Aldabra tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) are one of the last two groups of giant tortoises remaining. They are endemic to the Seychelles, specifically on the Aldabra Atoll, which is an island country located in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa. The Aldabra Atoll is about 18 miles long and is made up of four other islands. It is believed that the tortoises are not originally native to the Seychelles and were most likely introduced to the atoll by sailors. The species is currently listed as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List.

These giants are the second largest species of tortoise in the world following the Galapagos giant tortoises. Aldabras can reach several hundred pounds with males weighing upwards of 600lbs and females averaging around 300-400lbs. They differ from Galapagos with their distinct narrow heads and nuchal scute. Aldabra tortoises evolved to have narrower face structures and a unique cartilaginous nasal chamber that allows them to ingest water through their nares. This is beneficial for them because the atoll itself lacks freshwater sources. The tortoises rely on the atoll’s monsoon seasons to fill up the coral limestone pockets to drink water. They are then able to store the water in their bodies which will sustain them for long periods of time.

Aldabra tortoises serve as ecosystem engineers for their habitats by bulldozing small trees and shrubs and acting as seed dispersers to aid in the growth of the native fauna. They have been tromping around the atoll for hundreds of years and have had a significant impact on the landscaping of its environment.

Turtle Conservancy supports IOTA, the Indian Ocean Tortoise Alliance, an organization that seeks to drive and support the rewilding of these empty islands with Aldabra giant tortoise and strengthen conservation initiatives of this tortoise and regional tortoise species in the wild. Turtle Conservancy is honored to care for several Aldabra tortoises at our conservation center in Southern California. These charming ambassador animals also act as stewards for our education programs.

To support Aldabra tortoise conservation, please visit the Indian Ocean Tortoise Alliance website by clicking on their logo below:

Photographs by Dennis Hansen