Image of Aldabrachelys gigantea

Description:

The tortoises were observed between February and August 2012. Hatchlings are frequently found all over the island. While the males have high, pyramidial plades, the carapas of the smalles females is often very smoth and round. The last picture shows 3 females during the breeding season digging in the ground. The Tortoise was introduced to Mauritius by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, since humans erradicated both native species of mauritian giant tortoises (Cylindraspis inepta and C. triserrata). The Seychelles giant tortoise was the only surviving giant tortoise species from the indian ocean and is therefore used as a taxon substitute on many other islands to enhance seed dispersal.