VU

Geochelone gigantea

Unknown

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Aldabra giant tortoise faces ongoing threats from habitat degradation and invasive plant species that alter the natural vegetation composition of its coral atoll home. Human activities including tourism development and infrastructure expansion continue to fragment available habitat. Climate change poses an emerging threat through sea level rise and increased storm intensity, which could inundate low-lying nesting areas and alter the delicate ecosystem balance of Aldabra Atoll.

Threat summary

Habitat

Aldabra giant tortoises inhabit the coral atolls and islands of the Seychelles, primarily on Aldabra Atoll, where they occupy grasslands, scrublands, and coastal areas. They prefer open areas with mixed vegetation including grasses, herbs, and low shrubs, often moving between different habitat zones depending on seasonal food availability.

Conservation measures underway

Legislation

Other threatened species in TESTUDINIDAE

Indian Star TortoiseVU

Indian Star Tortoise

Geochelone elegans

Declining
VU

Chelonoidis vandenburghi

Increasing
Eastern Santa Cruz Giant TortoiseCR

Eastern Santa Cruz Giant Tortoise

Chelonoidis donfaustoi

Increasing
VU

Sonoran Desert Tortoise

Gopherus morafkai

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Geochelone gigantea classified as Vulnerable?
Geochelone gigantea is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Aldabra giant tortoise faces ongoing threats from habitat degradation and invasive plant species that alter the natural vegetation composition of its coral atoll home. Human activities including tourism development and infrastructure expansion continue to fragment available habitat. Climate change poses an emerging threat through sea level rise and increased storm intensity, which could inundate low-lying nesting areas and alter the delicate ecosystem balance of Aldabra Atoll.
Where does Geochelone gigantea live?
Geochelone gigantea occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Geochelone gigantea?
The main threats to Geochelone gigantea are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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