Giant Tortoises have returned to Madagascar after 600 years

[Catherine]

Madagascar was home to thousands of Aldabra tortoises. Humans hunting wiped them out 600 years ago. Madagascar has suffered ecologically since then.
There is now a plan under way to repopulate the island with the tortoises. They have been able to bring some adults in from the Seychelles where they still live. They were released in 2018. Five males and seven females were released and they have produced 158 babies so far. They babies are being raised in a protected area, but will be released as soon as they are big enough. 
Right now they are in the Anjajavy Reserve, but the plan is to repopulate the whole island.

https://theconversation.com/madagascar-g...out-221615

The tortoises played an important role in the Madagascar's ecology. Restoring them will stabilize the ecosystem and help against climate change. The tortoises played an important part in spreading tree seeds and regenerating forests. Restoring the tortoises will help restore the forests. It may take years, but the project will bring about a lasting positive change for Madagascar. Humans destroyed the balance 600 years ago. Hopefully we can fix it.