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Survey Estimates 180,000 Aldabra Giant Tortoises, Population Stable

By Drooid · Oct 9, 2026, 12:41 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Seychelles Islands Foundation and University of Exeter estimate about 180,000 Aldabra giant tortoises on Aldabra Atoll.
The survey used counts from 2018-2022, the first update since a 1990s 100,000 estimate.
Researchers estimate almost 183,000 adult and sub-adult tortoises, indicating a stable population.
Invasive mammals such as feral cats and black rats still threaten tortoise eggs and hatchlings.
Researchers say eradicating these mammals could remove the last barrier to population growth.

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Story summary

Seychelles Islands Foundation and University of Exeter estimate about 180,000 Aldabra giant tortoises on Aldabra Atoll.
The survey used counts from 2018-2022, the first update since a 1990s 100,000 estimate.
Researchers estimate almost 183,000 adult and sub-adult tortoises, indicating a stable population.
Invasive mammals such as feral cats and black rats still threaten tortoise eggs and hatchlings.
Researchers say eradicating these mammals could remove the last barrier to population growth.