Aldabra Giant Tortoise Aldrabrachelys gigantea (Geochelone gigantea; prev. Dipsochelys dussumieri)

Aldabra Giant Tortoise
Aldabran Giant Tortoise
The Aldabra or Aldabran Giant Tortoise is similar in size to the Galapagos (slightly smaller overall). It is native to the coral atolls of Aldabra, off the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean.
Aldabra Giant Tortoise
Aldabra Giant Tortoise
Aldabra Giant Tortoise
In the 17/1800s, populations were decimated by sailors capturing them for long-storage meat supplies. The Aldabran Tortoise nearly became extinct but has since recovered and is now protected.
Aldabra Giant Tortoise
Aldabra Giant Tortoise
Aldabra Giant Tortoise
Related species of giant tortoise on Seychelles, Mauritius and Reunion, all more accessible, became extinct. Tortoises with possible Seychelles DNA (Aldabrachelys hololissa) subsequently found elsewhere have been re-introduced to the Seychelles.
Aldabra Giant Tortoise
Aldabra Giant Tortoise
Aldabra Giant Tortoise
There are two forms of the Aldabra Tortoise for two different habitats: a normal domed carapace (shell) for ground feeding and a longer neck with neck arch in shell for reaching bushes. The lack of fresh water on the atolls means that the tortoise has to take most of the moisture it needs from its vegetarian diet.
Aldabran Giant Tortoise
Aldabra Giant Tortoise
Aldabra Giant Tortoise
Like the Galapagos, these giants can live to over 150 years old.