New research reveals that giant tortoises on Aldabra Atoll outnumber the human population of the Seychelles.
Researchers have estimated that around 180,000 giant tortoises live on Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, giving the reptiles a population larger than the entire human population of the country.
The landmark survey was led by the Seychelles Islands Foundation alongside the University of Exeter, producing the highest population estimate ever recorded for these unique reptiles.
Scientists carefully analyzed monitoring data collected between 2018 and 2022, arriving at a best estimate of almost 183,000 adult and sub-adult tortoises roaming the remote atoll, according to information published by dexerto.
Aldabra Giant Tortoise Survey Methods and Findings
The new scientific study, published in the academic journal Ecology and Evolution, puts the reptile population well above the widely cited historical estimate of 100,000 from the late 1990s.
However, researchers clarify that this difference does not mean tortoise numbers have nearly doubled in recent years. Earlier traditional surveys frequently missed animals concealed heavily by thick vegetation or natural shade.
The advanced new analysis successfully accounted for those previously unseen reptiles, giving conservationists a much more reliable baseline estimate for future wildlife management efforts across the protected island.
Conservation Success and Historical Population Recovery
The stunning new findings suggest the vibrant population remained relatively stable during the study period, rather than experiencing a sudden or artificial population booming event on the isolated island.
These impressive numbers represent a remarkable conservation recovery story after heavy commercial exploitation during the 19th century drastically reduced the population to fewer than 1,000 individual reptiles.
Aldabra Atoll later achieved strict nature reserve status in 1981 before earning prestigious recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, protecting the fragile habitat for decades.
Ongoing Threats to Seychelles Wildlife
Dr Frauke Fleischer-Dogley, CEO of the Seychelles Islands Foundation, stated in the university announcement that having more than 180,000 giant tortoises roaming freely proves the power of conservation.
Despite this massive success, the vulnerable reptiles still face significant modern environmental threats, including longer droughts that could severely reduce essential food sources and vital natural shade.
Additionally, rising sea levels threaten low-lying coastal habitats, while introduced predators such as feral cats and black rats continue to prey aggressively upon vulnerable eggs and tiny hatchlings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many giant tortoises live on Aldabra Atoll?
Researchers estimate that approximately 183,000 adult and sub-adult giant tortoises live on Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles.Who conducted the Aldabra tortoise population survey?
The survey was led by the Seychelles Islands Foundation and the University of Exeter, with results published in Ecology and Evolution.
Why are Aldabra giant tortoise numbers higher than previous estimates?
New analytical methods accounted for tortoises concealed by vegetation and shade, whereas earlier surveys from the 1990s missed these hidden animals.
What major threats do Aldabra giant tortoises face today?
The reptiles face environmental challenges such as longer droughts, rising sea levels, and predation on eggs and hatchlings by feral cats and black rats.
