Aldabra Tortoise Survey Records Thriving Population of About 180,000

A survey of Aldabra giant tortoises in Seychelles has found that the once-endangered species is thriving, according to The Guardian and Good News Network. Both outlets reported a population of about 180,000 at Aldabra Atoll, describing it as the world’s largest free-roaming giant tortoise population.

The Guardian linked the thriving population to a recovery programme spanning decades and reported that the tortoises substantially outnumber Seychelles’ human population. Its account described the population as living on an island called Aldabra Atoll.

Good News Network described the count as covering the atoll’s islands, rather than a single island. It also reported that approximately 180,000 is the highest population figure ever recorded for the species, a distinction not stated in the supplied Guardian excerpt. Both reports describe the survey as evidence of the tortoises’ recovery.

Sources

• The Guardian: Scientists discover 180,000 giant tortoises on one Seychelles island
• Good News Network: Giant Tortoise Population is Thriving–Survey Finds 180,000 on One Island Chain