On Curieuse Island, Giant Tortoises Tell A Story of Survival and Hope

The first thing visitors notice on Curieuse Island in Seychelles is often the silence. Then comes a rustle through the undergrowth, the slow crunch of vegetation beneath the feet, and suddenly an Aldabra giant tortoise emerges from the landscape as if it has always belonged there.

For Jason Edward Gomme, better known as Tarzan, tour guide and conservationist, these encounters are reminders of one of Seychelles’ most remarkable environmental success stories. 

“The tortoise translocation program has helped to establish a secure population outside their original habitat, reducing the risk of extinction from diseases, climate events and other threats,” he says. “Today Curieuse Island supports a free-roaming tortoise population and serves as an important conservation success story.” 

The giant tortoises that wander freely across Curieuse are more than a tourist attraction. They are living links to a prehistoric world, survivors that have outlived generations of people and witnessed centuries of change. Their presence on the island today is the result of careful conservation efforts that recognised a simple truth: protecting a species often means creating new opportunities for it to thrive beyond its original home.

As Jason explains, the tortoises do far more than simply occupy space. They actively shape the environment around them.

“The Aldabra giant tortoises are considered ecosystem engineers,” he says, adding, “They disperse seeds through their droppings, helping plants spread, control vegetation by grazing, create pathways that other animals use and influence plant diversity and habitat structure.”

Watching a tortoise move slowly across the landscape can make it seem detached from the urgency of the natural world. Yet every mouthful of vegetation and every seed deposited along its route contributes to a larger ecological cycle.  

“Their activities help maintain a healthy ecosystem and support biodiversity,” says Jason. 

On an island nation where nature forms the backbone of both identity and economy, such relationships are impossible to ignore. Seychelles has long depended on its forests, reefs, beaches and wildlife. Tourism brings visitors from around the world eager to experience this natural richness, but conservationists face the challenge of ensuring that popularity does not become a threat. 

On Curieuse Island, the balance is carefully managed. 

“Conservationists manage visitor numbers, establish designated walking trails and provide educational programs,” he explains, adding, “The rangers monitor animal health and behaviour to ensure tourism does not negatively impact the tortoises while still allowing visitors to enjoy and learn from the experience.” 

The approach reflects a growing philosophy within conservation circles. Rather than keeping people away from nature entirely, the goal is to create meaningful connections that inspire protection. Visitors leave not only with photographs but with a deeper understanding of the fragile systems that sustain the wildlife they have come to see. 

Perhaps nowhere is that fragility and resilience more evident than in the tortoises themselves. 

These giant reptiles are among the longest-living animals on Earth, with some believed to survive for well over a century and, in certain cases, approach two hundred years of age. Their extraordinary lifespan continues to fascinate researchers. 

“Scientists study them for a better understanding of healthy aging and longevity, disease resistance and adaptation to environmental changes,” says Jason. “Research may contribute to knowledge about aging and the conservation of other long-lived species.” 

In an era increasingly concerned with climate change, disease outbreaks and environmental stress, the tortoises offer valuable clues about endurance. Their survival strategies, developed over countless generations, may hold lessons extending far beyond island ecosystems. 

Yet conservation in Seychelles extends well beyond the giant tortoises that roam Curieuse. 

Across the archipelago, efforts are underway to protect sea turtles, coral reefs and marine habitats that support some of the Indian Ocean’s richest biodiversity. Visitors hoping to contribute can become part of these initiatives rather than simply observe them. 

“Visitors can join conservation activities through organisations such as the Seychelles Islands Foundation, the Marine Conservation Society of Seychelles and Nature Seychelles. They can participate in beach patrols during nesting season, turtle monitoring and data collection, habitat restoration projects and educational outreach programs,” says Jason. 

For many travellers, such experiences transform a holiday into something more meaningful. A morning spent collecting data on nesting turtles or restoring coastal habitat creates a connection that lasts long after the journey ends. 

The broader vision behind these projects is evident throughout Seychelles. Despite its small size, the island nation has earned international recognition for its environmental leadership. 

“Seychelles has become a global leader in marine conservation through large marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries management, blue economy initiatives, coral reef restoration projects and marine spatial planning,” says Jason. 

He points to efforts aimed at balancing conservation with economic activity, alongside initiatives focused on reducing plastic pollution and strengthening climate resilience. 

“These initiatives aim to protect marine habitats, support sustainable livelihoods and preserve biodiversity for future generations.” 

Standing on Curieuse Island, watching a giant tortoise disappear slowly into the greenery, it becomes clear that conservation is rarely about a single species. The tortoise is part of a larger story, one that includes forests, reefs, turtles, local communities and future generations. 

The Aldabra giant tortoise may move at an unhurried pace, but its journey has become a symbol of something profound. In Seychelles, conservation is not simply about saving wildlife from extinction. It is about understanding how every creature, no matter how slow its stride, helps shape the future of an entire ecosystem. 

And perhaps that is the greatest lesson these ancient giants offer. Survival is not merely about endurance. It is about coexistence, adaptation and the quiet, persistent work of keeping nature's delicate balance intact.