Biology
An old male tortoise called 'Foetidia' wastes no time in getting acquainted with his new friends in the Rodrigues reserve, after spending 90 years as a single captive male. © L Steel
Giant tortoises are slow-growing and usually outlive their human owners when kept in suitable conditions. It has been claimed they can live over 250 years however it is hard to be certain exactly how long they can live.
Reproduction
Giant tortoises do not reach sexual maturity until their 30s.
Mating is a noisy process, with the males bellowing like a bull, and chasing after the females. The male’s tail guides his penis into position, and copulation lasts for 10-15 minutes.
Egg laying
The females seek a soft sandy spot and lay between 9 and 25 eggs.