Aldabrachelys

Aldabrachelys
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Reptilia
Order:Testudines
Suborder:Cryptodira
Family:Testudinidae
Genus:Aldabrachelys
Loveridge & E. Williams, 1957[1]
Synonyms
  • Megalochelys Fitzinger, 1843
  • Dipsochelys Bour, 1982

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

Naming

This name is problematic in that the type specimen is actually a 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 1000 years ago, which have been found on the Comoros, are believed to have been from an unknown species of the same genus.[4]

References

  1. 1 2 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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