Why are we studying how tortoise dung decomposes on Aldabra? |05 October 2026

Why are we studying how tortoise dung decomposes on Aldabra?

Ever wondered how long it takes for tortoise poo to decompose? Well, that’s just what the Aldabra research team have been investigating. But why?

Tortoises are known to modify their habitats through grazing, seed dispersal and nutrient cycling via their faeces; this provides soil enrichment and a suitable germination environment for seeds, earning them the title of ecosystem engineers. With Aldabra giant tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) being the largest vertebrate present on Aldabra, the Aldabra research team has begun a new monitoring project focused on the decomposition of – you guessed it – tortoise poo!

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