Aldabrachelys

Aldabrachelys[1] is the recognised genus for the Seychelles and Madagascan radiations of giant tortoises, including the Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea).

Aldabrachelys
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Suborder: Cryptodira
Superfamily: Testudinoidea
Family: Testudinidae
Genus: Aldabrachelys
Loveridge & E. Williams, 1957[1]
Synonyms
  • Dipsochelys Bour, 1982

Naming

This name is problematic in that the type specimen is actually represents Chelonoidis denticulata;[2] however, this is being discussed and petitioned before the ICZN.[3]

Species
A. g. arnoldi – Arnold's giant tortoise
†A. g. daudinii – Daudin's giant tortoise (extinct)
A. g. gigantea – Aldabra giant tortoise
A. g. hololissa – Seychelles giant tortoise

Tortoise remains from over 1,000 years ago, which have been found on the Comoros, are believed to have been from an unknown species of the same genus.[4]

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References
  1. Loveridge A, Williams EE (1957). "Revision of the African tortoises and turtles of the suborder Cryptodira". Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool. Harvard 115: 163-557.
  2. Bour R (2006). "Identity of Testudo gigantea Schweigger, 1812 and rediscovery of the type specimen". Emys 13 (4): 12–23.
  3. Frazer J (2009). "Testudo gigantea Schweigger, 1812 (currently Geochelone (Aldabrachelys) gigantea; Reptilia, Testudines): proposed conservation of usage of the specific name by maintenance of a designated neotype, and suppression of Testudo dussumieri Gray, 1831 (currently Dipsochelys dussumieri)". Bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature 66 (1):Case:3463
  4. Gerlach J, Canning KL (1996). "Evolution and History of the Giant Tortoises of the Aldabra island group". Testudo 4 (3): 33-40. Archived 2016-03-06 at the Wayback Machine
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