# Aldabra giant tortoise population recovery > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20261013-aldabra-giant-tortoise-population-recovery > Updated: 2026-10-17T09:46:08.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 3. A scientific study conducted by the University of Exeter and the Seychelles Islands Foundation has determined that the Aldabra giant tortoise population on the Aldabra Atoll has reached a historic high. Researchers estimate there are between 180,000 and 183,000 individuals, a significant increase from the approximately 100,000 estimated in the 1990s. Data analyzed from counts between 2018 and 2022 suggests the population remained relatively stable between 2018 and 2021. Scientists attribute this stability to long-term conservation efforts, particularly the eradication of invasive species on the atoll. New statistical modeling was utilized to account for tortoises previously difficult to detect due to remote terrain and dense vegetation. Recent findings emphasize that this record figure is largely a result of improved statistical modeling that accounts for tortoises hidden in dense vegetation, rather than a sudden population explosion. The current population size now exceeds the human population of the Seychelles, marking a major conservation success after the species was reduced to fewer than 1,000 individuals in the 19th century due to intense hunting. This recovery follows the establishment of a nature reserve in 1981 and UNESCO World Heritage recognition in 1982. Despite these record numbers, the species remains listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. Experts warn that the population continues to face ongoing threats from climate change, drought, and invasive species, such as rats and cats. Future conservation plans include targeted efforts to eradicate feral cats and black rats to protect tortoise eggs and hatchlings. ## Claims - Researchers identified approximately 180,000 Aldabra giant tortoises on Aldabra Atoll. (reported by 3 sources) - The population is considered the largest ever documented wild population of this species. (reported by 3 sources) - Climate change and invasive species pose threats to the tortoise population. (reported by 3 sources) - The population stability is attributed to long-term conservation efforts, including the eradication of invasive species. (reported by 3 sources) - The census was based on an analysis of the population between 2018 and 2022. (reported by 3 sources) - The population remained relatively stable between 2018 and 2021. (reported by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-17: Aldabra Atoll giant tortoise population reaches record high Researchers estimate nearly 183,000 giant tortoises now live on the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, a record high following decades of successful conservation efforts. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aldabra-atoll-giant-tortoise-population-reaches-record-high ### 2026-10-13: Aldabra giant tortoises reach record population of 180,000 in Seychelles Researchers have discovered a record population of approximately 180,000 Aldabra giant tortoises on the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, marking a major success for long-term conservation efforts. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aldabra-atoll-tortoise-population-reaches-record-180000 ### 2026-10-11: Aldabra giant tortoise population reaches record 180,000 A study by the Seychelles Islands Foundation and University of Exeter estimates 180,000 Aldabra giant tortoises live on the Aldabra Atoll, marking a major conservation milestone. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aldabra-giant-tortoise-population-reaches-record-high --- Cite as: Aldabra giant tortoise population recovery. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20261013-aldabra-giant-tortoise-population-recovery