Aldabra Tortoise

Aldabras are primarily herbivores, mainly feeding on vegetationTheir diet consists of grass, leaves, and stems from woody plants. They are adaptable and sometimes eat small bugs or carrion (dead animals) if their main diet is not available. Since there is not much fresh water where they live, they get most of the water they need from the food they eat.

At the Zoo, they eat hay, vegetables, lettuce, and some fruit.

Aldabra tortoises originally were found on the Aldabra Atoll of the Seychelles, an archipelago nation in the western Indian Ocean east of Africa and northeast of Madagascar. Populations have been introduced to Mauritius, Reunion, Curieuse, and Fregate, all small islands within the Seychelles.

Tortoises live in many different places on the islands where they are found. They can be found in scrub areas, mangrove swamps, and even along the coastal dunes. However, the biggest group of tortoises is in the grassland areas known as platins.

Adult Aldabra tortoises have no natural predators except for humans. However, young tortoises and their eggs may be threatened by giant land crabs and birds.

Aldabra tortoises are one of the few giant tortoise species left in the Indian Ocean. They are considered vulnerable because of years of human poaching and habitat loss. While they are popular in the pet trade, local governments are working to protect wild tortoises. The atoll where they live is also facing serious issues due to increased drought and rising temperatures. Climate change is causing sea levels to rise, which threatens the future of both the atoll and the Aldabra tortoises.

The Aldabra tortoise is one of the largest tortoise species in the world, along with the Galapagos tortoise. Adult females are usually smaller than males. They have strong limbs and heads covered in bony scales, and both their front and back feet have powerful claws. Their tails are short and end in a claw-like spur.

An adult Aldabra tortoise has a dark brown shell, known as a carapace, while younger tortoises have black and shiny shells. As they grow, their shells develop growth rings that show how old they are. The shells are made of a honeycomb structure that contains small air chambers, allowing the tortoises to carry their heavy shells easily. Their shells also protect them from weather and predators. When threatened, the tortoise can pull its head into its shell and fold its legs around it. The exposed parts of their legs have long scales to help keep predators away.

Tortoise shells are made of keratin, just like our fingernails. The shell of a tortoise is part of their body and grows with them. A tortoise’s spine and ribs are attached to their shell, and they can feel the lightest touch.

Sexual maturity in tortoises is mainly based on their size rather than their age. Most tortoises start to reproduce when they reach about half of their adult size, which is usually around 25 years old. Mating typically happens when tortoises are active, often in the early morning or late evening.

After mating, the female tortoise travels several miles to find a good place to nest. She looks for dry, sandy ground and digs a hole about 12 inches deep to lay her between 4 and 14 soft-shelled eggs. However, less than half of these eggs will develop fully. The time it takes for the eggs to hatch can last from 73 to 160 days, and the baby tortoises usually come out during the rainy season.

Temperature is very important for determining whether the baby tortoises will be male or female. Cooler temperatures tend to produce more males, while warmer temperatures result in more females. Once the baby tortoises hatch, they must dig their way out of the ground all on their own since their mother does not stay to help them.

Aldabra tortoises are not very vocal. However, male Aldabra tortoises emit loud, deep-pitched calls or "groans" while mating.

The skin of a tortoise may look leathery and tough, but it is actually very sensitive. Individuals can sometimes be seen “nosing” or running their noses along the necks of other tortoises.

Aldabra tortoises are primarily active in the early morning and late evening. During the hottest parts of the day, they rest under shade trees or in pools to stay cool. These giant tortoises can be found alone or in groups where there is plenty of food. While they are eating, they stretch their necks out and sometimes lean against trees.