Persistence of distinctive morphotypes in the native range of the CITES ‐listed Aldabra giant tortoise

Aldabra Atoll's giant tortoise population exhibits stable, distinct morphotypes across subpopulations, contradicting earlier assumptions that such variation was temporary. This persistence suggests varying ecological selection pressures rather than lingering genes from extinct species. Researchers analyzed 15 years of monitoring data (1998-2012) and historical survival records to assess density, size, and sexual dimorphism in four subpopulations. Findings indicate no population decline, with differences primarily attributed to vegetation types. The study underscores the importance of in situ conservation for maintaining scientific value and adaptive potential under future ecological pressures.

Turnbull, L. A., Ozgul, A., Accouche, W., Baxter, R., ChongSeng, L., Currie, J. C., Doak, N., Hansen, D. M., Pistorius, P., Richards, H., van de Crommenacker, J., von Brandis, R., Fleischer‐Dogley, F., & Bunbury, N. (2015). Persistence of distinctive morphotypes in the native range of the CITES‐listed Aldabra giant tortoise. Ecology and Evolution, 5(23), 5499–5508. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.1764