The Aldabra giant tortoise is a reptile belonging to the genus Aldabra tortoise in the order Tortoises, and some taxonomists also classify it as a tortoise. More than 400 years ago, on an isolated island near the equator, the Spaniards discovered a giant tortoise. Its carapace is 1.5 meters long and weighs about 250 kilograms. It has thick and strong legs that resemble the giant feet of an elephant, so it is called a tortoise. The Spaniards also named the island Galapagos, which means Turtle Island. The tortoise's favorite food is the succulent green cactus, which can eat up to 10 kilograms a day. Because its body has accumulated a lot of food in normal times, it can completely eat or drink for a long time, and it will not starve to death. The tortoise is afraid of strong light and likes to hide in the shade. When the rainy season comes, the tortoises climb down from the mountains to live. When the dry season came, they climbed again into the foggy ridges.

1. Appearance characteristics of the Aldabra giant tortoise

The maximum nail length of an adult Aldabra tortoise can grow to about 130 cm, and its body size is similar to that of the tortoise. Similar to the Gala pago tortoise, they are the two largest giant tortoises in the world. Big head and long neck. The center of the carapace is high, and the vertebral shield is 5 pieces; the costal shield is 4 pieces on each side; the marginal shield is 9 pieces on each side, and the front and rear edges are slightly serrated and slightly raised; the neck shield is 1 piece; the hip shield is single piece, larger. Limbs stout, columnar. The carapace, limbs, head and tail are all blue-black, and each vertebral shield and rib shield have irregular dark spots, and the skin is loose and wrinkled. The carapace can be up to 1.8 meters long and weigh up to 375 kilograms, making it the largest species of terrestrial turtles.

2. Habits and characteristics of Aldabra tortoises

Aldabra tortoises live alone and in groups, and most tend to gather in open grasslands. And they are most active in the morning, when they spend time looking for food. They burrow underground or rest in swamps to cool off in hot weather. They are excellent swimmers with natural buoyancy. Aldabra tortoises eat mostly plants and sometimes carcasses. The maximum form is 105 cm long. The body shape is second only to the elephant tortoise, and the nostrils are longitudinally elongated. Widespread in the land area of Aldabra Island. Each litter can produce 12-14 eggs. Oviparous. Female turtles can lay 9-25 tennis ball-sized eggs, which hatch in about 98-200 days. The Abeldara tortoise is very adaptable to the artificial breeding environment. Its food is similar to that of the leopard tortoise and sulcata. Any plant food can be accepted and its personality is mild. But keeping such a behemoth must have enough space planning.