A group of Aldabra giant tortoises in the Seychelles — Photo: Tribalninja · Public domain

Reptile

Aldabra Giant Tortoise Facts Aldabrachelys gigantea

ReptileSeychellesHerbivore

Aldabra giant tortoises are massive, long-lived reptiles native to the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles. By grazing plants and dispersing seeds, they shape the open island habitats where they live.

Habitat: Grassland
Diet: Grasses, leaves, woody stems, and fallen fruit
Lifespan: 100–150 years

Classification

Family: Testudinidae. Order: Testudines.

Aldabra Giant Tortoise Habitat

Aldabra Giant Tortoises live in Grassland and Coastal and Scrub habitats. Their recorded range includes Seychelles. Suitable food, shelter, and conditions for raising young help shape that range.

What Do Aldabra Giant Tortoises Eat?

Diet classification: Herbivore. Recorded foods: Grasses, leaves, woody stems, and fallen fruit.

Aldabra Giant Tortoise Lifespan, Size, and Weight

Recorded lifespan: 100–150 years. Recorded size: 90–120 cm. Recorded weight: 150–250 kg.

Aldabra Giant Tortoise Conservation Status

Aldabra Giant Tortoise is listed here as Vulnerable. Protecting habitat, maintaining healthy prey or food sources, and reducing human pressure are important parts of conserving wild populations.

Quick facts

Region: Seychelles
Habitat: Grassland, Coastal, Scrub
Diet: Herbivore
Lifespan: 100–150 years
Size: 90–120 cm
Weight: 150–250 kg

Fun facts

They are among the largest tortoises and the longest-lived vertebrates on Earth.
Long necks help them browse leaves well above ground level.
Groups sometimes gather in shallow pools or shade during the hottest part of the day.
Seeds carried through their digestive systems can be dispersed across the landscape.