''Aldabrachelys'' is the recognised

genus Genus ( plural genera ) is a taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms as well as viruses. In the hierarchy of biological classification, genus comes above species and below family. In binomial nom ...

for the Seychelles and Madagascan radiations of giant tortoises, including the

Aldabra giant tortoise The Aldabra giant tortoise (''Aldabrachelys gigantea'') is a species of tortoise in the family Testudinidae. The species is endemic to the islands of the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles. It is one of the largest tortoises in the world.Pritch ...

(''Aldabrachelys gigantea'').

Naming

This name is problematic in that the type specimen is actually represents '' Chelonoidis denticulata''; Bour R (2006). "Identity of ''Testudo gigantea'' Schweigger, 1812 and rediscovery of the type specimen". ''Emys'' 13 (4): 12–23. however, this was discussed and petitioned before the ICZNFrazer 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
/ref> and accepted: the name ''Aldabrachelys'' is therefore the correct name for this genus.

Species

* †'' A. abrupta'' - abrupt giant tortoise ( extinct) * †'' A. grandidieri'' - Grandidier's giant tortoise (extinct) * '' A. gigantea'' – with the following subspecies: ::'' 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 1,000 years ago, which have been found on the Comoros, are believed to have been from an unknown species of the same genus. Gerlach J, Canning KL (1996)
"Evolution and History of the Giant Tortoises of the Aldabra island group"
''Testudo'' 4 (3): 33–40.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q4713411 Turtle genera Reptile genera with one living species Taxa named by Arthur Loveridge