The Mascarene Islands are the remnants of a lost continent and ancient volcanic fire.

Countries & Cities · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: East of Madagascar lie the Mascarene Islands, a volcanic archipelago born from a hotspot that once powered a now-submerged microcontinent. These islands, including Mauritius and Réunion, evolved in isolation for millions of years, creating a unique biological laboratory that was abruptly altered by human arrival in the seventeenth century.

The Mascarene Islands sit atop the Mauritia microcontinent, a landmass that separated from India and Madagascar roughly 70 million years ago. The archipelago’s formation is tied to the Réunion hotspot, which began erupting 35 million years ago. Early volcanic peaks, such as the Saya de Malha Bank, eventually eroded or sank, leaving behind a chain of submerged banks and coral atolls like St. Brandon. Mauritius and Réunion, the largest islands, emerged much later, with the latter still featuring the highly active Piton de la Fournaise volcano.

Isolated from major landmasses, the islands developed a distinct ecoregion characterized by high levels of endemism. Before human settlement in the 1600s, the Mascarenes were covered in diverse forests ranging from dry lowland palms to high-elevation cloud forests. This flora co-evolved with specialized fauna, including flightless birds like the dodo and giant tortoises. These animals were essential for seed dispersal; for instance, the Tambalacoque tree, or dodo tree, has struggled to reproduce since the extinction of its primary seed-dispersing partners.

The human history of the islands is marked by a succession of colonial powers, including the Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British. Since the 17th century, the introduction of invasive species—such as pigs, rats, and monkeys—and the clearing of native forests for agriculture have devastated the original ecosystem. Today, the islands remain a complex mix of autonomous regions and overseas departments, serving as a poignant example of how quickly human activity can disrupt millions of years of evolutionary history.

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