Giant tortoise population thriving as survey discovers 180,000 on one island

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1. 1h ago

   Seychelles Giant Tortoise Population Surges Past 180,000

   A landmark survey of the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles reveals an estimated 180,000 to nearly 183,000 giant tortoises living on the remote island. This figure represents the largest population estimate ever recorded for the species, which now outnumbers the human population of the Seychelles. Scientists report that the free-roaming Aldabra giant tortoise population is thriving and stable following a decades-long recovery program. The animals once faced near extinction, with numbers dropping below 1,000 on the atoll in the past, marking a dramatic reversal for the species.

   Why it matters

   The resurgence of the Aldabra giant tortoise highlights the success of long-term conservation and recovery programs on isolated island ecosystems. Aldabra Atoll serves as the primary home for the world's largest free-roaming population of these reptiles. Their recovery pushes their total count above the human population level in the island nation.

   What is confirmed

   • A new survey discovered around 180,000 to nearly 183,000 giant tortoises on Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles.
   • The giant tortoise population now outnumbers the human population of the Seychelles.
   • Aldabra giant tortoise numbers once fell below 1,000 on the atoll.

   What to watch next

   • Further updates on conservation management strategies for the Aldabra Atoll
   • Additional findings from the University of Exeter study team
   Sources used for this update (16)

   1. New York Post — Giant tortoise population thriving as survey discovers 180,000 on one island
   2. The Guardian — Scientists discover 180,000 giant tortoises on one Seychelles island
   3. Popular Science — Giant tortoises now outnumber people in the Seychelles
   4. CNN — Once near extinction, these giant tortoises now outnumber people in the Seychelles, survey finds
   5. University of Exeter News — New study reports largest-ever population estimate for Seychelles’ giant tortoises
   6. Phys.org — Giant tortoises outnumber people in Seychelles, with nearly 183,000 on Aldabra
   7. ScienceAlert — After Almost Going Extinct, Giant Tortoises Now Outnumber People in The Seychelles
   8. People.com — Giant Tortoises Once Fell Below 1,000 on a Seychelles Atoll. Now They Outnumber the Country’s Human Population
   9. www.theguardian.com — Scientists discover 180,000 giant tortoises on one Seychelles island | Wildlife
   10. Phys.org — Giant tortoises outnumber people in Seychelles, with nearly...
   11. www.bbc.co.uk — Largest-ever population recorded for Seychelles giant tortoises
   12. discover.swns.com — Giant tortoise population thriving as survey discovers 180,000 on...
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