Giant Tortoise
Geochelone gigantea
The Aldabra Giant Tortoise (Geochelone gigantea) is a turtle that lives only Testudinidae family in the atoll is named, Aldabra in the Seychelles archipelago. Moreover, man has been introduced in Unguja Island of Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Species
Geochelone gigantea
Order
Testudines
Family
Testudinidae
Danger of Extinction
Amenazada (vulnerable)
Features
After the Galapagos giant tortoise is the world’s largest turtle, may exceed a meter in length. Males can weigh 250 kg, while females rub 150 kg. As with other turtles can live for more than 100 years.
The domed carapace is dark gray or black. The limbs are very robust, essential to support the tremendous weight of the animal element. The neck is disproportionately long, even for such a large animal, making it useful to reach the lower branches of the trees, some localized almost a meter high from the ground.
Customs, food and habitat:
Turtle is a herbivore and feeds on grass, leaves and woody stems, although it may occasionally supplement their diet with invertebrates and carrion.
In Mundomar also receive fruit like apple or banana. Despite the availability of fresh water in their territories, usually get it from the foods they eat. Also do not fear the presence of man, act completely indifferent to it and may eat from her hand.
Curiosities
Sexual maturity is determined by size, not by age; hence when considered sexually mature reach half the target size. Mating occurs between February and May. The female lays 10 to 25 eggs. There is a high rate of infertility of the eggs, about 60% are not fertilized. Incubation lasts 8 months and hatching occurs between October and November.