Aldabra giant tortoise

These gentle giants are making a big comeback and now there are lots of them to see and meet!

Yulia Kolosova


Aldabra giant tortoise

EXEWCRENVUNTLCDDNE

These gentle giants are making a big comeback and now there are lots of them to see and meet!

Population 100,000

One of the largest tortoise species in the world, and it can weigh up to 250 kg (550 pounds) and grow up to 1.2 m (4 ft) long. These tortoises are native to the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, and they have a unique appearance with a high-domed shell and a long neck. They have a lifespan of over 100 years, and they are known for their slow and steady pace. The Aldabra giant tortoise is a herbivore and feeds on grasses, leaves, and fruits.

Due to habitat destruction, hunting, and introduced species, the Aldabra giant tortoise was once on the brink of extinction. However, conservation efforts have helped the population to recover, and they are now listed as a vulnerable species by the IUCN. These tortoises are now protected, and their population is thriving in the protected areas of the Seychelles. Visitors to the islands can see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, and the Aldabra giant tortoise has become a symbol of conservation success.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Madagascar
1996
Mauritius
1996
Introduced
Réunion
1996
Introduced
Seychelles
1996
Tanzania
1996

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No