A survey of Aldabra giant tortoises on Aldabra Atoll in Seychelles has counted a population of 180,000 individuals, marking a record high for the world's largest free-roaming population of the species.
The tortoises live on the island atoll in the Indian Ocean. According to The Guardian, the population has thrived following decades of conservation work aimed at recovery of the once-endangered species.
Aldabra giant tortoises were historically threatened but have rebounded significantly through sustained management efforts. The new count reflects the success of long-term protection programmes on the atoll.