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ALDABRA ATOLL

May 17, 2015 By Howard Kramer Leave a Comment

Seychelles

The Aldabra Atoll is an island group in the Indian Ocean that for much of its history was largely untainted by people.  The second largest coral atoll in the world, the land and waters around Aldabra are home to an important ecology of marine life.  Most notably, it is home to the world’s largest population of giant tortoises.  Although not a national park, Aldabra is isolated with effectively no human habitation.  It was designated as a world heritage site in 1982.

These islands were unknown and uninhabited in prehistoric times.  Although it was known to be visited by Arab traders, it was never permanently inhabited.  This continued to be the case after Portuguese explorers discovered the atoll in the 16th century.  During the Colonial era, the islands were heavily exploited for resources and food.  It was only at the end of the 19th century that conservation measures were taken.  After World War II, all exploitation of the Aldabra came to an end, and the permanent population of the atoll severely restricted.   Now a part of the Seychelles, Aldabra is heavily protected, and much of the ecological damage to the island repaired.

Aldabra, the second largest atoll in the world, consists of four large coral islands clustered around an expansive central lagoon.  Millions of years of geological evolution have left the atoll with a fantastic landscape which became home to many species, especially birds.  One of the few mammals found on the islands, the Flying Fox, was a transplant from Madagascar.  Over one hundred thousand tortoises, more than half on Earth, make their homes on the atoll, along with many smaller species of turtles.

The Aldabra Atoll is part of the territory of the Seychelles, though it is much closer to Comoros, which is 200 miles away, as well as the island of Madagascar and the East African coast.  The atoll is isolated and access is extremely limited.  As of this writing no visitor information was available.  Web: www.seychelles.travel (official website).

Filed Under: Marine Sanctuary

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About Howard Kramer

Howard Kramer is the creator and author of The Complete Pilgrim. He first took an interest in religious sites in his early twenties when traveling through Italy after college. In the two decades since he has traveled to more than two dozen countries and almost every state, visiting and photographing hundreds of the world’s greatest churches, synagogues and other places of religious interest. Howard has been writing about religious sites for the better part of the last decade, and The Complete Pilgrim is a culmination of years of his work and passion.

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Welcome to The Complete Pilgrim(TM)! This site, created by Howard Kramer, is a combination travel blog and online guide to the world's greatest sites of religious interest (with some historic and recreational places thrown in for good measure). All written content has been originally researched and produced and is provided free for public research and enjoyment. Thank you for visiting!

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Have a comment, a great photo or a religious site you'd like to nominate for the weekly spotlight? We would love to hear from you. Email us at hkramer@thecompletepilgrim.com.

About the Author

Howard Kramer is the creator and author of The Complete Pilgrim. He first took an interest in religious sites in his early twenties when traveling through Italy after college. In the two decades since he has traveled to more than two dozen countries and almost every state, visiting and photographing hundreds of the world’s greatest churches, synagogues and other places of religious interest. Howard has been writing about religious sites for the better part of the last decade, and The Complete Pilgrim is the culmination of years of his work and passion.

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