The population of giant Aldabra tortoises in Seychelles reaches a record level/ A census estimates nearly 183,000 Aldabra tortoises

A study conducted by the Seychelles Islands Foundation and the University of Exeter, based on data collected between 2018 and 2022, shows that the Aldabra giant tortoise population has remained relatively stable. In the 19th century, exploitation reduced the population to fewer than 1,000 individuals. Protective measures turned the atoll into a strict nature reserve in 1981 and a UNESCO site in 1982.

However, researchers warn that longer droughts, rising sea levels, and invasive mammals, such as feral cats and rats, continue to threaten the species. Removing these animals could support population recovery and its resilience to climate change.