Aldabra Giant Tortoise

• The Aldabra Giant Tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea), one of the largest tortoise species on Earth, is endemic to the Aldabra atoll, Seychelles. 
• It has been given VULNERABLE status by IUCN. These tortoises can live upto 200 years.
• Once found all over the Indian Ocean, their population is reduced due to sailors catching them for food.

Madras Crocodile Bank 

• It is about 40 km away from Chennai City which provides shelter to endangered species of Crocodiles, snakes, lizards and tortoises.
• It was setup in 1976 with the specific goal of securing breeding populations of the three species of Indian crocodile: the mugger (Crocodylus palustris), the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) and the rarest of all, the gharial (Gavialis gangeticus).
• It promotes the conservation of reptiles and amphibians and their habitats through education, scientific research and captive breeding.

Why in the News?

• 2 Aldabra tortoises have been stolen from the Madras Crocodile Bank in November 2020. Mamallapuram police has set up a special police team to investigate and rescue these tortoises.
• Generally they are smuggled for meat or as pets.

References:

1. https://www.north-island.com/aldabra-giant-tortoise/
2. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/special-police-teams-formed-to-trace-tortoise-missing-from-madras-crocodile-bank/article33416915.ece
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madras_Crocodile_Bank_Trust