Aldabra giant tortoise

In the year 2000, researchers introduced these tortoises into the Ile aux Aigrettes reserve on Mauritius to save the ebony forest, which had fallen victim to logging. Indeed, by eating the fruits of ebony trees and spreading their seeds with their faeces, they can restore the ecosystem of the tropical forest. Almost 10 years later, the giant tortoises had fulfilled their mission.

Where is the animal to be found?

It lives in open grassy areas with trees and bushes or scrub, and swampy mangroves.

This species was rediscovered by explorers in the Seychelles, specifically on Aldabra Atoll. This atoll, which is made up of 3 islands (Grande-Terre, Malabar and Picard) has been transformed into a reserve for these tortoises.

How can it be recognised?

This giant tortoise lives up to its name as it is the largest tortoise on earth. It can measure up to 1.30 metres in length and, depending on where it lives, it can weigh from 80 to 150 kg.

What is distinctive about it?

Aldabra tortoises drink through their nostrils! This is a form of adaptation: owing to the expanded height and length of their nasal chamber, they can even drink from very small puddles.

Threat and protective measure

Its population is estimated to be 150,000 individuals concentrated on the Aldabra Atoll islands.