Aldabra Giant Tortoise Population Reaches Record 180,000 in New Survey

A landmark survey has revealed that the giant tortoise population on the Seychelles atoll of Aldabra has reached approximately 180,000. Good News Network and News-Graphic.com both reported that the once-endangered species is now thriving in the wild. This represents the highest figure ever recorded for the species on the islands. [1][2]

According to Good News Network, the total number of tortoises counted on the atoll far exceeds the entire human population of the Seychelles. The research team analyzed data over five years to arrive at the historic count. [1]

The survey effort was led by researchers from the Seychelles Islands Foundation and the University of Exeter, Good News Network reported. Giant tortoises are large land reptiles that were historically common across islands in the western Indian Ocean, as well as the Galápagos Islands. [1][3]

The Aldabra atoll hosts the world's largest free-roaming giant tortoise population. Good News Network noted that the successful population recovery demonstrates the impact of long-term conservation and monitoring efforts on the islands. [1]