The Aldabra Giant Tortoises of Aride Island - Sophie Richter

Spending nine weeks on Aride Island was an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will always cherish. From the moment I arrived, I was awed by the island's untouched beauty and the warm welcome from the conservation team. As part of my master’s research project, I had the unique opportunity to study wild Aldabra giant tortoises in their natural habitats and witness firsthand their role as island ecosystem engineers. My project, "Evaluating the Role of Aldabra Giant Tortoises in Island Ecosystem Restoration: Ecological Impacts on Seed Dispersal and Germination Success," was incredibly rewarding, providing me with many new skills and experiences within the field of tropical island conservation.

Most of my days were spent tracking and observing the tortoises, often from behind trees or crouched in tall grass, as I learned about their feeding behaviors and seed dispersal patterns. A less glamorous but essential part of my fieldwork involved examining tortoise droppings for fruit seeds, which I then planted to observe their germination success. Watching the first seedlings sprout was incredibly rewarding. Our research revealed that the tortoises’ movements across the island significantly contribute to seed dispersal, enhancing plant diversity and aiding in the regeneration of native and endemic plants. These findings show us the importance of reintroducing giant tortoises to islands where they had previously gone extinct.

My time on Aride Island was unforgettable and deepened my passion for becoming a wildlife conservationist. In our spare time, we enjoyed walking barefoot, hiking the rocky hills, and snorkeling above the coral reef. Living with minimal internet access and without modern luxuries allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the natural environment. The lack of daily comforts, such as consistent access to drinking water, reminded us of global issues many communities face and taught us how to adapt to remote conditions.
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To future volunteers and researchers, I offer this advice: embrace every moment in this tropical paradise. There is nowhere else you’ll experience such pristine nature, with thousands of birds and reptiles always keeping you company.