Can Aldabra Giant turtles replace extinct Madagascar Giant turtles ?

[vogelcommando]

Posibility to release Aldabra Giant Turtles on Madagascar to replace the extinct Madagascar Giant turtle :
Imported Tortoises Could Replace Madagascar's Extinct Ones | LiveScience

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

It could potentially replace the now 2 extinct giant tortoise species that once roamed the island. However, we have a hard time already saving the angonoka - which is presently the largest species - and the radiated and spider tortoises. What should be our priority ... methinks !!!

 

[zooboy28]

I don't like the idea of using "surrogate species" (not sure if thats the right phrase) to replace extinct species (although I'm all for reintroduction of locally extinct species). If they are gone they are gone, and in this case it seems like a waste of resources, especially given the high rates of tortoise smuggling from Madagascar, any young would probably disappear quite quickly.

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

I do not agree entirely. There has been a demonstrated benefit from having close relatives of extinct species take up the niche vacated. It has proven its worth on Reunion and Mauritius already. No reason why it would not have the same beneficial effect on Madagascar. Aside, Pedrono is a world authority on Malagasy herps and his advice / assessment is not to be taken lightly.

Still I think it is a battle ... with current tortoise crisis in Madagascar.