunt near light sources. These reptiles, typically visible between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., prefer smooth surfaces, the corners of shutters, and damp walls.

Our simple tips for observing them without scaring them away :

→ Lower the intensity of your dim light
→ Do not make sudden movements nearby
→ Observe while remaining indoors, with the light behind you

They are among the easiest local species to identify. Their regular presence signals a healthy natural habitat around your home (and that’s worth noting).

>>> I take advantage of the bar terrace to listen to the night fall gently

Bats active after sunset

Less visible, but very present, bats in Reunion play a fundamental role in the balance of nocturnal biodiversity around your home .

Two species can be spotted near Saint-Gilles: the Small Mastiff ( Mormopterus francoismoutoui ) and the Mauritius Taphian ( Taphozous mauritianus ).

Their flight is fast, almost silent. They appear above the rooftops around 7:30 p.m. These animals, active after sunset, hunt using ultrasonic sounds , imperceptible to us, but very effective against flying insects .

→ A single bat can consume up to 3,000 mosquitoes in one night (source: DREAL Réunion)

Sometimes it only takes a few minutes of quiet time to spot them, looking up at the sky, away from any light pollution . If you hear dry “clicks” near your shutters , it may be one of them, perched in shelter.

Moths on a terrace in Saint-Gilles

The light attracts. And some evenings, your terrace becomes a tiny stage where dozens of wings with varied patterns flutter. These moths on a terrace in Saint-Gilles , also called heterocera, number more than 575 different species on the island.

By holding a white sheet up to a UV lamp , you can observe up to 40 different species in a single evening (according to local naturalists). Some are true jewels with metallic reflections. Others, duller, go unnoticed. All contribute to a rich but still fragile ecosystem in Réunion .

→ Contact with artificial light disorients them, modifies their animal behavior and exposes them to predation by geckos

You may also come across some beetles , sometimes massive, often noisy. Their period of activity depends on the weather, the lunar phase and the quiet neighborhood .

Light pollution and biodiversity in Reunion

Even though light helps you see, it sometimes prevents other species from acting. Light pollution and biodiversity in Réunion Island is a subject of increasing study: each year, the “Nights Without Light” operation raises awareness of the impact of lighting on seabirds, such as the black petrel and the highland tamarin .

At home, simple actions can help limit the impact:

→ Reduce the temperature of your lighting (favor warm tones)
→ Install a light fitting facing the ground
→ Turn off outdoor spotlights after 10 p.m.

The species visible in the evening in Saint-Gilles are numerous, but sensitive. Reduced ambient noise , a less exposed terrace, and subdued lighting are often enough to recreate a welcoming environment for this discreet fauna around Reunion Island houses .

Also read. 5 little-known secrets of the Reunion Island chameleon that you need to know