NEWS: During his Seychelles visit, the Indian Prime Minister met Jonathan, an Aldabra giant tortoise estimated to be 194 years oldà Ginness World Records recognises Jonathan as the world’s oldest living land animal.

ABOUT

• Distribution: Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles, in the western Indian Ocean.
• Habitat: Grasslands, scrub forests, mangroves and coastal dunes.
• Features: Large domed shell + long neck + thick, scaly legs.
• Size: Can exceed 120 cm in length and 250 kg in weight.
• Lifespan: Often over 100 years; among the longest-living terrestrial vertebrates.

ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

• Tortoise Turf: Grazing creates distinctive grassland ecosystems.
• Seed Dispersal: Helps maintain vegetation dynamics and ecosystem balance.

CONSERVATION

• IUCN Status: Vulnerable (VU), as per the provided information.
• Threats: Habitat degradation + invasive species + climate change.
• Protection: Aldabra Atoll is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

PRELIMS FACTS

• Country: Seychelles.
• Location: Western Indian Ocean.
• Jonathan: World’s oldest living land animal according to Guinness World Records.
• Galápagos Giant Tortoise: Native to the Galápagos Islands.