They live in grasslands, scrub areas and mangrove swamps. In captivity, feed on great quantities of cabbage leaves and other green stuffs. In courting, male batters his shell against a female a dozen or more times. Makes a deep, trumpeting call when mating. Soft carapace at first.
Growth continues for forty years.
Carapace has small neck plate absent in other species. Able to go without food for several weeks. Wallows in mud to protect itself against mosquitos. Largest tortoise recorded was an Aldabran 49.5 inches long. Also oldest, aged 152 years.