The Restoration of The Aldabra Tortoise Population

 

The Aldabra tortoise population is seeing an increase in numbers. This species of tortoise can be found on Seychelles. They were for a period getting close to extinction. Based  on data collected by the Seychelles Islands Foundation a total of 180,000 are on Aldabra Atoll. Conservation efforts and environmentalism can be attributed to protection of this species of tortoise. Aldabra Atoll is one of the few places where giant tortoises live. Human environment interaction had negative effects on the species. During the 1800s European colonizers exploited the islands. The Aldabra tortoise population was reduced to 1000 based on records from that century. Making Aldabra Atoll a nature reserve ensured the animals could recover from the damage caused by human activity. Threats remain including climate change, rising sea levels, and drought. Invasive species become a threat to food supply.  The Aldabra tortoise still falls under the classification of vulnerable species. Some zoos do have Aldabra tortoises. While programs such as releasing them into the wild are available, certain zoos may not do this. Reconsiderations must be made about keeping vulnerable animals in zoos. The advantage the Aldabra tortoise does have is long lifespan. This provides plenty of opportunities for producing offspring. The goal should be to get the Aldabra tortoise out of the vulnerable status. Poaching and illegal pet trade must be stopped  to ensure their safety.