An Aldabra giant tortoise is a very slow-growing reptile and often does not reach maturity until 20-30 years old.Īldabra giant tortoises are one of only three species of giant tortoise in the region to survive today, due to past exploitation, and they are the only species that survive in the wild, the others being in a breeding program in captivity. Like other tortoises, this species does not care for its young once the eggs are laid in a safe nest, with the young hatching and digging out of the nest by themselves. A second clutch is often laid within one breeding season, especially in uncrowded, healthy populations. The period of incubation is largely dependent on temperature: it lasts 110 days in warm temperatures, and about 250 days in cooler temperatures, with hatchlings emerging between October and December. In captivity, the average clutch size is larger, about 9-25 eggs. 4-14 rubbery eggs are laid in a dry, shallow nest, less than half being fertile. The breeding season runs from February to May. One criterion for selection is a partner’s relative size males who have a carapace of 50 cm or more in length generally only select mates that are between 45 and 65 cm long. At the time of the first rain, they migrate towards the coastal scrub areas and open grasslands.Īldabra giant tortoises appear to be polygynandrous (promiscuous), both males and females having multiple partners. During dry seasons, they are evenly dispersed throughout the various habitats. This species has been known to move between habitats on a seasonal basis. A tortoise will fully extend its neck while browsing and sometimes rear up against trees. When an individual is threatened, it will quickly withdraw its head and walk away. These tortoises are found both on their own and gathered in herds in areas where there is plenty of food. Large males will walk with their limbs extended fully vertically and their carapace high up above the ground. When resting, they will lie with the underside of their shell on the ground, their limbs and head retracted slightly. They dig wallows, hide under shade trees or in small caves, as well as submerge themselves in pools to keep cool during the heat of the day. Aldabra giant tortoises are mainly active during the early morning and in the late evening and they spend the remainder of the day in burrows or swamps keeping cool.
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