Problem
Threatened species of Geochelone gigantea
Other Names:
Threatened species of Aldabra giant tortoise Nature:
Geochelone gigantea has been heavily hunted for its meat and oil. Introduced species have been a severe threat to the Aldabra giant tortoise.
Incidence:
Small populations of Geochelone gigantea have been introduced to neighbouring islands (Mauritius and Reunion). Of the four races of giant tortoises once present on islands in the Indian Ocean, only the Aldabra tortoise survived beyond the beginning of the 19th century.
The giant tortoise population on Aldabra has been estimated at 150,000 individuals (Bourn and Coe, 1978). This colony is at present the largest population of giant tortoises in the world and remains a living reminder of how vulnerable nature can be to over-exploitation.
G. gigantea is considered as "Vulnerable" by the IUCN. CITES lists the species as "Appendix 2".
Broader Problems:
Threatened species of Geochelone Organizations:
IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group Subject(s):
Fish, Reptiles → ReptilesSocietal Problems → Endangered species
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
E: Emanations of other problems Date of last update
24.09.2020 – 00:52 CEST