Aldabra Tortoise

Scientific Name:

Geochelone gigantea

Feeding Type:    

Herbivorous

Range:              

Seychelle, Aldabra Islands (Indian Ocean)

Habitat:                         

Warm, Tropical climate

Diet in the Wild:             

Plants

Longevity:                      

Well over 50 years

Description:

Aldabra Tortoises are one of the largest tortoises, measuring up to 5 feet in length and 500 pounds. They have a dome-shaped carapace that is usually a light shade of brown. They have claws on their feet and leathery skin.

Adaptation/Behavior: 

Aldabra Tortoises are terrestrial and have very regular habits. They can often go without food for weeks. Although they are usually quiet animals, they do make grunting noises. If their shell is damaged, it will regenerate as long as the spinal column is unharmed. When the day is too hot, these tortoises will cool off in the shade, or wallow in mud.

Courtship/Breeding: 

Breeding season is from January to April. The female carries the eggs with her for about 10 weeks. About 9 to 25 tennis ball sized eggs are laid an buried in the ground. After an incubation period of about 125 days, the eggs hatch.

Conservation:     

Aldabra Tortoises are threatened with extinction. This is caused by the loss of habitat.