Contents
1 Description
2 Nomenclature and systematics
3 Range and distribution
4 Ecology
4.1 Habitat
4.2 Feeding ecology
4.3 Tortoise turf
5 Behavior
6 Life history
7 Breeding
8 Conservation
9 References
10 External links
Description
Ecology
Habitat
A peculiar habitat has coevolved due to the grazing pressures of the tortoises:
"tortoise turf", a comingling of 20+ species of grasses and herbs. Many of these
distinct plants are naturally dwarfed and grow their seeds not from the tops of the
plants, but closer to the ground to avoid the tortoises' close-cropping jaws.
As the largest animal in its environment, the Aldabra tortoise performs a role
similar to that of the elephant. Their vigorous search for food fells trees and
creates pathways used by other animals.
Feeding ecology
Little fresh water is available for drinking in the tortoises' natural habitat, so
they obtain most of their moisture from their food.
The Aldabra tortoise has two main varieties of shells. Specimens living in habitats
with food available primarily on the ground have more dome-shaped shells with the
front extending downward over the neck. Those living in an environment with food
available higher above the ground have more flattened top shells with the front
raised to allow the neck to extend upward freely.
Tortoise turf
The Aldabra giant tortoise is a herbivorous animal, spending much of its time
browsing for food in its surrounding well-vegetated environment. The Aldabra giant
tortoise is known to be found in places that are commonly known as "tortoise turf".
Tortoise turf is composed of:[16][17]
Bacopa monnieri
Boerhavia elegans
Bulbostylis basalis
Cassia aldabrensis
Cyperus dubius
Cyperus ligularis
Cyperus obtusiflorus
Dactyloctenium pilosum
Eragrostis decumbens
Euphorbia prostrata
Euphorbia stoddartii
Evolvulus alsinoides
Fimbristylis cymosa
Fimbristylis ferruginea
Hypoestes aldabrensis
Lagrezia madagascariensis
Lepturus repens
Mollugo spergula
Panicum aldabrense
Phyllanthus maderaspatensis
Pleurostelma cernuum
Plumbaga aphylla
Pycreus pumilus
Ruellia monanthos
Sclerodactylon macrostachyum
Sida parvifolia
Solanum nigrum
Sporobolus testudinum
Sporobolus virginicus
Tephrosia pumila
Behavior
While they are characteristically slow and cautious, they are capable of
appreciable speed. They are also known to attempt perilous acrobatic feats, rising
precariously on their hind legs to reach low branches.[citation needed] They risk
death by tipping onto their backs and being unable to right themselves. This
unusual behavior led Mexican biologist Jos� Antonio de Alzate y Ram�rez to refer to
the Aldabra as the "ninjas" of the tortoise world.
Life history
Breeding
Conservation
The Aldabra giant tortoise has an unusually long history of organized conservation.
Albert Gunther of the British Museum, who later moved to the Natural History Museum
of London (enlisting Charles Darwin and other famous scientists to help him) worked
with the government of Mauritius to establish a preserve at the end of the 19th
century. The related, but distinct, species of giant tortoise from the Seychelles
islands (Seychelles giant tortoise A. g. hololissa and Arnold's giant tortoise A.
g. arnoldi) are the subject of a captive-breeding and reintroduction program by the
Nature Protection Trust of Seychelles.[23][24]
References
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