Aldabra’s giant tortoises number 180,000 |07 October 2026

Photo by Richard Baxter

• New study finds largest population estimate ever recorded

A landmark atoll-wide survey led by the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) and the University of Exeter, UK, shows the world’s largest free-roaming giant tortoise population is thriving and stable on Aldabra Atoll.

The Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea) population on Aldabra Atoll stands at approximately 180,000 individuals – the highest figure ever recorded for the species – according to a new international study published in the scientific journal Ecology and Evolution.

To continue reading, please click here to subscribe to Seychelles NATION’s e copy