A landmark survey has revealed that the Aldabra giant tortoise, once endangered, is thriving on Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles. The recent study, conducted by the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) and the University of Exeter, estimates the population at approximately 180,000 tortoises, marking the highest figure ever recorded for the species.

Key Findings

  • The survey analyzed five years of tortoise counts from 2018 to 2022.
  • This new estimate significantly surpasses the previous widely cited figure of 100,000 tortoises from the late 1990s.
  • Aldabra Atoll is one of only two locations globally where giant tortoises are found in the wild, the other being the Galápagos Islands.

Dr. Frauke Fleischer-Dogley, CEO of SIF, stated, > "More than 180,000 giant tortoises roaming freely on our atoll is proof of what long-term commitment to conservation can achieve. This is wonderful news for Seychelles, for the world, and for everyone who has worked to protect Aldabra."

Historical Context

In the 19th century, the population of Aldabra tortoises dwindled to fewer than 1,000 due to exploitation. However, a recovery program led to the establishment of a strict nature reserve in 1981 and its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982. The recent study, published in the scientific journal Ecology and Evolution, indicates a stable population, with an estimated 183,000 adult and sub-adult tortoises.