A survey of the Aldabra giant tortoise population introduced on Curieuse Island, Seychelles

Abstract

The Zoological Society of London carried out a field study in the Republic of the Seychelles to obtain biomedical data from the Aldabra giant tortoise population on Curieuse island and assess the progress of the colony within the context of the Curieuse experiment. The biomedical data will be published in full detail elsewhere, but brief details of the sampling methods are included as an integral part of the handling procedure to which the tortoises were subjected. From evidence gathered in the field it appears that the tortoises have adapted well to the environment, are causing little damage and represent a major tourist attraction.The impact of the tourist industry on the Curieuse experiment was assessed and found to be a source of concern in relation to the successful management of the island.A total of 144 post hatchlings, 1 juvenile and 17 hatchlings were found, distributed in 6 out of 9 designated areas on Curieuse. These represent less than 50% of the total of tortoises re-introduced as part of the Curieuse experiment.There is strong evidence of poaching and theft, probably by local inhabitants.