Reunion Island, a volcanic island in the Indian Ocean inhabited since the 16th century. Due to its privileged location at the crossroad of three biogeographical regions – Afrotropical, Indomalayan and Australasian – it is home to a luxuriant biodiversity.

Taking the opportunity provided by the International Conference of Island Biology 2019, we were able to visit some of the most spectacular places on the island.

The climbings on the island do not disappoint, with views dominated from its three giant volcanic cirques: Cilaos, Mafate and Salazie.

I had the opportunity to climb its two most iconic peaks: the massive shield volcano of Piton de neiges (3069 m), considered the highest point of the Indian Ocean! and Piton de la Fournaise (2632m), which was the world´s most active volcano in 2019! It must be emphasized, Formica Leo, a small volcanic crater in Piton de la Fournaise, with a shape similar to the pitfalls built by antlions.

My weakness, the tree fern forests of Cyathea. The volcanic forest of Mare Longue and the luxuriant Bébour forest (including the waterfall of Trou de Fer) should be on your bucket list.

A discreet list of endemic birds and reptiles, a few invasive plants, and many endemic plants and ferns!