Seychelles Giant Tortoise Conservation Project

Seychelles Giant Tortoise Conservation Project The rescue of the last Seychelles giant tortoise

The giant tortoise is known to originate from two locations - the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Equador, and the Seychelles. Both are very similar yet distinct species.

The Seychellois turtle was almost eradicated by plundering buccaneers who used the turtles as a food source - these turtles were in high demand amongst sailors due to their ability to survive aboard ships for up to six months without food and water.

This activity persisted until 1840 when the only survivors were either in captivity or inhabiting Aldabra - which now hosts a population of approximately 150,000 turtles.

Dipsochelys hololissa on the left and Dipsochelys arnoldi on the right

It was previously believed that the Aldabran tortoise was the only species to survive, these are often seen in zoo's around the world.

That was until 1995 when a strange looking turtle in a hotel garden on Mahé was brought to the attention of the Nature Protection Trust of Seychelles.

What they discovered was that this turtle may be a survivor of a once previously considered extinct species. This prompted a genetic study in 1997 which revealed that actually two types still survived: 1) the Seychelles giant tortoise, and 2) Arnold's giant tortoise - both are easily distinguished by the shape of their shell.

Today, the Seychelles Giant Tortoise Conservation Project is dedicated to the continued survival of the Seychelles giant turtles. Ron and Gill Gerlach presently maintain a turtle breeding farm at Silhouette Island located next to the old Dauban Coconut Plantation. Dedicated volunteers run this charity project which depend on International fund raising and sponsorship.

If you would be interested in visiting their facility they would be pleased to show you around the centre and introduce you to these charismatic giants. After 150 years of "extinction" this conservation project offers a last chance of survival for these rare animals.

For further information contact:
Ron Gerlach
Tel: (+248) 323711
E-mail:
Website: http://members.aol.com/jstgerlach