The once near-extinct Aldabra giant tortoise population on Aldabra Atoll Island in Seychelles now outnumbers people.
A recent survey conducted by the Seychelles Islands Foundation and the University of Exeter found approximately 180 000 tortoises living on the island, the highest number ever recorded for the species, far outnumbering Seychelles’ human population.
Aldabra Atoll is one of two places in the world, including the Galápagos, where this species of tortoise lives.
After explorers arrived on the island in the 15th century, the tortoise population dwindled dramatically. Records show less than 1 000 on Aldabra Atoll in the 19th century.
“More than 180 000 giant tortoises roaming freely on our atoll is proof of what long-term commitment to conservation can achieve,” said Frauke Fleischer-Dogley, CEO of the Seychelles Islands Foundation.
