Aldabra Giant Tortoise Facts
Aldabrachelys gigantea
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
Aldabra Giant Tortoise Facts at a Glance
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.
It belongs to the family Testudinidae in the order Testudines. This profile is designed as a concise starting point; the source names below document the review basis.
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?
Aldabra Giant Tortoises have a herbivore diet that includes Grasses, leaves, woody stems, and fallen fruit. The food available in their environment shapes how they find, hunt, forage for, or receive meals.
Aldabra Giant Tortoise Lifespan, Size, and Weight
Aldabra Giant Tortoises typically live for 100–150 years. Adults measure about 90–120 cm and weigh around 150–250 kg; these ranges can vary with sex, age, environment, and access to food.
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.
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Sources and image credit
Animal facts are reviewed against the references below. The photograph remains available under the stated license.