20 Amazing Facts About The Aldabra Giant Tortoise & How To See Them

Introducing the Aldabra Giant Tortoise: A Marvel of the Natural World

Welcome to the fascinating world of the Aldabra Giant Tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea), one of the largest and most captivating tortoise species on Earth. Found primarily on the remote Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, these magnificent creatures have captured the hearts and minds of nature enthusiasts worldwide.

In this article, we’ll explore essential information about the Aldabra Giant Tortoise, including its size, diet, and behavior. Next, we’ll delve into a collection of surprising and interesting facts that make this tortoise species truly unique. Finally, we’ll discuss the best ways and places to encounter Aldabra Giant Tortoises in the wild, allowing you to gain a deeper appreciation for these incredible animals.

Join us on this journey as we uncover the secrets of the Aldabra Giant Tortoise and learn what makes them one of nature’s most awe-inspiring treasures.

Essential Information About The Aldabra Giant Tortoise

• Scientific name: Aldabrachelys gigantea / Geochelone gigantea
• Type of Animal: Reptile
• Size: 90 cm (3ft) for females, 120 cm (4 ft) for males.
• Weight: 160 kg (350 lbs) for females, 250 kg (550 lbs) for males.
• Distribution: Endemic to the Seychelles, mainly the Aldabra Atoll.
• Habitat: Grasslands, shrublands, mangroves, coastal dunes
• Diet: Grass, fruits, leaves, and other plant parts.
• Predators: Giant crabs, cats, and rats may prey on young tortoises.
• Reproduction: The reproduction season is from February to May. Females lay 4 to 25 eggs in a nest, leading to about 3 to 5 viable young tortoises.
• Conservation status: Vulnerable.

20 Amazing, Little-Known Facts About The Aldabra Giant Tortoise

1. Longevity is a hallmark of the Aldabra Giant Tortoise. These incredible reptiles can live for over 100 years, with some individuals even reaching 200 years of age (source: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance: [https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/giant-tortoise]).
2. The Aldabra Giant Tortoise holds the title of the largest tortoise species in the Indian Ocean. Adult males can weigh up to 550 pounds (250 kg) and measure over 4 feet (1.2 meters) in length (source: IUCN Red List: [https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/9012/3096391]).
3. These tortoises are natural landscapers. Aldabra Giant Tortoises play a vital role in shaping the vegetation of their native island habitats by grazing and dispersing seeds, thus maintaining a diverse ecosystem (source: British Broadcasting Corporation: [https://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Aldabra_Giant_Tortoise]).
4. Aldabra Giant Tortoises are primarily herbivorous, consuming a wide variety of plant matter. However, they have been known to supplement their diet with small invertebrates and carrion on occasion (source: Seychelles Islands Foundation: [https://sif.sc/research/projects/giant-tortoise]).
5. The Aldabra Atoll, the primary habitat of these tortoises, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This remote location has helped protect the species from human exploitation and invasive predators (source: UNESCO: [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/185]).
6. Aldabra Giant Tortoises are extremely resilient. They can survive up to six months without food or water, relying on the fat stored in their bodies to sustain them during times of scarcity (source: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance: [https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/giant-tortoise]).
7. There are over 100,000 Aldabra Giant Tortoises living on the Aldabra Atoll, making it one of the largest populations of giant tortoises in the world (source: Seychelles Islands Foundation: [https://sif.sc/research/projects/giant-tortoise]).
8. These tortoises have a unique form of communication. They produce a variety of sounds, including grunts, hisses, and bellows, to communicate with each other during mating or to establish dominance (source: The Tortoise Trust: [http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/giants.html]).
9. Aldabra Giant Tortoises are known to form “crèches,” or social groups, where they rest, forage, and protect each other from potential threats (source: British Broadcasting Corporation: [https://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Aldabra_Giant_Tortoise]).
10. While the Aldabra Giant Tortoise is classified as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN Red List, conservation efforts have been successful in preserving and increasing their population (source: IUCN Red List: [https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/9012/3096391]).
11. Their shells provide a unique form of protection. The Aldabra Giant Tortoise’s shell is composed of fused bony plates, which create a strong, rigid structure to shield them from predators and environmental hazards (source: National Geographic: [https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/facts/giant-tortoises]).
12. These tortoises have a remarkably slow metabolism. This allows them to conserve energy and survive in their harsh island environments (source: San Diego Zoo
13. Mating season for Aldabra Giant Tortoises typically occurs during the rainy season. The increased vegetation during this time provides an abundance of food, which helps support successful reproduction (source: The Tortoise Trust: [http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/giants.html]).
14. Aldabra Giant Tortoises can swim short distances. Although they are not known for their aquatic abilities, these tortoises are capable of floating and can swim if necessary, usually to traverse between small islets (source: Seychelles Islands Foundation: [https://sif.sc/research/projects/giant-tortoise]).
15. These tortoises have a unique method of thermoregulation. They can control their body temperature by alternating between sunbathing and seeking shade, allowing them to maintain a constant internal temperature (source: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance: [https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/giant-tortoise]).
16. Females lay a relatively small number of eggs each year. An Aldabra Giant Tortoise female will lay between 9 and 25 eggs in a single clutch, burying them in a shallow nest to incubate for about 100-150 days (source: The Tortoise Trust: [http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/giants.html]).
17. Aldabra Giant Tortoises have few natural predators. Due to their large size and heavily-armored shells, adult tortoises face minimal threats from other wildlife. However, their eggs and hatchlings are more vulnerable to predation (source: British Broadcasting Corporation: [https://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Aldabra_Giant_Tortoise]).
18. The Aldabra Giant Tortoise has a unique neck structure. Their long, flexible necks enable them to reach high branches and leaves, providing an advantage in foraging for food (source: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance: [https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/giant-tortoise]).
19. In addition to Aldabra Atoll, Aldabra Giant Tortoises have been introduced to several other islands in the Seychelles. This has helped to establish new populations and increase their overall numbers (source: IUCN Red List: [https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/9012/3096391]).
20. Conservation programs have been successful in repopulating other islands with Aldabra Giant Tortoises. One example is the introduction of these tortoises to Curieuse Island, where they now thrive and contribute to the local ecosystem (source: Seychelles National Parks Authority: [http://www.snpa.gov.sc/curieuse-island])

Where & How To See Aldabra Giant Tortoises in The Wild?

One of the best ways to see Aldabra Giant Tortoises in the wild is by visiting the Seychelles, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean. There are several locations where you can observe these magnificent creatures up close.

1. Aldabra Atoll: The most iconic place to see Aldabra Giant Tortoises is their namesake atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll need to join a guided expedition or a live-aboard diving and snorkeling tour, as the atoll is remote and only accessible by boat. Keep in mind that visitor numbers are strictly limited to protect the ecosystem, so you’ll need to book well in advance (source: UNESCO: [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/185]).
2. Curieuse Island: Another excellent spot to see these tortoises is Curieuse Island, a marine national park managed by the Seychelles National Parks Authority. Visitors can explore the island and its tortoise population via organized tours or by hiring a local guide (source: Seychelles National Parks Authority: [http://www.snpa.gov.sc/curieuse-island]).
3. Cousin Island: Home to a nature reserve managed by Nature Seychelles, Cousin Island hosts a small population of Aldabra Giant Tortoises. Access is through guided tours, and you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the conservation efforts in place to protect these animals (source: Nature Seychelles: [http://www.natureseychelles.org/cousin-island]).

Tips for visiting:

• Remember to respect the local ecosystem and follow all guidelines provided by your tour operator or guide.
• Wear comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and a hat, as the sun can be intense.
• Bring binoculars and a camera to capture the memorable encounters with these gentle giants.
• Stay on designated paths and maintain a respectful distance from the tortoises to avoid disturbing them.

By visiting the Seychelles and observing the Aldabra Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for these incredible creatures and the ongoing conservation efforts to ensure their survival.