Aldabra Atoll giant tortoise population reaches record high

A new study estimates that approximately 183,000 giant tortoises live on the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, marking the highest population figure ever recorded for the species. Researchers from the Seychelles Islands Foundation and the University of Exeter reached this conclusion by analyzing monitoring data from 2018 to 2022 using statistical models to account for tortoises hidden in dense vegetation.

The population recovery is considered a major conservation success. During the 19th century, massive hunting caused the population to plummet to fewer than 1,000 individuals. Following the establishment of a nature reserve in 1981 and UNESCO World Heritage recognition in 1982, the species has stabilized.

Despite this progress, experts warn that climate change, drought, and invasive species continue to pose threats. Future conservation plans include efforts to eradicate feral cats and black rats to better protect tortoise eggs and hatchlings.