Aldabrachelys gigantea gigantea

(Schweigger, 1812)

Vernacular names
English : Aldabra giant tortoise
French : Tortue géante d’Aldabra

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Testudines
Family : Testudinidae
Notes : 3 other subspecies known.

Identification
One of the world’s biggest tortoise species, reaching a carapace length of 122 cm for a weight up to 250 kg. Very long neck, powerful legs. This subspecies has a dome-shaped carapace, usually tan-brown to black.

Range and habitat
This subspecies is endemic to the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles Archipelago, Indian Ocean. It has been introduced in nearby islands. Lives in dry grasslands and woodlands.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is endangered because it has been previously hunted to near extinction. It is now legally protected but still occasionally smuggled.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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