Animal Profiles
Reptiles

Aldabra Giant Tortoise

Aldabrachelys gigantea

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The Aldabra giant tortoise is a large land reptile native to a Seychelles atoll. Its long neck helps it browse vegetation above the ground.

Aldabra giant tortoise at Beauval Zoo, France.

Aldabra giant tortoise at Beauval Zoo, France.

At a glance

Location
Aldabra Atoll in the Indian Ocean is its native home. Grasslands, coastal dunes and scrub provide feeding areas; tortoises also use mangrove margins.
Habitat
Grassland, Coast
Diet
Herbivore
Food
Grasses and woody plants supply most of its food, although it sometimes eats animal material. By grazing and browsing, these tortoises alter vegetation around them. Females bury their eggs in the ground.

Classification

Common name
Aldabra Giant Tortoise
Browse group
Reptiles
Scientific name or taxon
Aldabrachelys gigantea
Taxon rank
species
Family
Testudinidae
Genus
Aldabrachelys
Source classification
Reptilia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Males are larger than females.
  • It feeds mainly on grasses and other plants.
  • Females bury their eggs.

Habitat and range

Aldabra Atoll in the Indian Ocean is its native home. Grasslands, coastal dunes and scrub provide feeding areas; tortoises also use mangrove margins.

Appearance and adaptations

A dark, domed shell covers a heavy body supported by stout legs. Males grow larger than females. A long neck helps the tortoise reach leaves and other vegetation.

Diet and behaviour

Grasses and woody plants supply most of its food, although it sometimes eats animal material. By grazing and browsing, these tortoises alter vegetation around them. Females bury their eggs in the ground.

Sources

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