The Aldabra affair
Abstract
Aldabra is the last undisturbed elevated-limestone island in the Indian Ocean, with a large population of the Giant Land Tortoise, breeding colonies of sea birds, and other interesting fauna and flora. In 1965 it was included in the British Indian Ocean Territory, and plans were made by the British Government for an air staging-post on the island. The Royal Society of London, on behalf of many scientific and conservation organizations, put forward proposals for the preservation of Aldabra for scientific study, and in 1967-1968 organized an expedition to the island. Military plans were abandoned during the economic crisis of November 1967, but for financial rather than scientific reasons. Safeguards are necessary to ensure that scientific advice is taken in future planning of this sort, and meanwhile it is proposed to establish a nature reserve and scientific research station on Aldabra.
- Publication:
-
Biological Conservation
- Pub Date:
- 1968
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0006-3207(68)90021-9
- Bibcode:
- 1968BCons...1...63S