183,000 Aldabra Tortoises Outnumber Seychelles Residents
A new survey estimates nearly 183,000 Aldabra giant tortoises live on Seychelles’ Aldabra Atoll—more than the country’s human population and a major recovery from fewer than 1,000 in the 19th century. Researchers say improved counting methods explain part of the increase, while conservation protections have supported the population’s recovery; drought, rising seas and invasive species remain threats.
Environment · 8 sources · Oct 8, 2026Read itThe journal
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About Aldabra giant tortoise
The Aldabra giant tortoise, Aldabra tortoise, or simply giant tortoise, is a species of tortoise in the family Testudinidae and genus Aldabrachelys. The species is endemic to the Seychelles, with the nominate subspecies, A. g. gigantea native to Aldabra atoll. It is one of the largest tortoises in the world. Historically, giant tortoises were found on many of the western Indian Ocean islands, as well as Madagascar, and the fossil record indicates giant tortoises once occurred on every continent and many islands with the exception of Antarctica.
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