Order: Cryptodira 
Family: Testudinidae (4 Geochelone species) 

Geo=(Gr) earth, chelone=(Gr) tortoise, turtle, gigas=(Gr) giant

Also known as: Aldabra giant tortoise, Indian Ocean giant tortoise

DESCRIPTION:

Pointed snout, flap-like ridge preventing flooding of olfactory area.

Males to 42 inches (105 cm) straight carapace length and over 550 pounds (250 kg). Females to 34 inches (87 cm) and 367 pounds (167 kg).

DISTRIBUTION:

Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, introduced populations on Seychelles islands of Fregate, Cousin, Mahe, and Curieuse. Large herds frequent open grass swards with trees and shrubs. Individuals also live in scrubland and mangrove swamps. Area contains "tortoise turf"--a complex of 21 grass, sedge, and herb species, more than half of which are genetically dwarfed.

BREEDING:

February to May.

NESTING:

June to September. 4 to 14 eggs are laid, possibly in multiple clutches.

DIET:

Primarily herbivorous, but also eat crab, carrion, and carcasses of dead tortoises. Mainly graze, but also browse to about 1 meter. During the rainy season (May to October), dead leaves and grasses make up the bulk of their diet. A high fiber diet in captivity is essential to produce firm stools.