# Researchers find 180,000 giant tortoises on Aldabra Atoll

> New study reveals 180,000 giant tortoises thrive on Seychelles island after conservation efforts.
- Title: Researchers find 180,000 giant tortoises on Aldabra Atoll
- Summary: New study reveals 180,000 giant tortoises thrive on Seychelles island after conservation efforts. Researchers estimate 180,000 giant tortoises live on…
- Keywords: aldabra atoll, giant tortoises, seychelles, conservation, researchers, university of exeter, seychelles islands foundation, gaming, sports, find, 180, 000
- Source: Dexerto — https://dexerto.com/entertainment/researchers-find-180000-giant-tortoises-living-on-island-3417260
- Author: Michael Gwilliam
- Published: 2026-10-08T18:40:39+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: aldabra atoll, giant tortoises, seychelles, conservation, researchers, university of exeter, seychelles islands foundation, gaming, sports
## Population estimate
Researchers estimate 180,000 giant tortoises live on Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, exceeding the country’s human population.
## Survey details
The study, led by the Seychelles Islands Foundation and University of Exeter, analyzed data from 2018 to 2022 to reach a best estimate of 183,000 tortoises.
## Population recovery
After heavy exploitation reduced numbers to fewer than 1,000 in the 19th century, conservation efforts have helped the tortoise population rebound significantly.
## Conservation challenges
Tortoises face threats from longer droughts, rising seas, and predators like feral cats and black rats that prey on eggs and hatchlings.
## Key takeaway

Researchers estimate 180,000 giant tortoises live on Aldabra Atoll in Seychelles, showing successful conservation.