Chris JenkinsViews:
The Seychelles Archipelago, a crown jewel of the Indian Ocean, is a place of breathtaking natural beauty. Known for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and unparalleled marine biodiversity, the islands are a sanctuary for some of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife. However, a looming threat now endangers one of the archipelago’s most iconic species—the Aldabra Giant Tortoise. A new development on neighboring Assomption Island threatens to unravel centuries of conservation work, putting these gentle giants and their delicate ecosystem at grave risk.
Encountering a Living Fossil
As a herpetologist, my fascination with reptiles has taken me to some of the most remote corners of the world, but nothing prepared me for my first encounter with the Aldabra Giant Tortoise in the wild. I recall an arduous hike up the mountainous spine of an island, pushing through dense vegetation, eager to reach a tortoise turf—a place where these ancient reptiles have grazed, sculpting the landscape into a manicured expanse reminiscent of a golf course.
On our hike, we encountered many giant tortoises. Just before reaching our destination, we heard a strange sort of moaning sound from the underbrush. As we edged closer, we found the source—an enormous male, breeding with a female. After capturing a few quick photographs, we pressed on, only to emerge onto the breathtaking tortoise turf. Before us lay what looked like manicured grass, dotted with boulders, dozens of giant tortoises, and the endless blue of the Indian Ocean stretching beyond. It was a scene of wild, untouched beauty—a stark contrast to what is now a growing threat just beyond the horizon.
The Aldabra Giant Tortoise: A Keystone of the Seychelles
The Aldabra Giant Tortoise is among the most awe-inspiring creatures on the planet. These colossal reptiles can grow up to four feet in length and weigh nearly 800 pounds. Their sheer size is striking—standing beside the first one I’d seen in the wild, I could barely believe it was real. Their longevity is equally astonishing; the oldest known Aldabra tortoise has lived for over 190 years, witnessing generations of human history unfold.
But beyond their size and longevity, these tortoises play a pivotal role in maintaining the fragile island ecosystem. Much like bison once shaped the North American prairies, Aldabra Giant Tortoises act as ecosystem engineers, grazing in large numbers, dispersing seeds, and aerating the soil as they move. Their feeding habits promote plant growth, and their dung enriches the earth, sustaining a delicate balance of life. Without them, the islands lose not only their primary herbivores but also the very architects of their ecological stability.
A History of Survival Against the Odds
Despite their resilience, these tortoises have had a tumultuous history with humans. Once abundant across many Indian Ocean islands, their populations were decimated by European sailors who collected them for food during long sea voyages. By the mid-1800s, the Aldabra Atoll became their last stronghold. Today, around 100,000 tortoises persist on Aldabra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its unparalleled biodiversity.
Thanks to conservation efforts, tortoise populations have been successfully restored on islands like Fregate and Moyenne. Yet, their continued survival hinges on safeguarding Aldabra’s pristine ecosystem—a sanctuary now under threat.
The Looming Threat: A High-End Resort on Assomption Island
Just beyond Aldabra, Assomption Island has been earmarked for a massive luxury resort development, a project that could spell disaster for the region’s wildlife. The proposed footprint includes roads, airstrips, and sprawling buildings that would fragment habitats and disrupt critical ecological processes.
The consequences could be devastating. Assomption is home to a vital population of Aldabra Giant Tortoises, one of the most significant nesting grounds for sea turtles, and the rare Assomption Island Day Gecko. Habitat destruction, road mortality, and the introduction of invasive species threaten to decimate these populations. Even light pollution from the resort could disorient sea turtle hatchlings, leading them away from the ocean and toward certain death.
Moreover, increased human activity on Assomption could introduce invasive predators like rats to Aldabra itself. If these species gain a foothold, they could wreak havoc on tortoise hatchlings and other native wildlife, undoing decades of conservation progress.
Join the Fight to Save Aldabra
A global movement is rising in defense of Aldabra’s fragile ecosystem. Local Seychellois communities, international conservation organizations, and even high-profile figures like Leonardo DiCaprio have joined forces to halt the development. The Friends of Aldabra, a dedicated advocacy group, has launched a petition urging the President of Seychelles to stop the Assomption Island project before it’s too late.
You can make a difference. Sign the petition at Friends of Aldabra and stand with conservationists fighting to protect one of the last great sanctuaries of the Aldabra Giant Tortoise. By taking action today, we can ensure that future generations will witness these magnificent creatures grazing freely under the sun, just as they have for centuries.
Learn more about Aldabra Giant Tortoises, one of our priority species.
