Common Name: Aldabra Tortoise Scientific Name: Geochelone gigantea
VULNERABLE Aldabra Tortoise Distribution: Aldabra Atoll Habitat: Grasslands Height: 1.4m Weight: 250kg Diet: Herbivorous
The Aldabra Tortoise is restricted to the island of Aldabra, off the coast of Madagascar. It was once more widespread but now only lives on this one island. They flourish as it has no predators. There are estimated to be 140000 individuals. It has a large ‘shell’ called a carapace to protect it from predators. It also has tough scales all over its legs. If it feels threatened it will draw back into its shell until it is safe again. Aldabra tortoises are found both individually and in herds, which tend to gather mostly on open grasslands. They are most active in the mornings when they spend time browsing for food. They dig underground burrows or rest in swamps to keep cool during the heat of the day. They move very slowly but have no natural predators on Aldabra so can lead a relaxed lifestyle. Their diet consists mainly of vegetation such as grass and leaves. However, in the dry season when the vegetation disappears they will eat carrion, especially dead crabs and goat. Giant Tortoises mate in the spring and then the female lays about 15 eggs. These incubate for 2 months until the 6cm big young hatch. The Giant Tortoise grows until it is 40 years old but may live for over 100 years. They were one of the first species to be part of a conservation programme. Charles Darwin worked with the Mauritius government at the end of the 19th century to set up a preserve.