Aldabra Atoll: A Hidden Gem of Natural Diversity

As I roamed the coral limestone plateau and the lagoons of Aldabra Atoll, I was amazed by the abundance of endemic flora and fauna. The giant land tortoises and coconut crabs, which are unique to Aldabra, caught my attention. The pristine beaches, mangroves and seagrass beds were beautiful and offered a unique habitat for various species. The atoll also has a fascinating history, having served as an important stopover for Arab and Portuguese traders in the past. I compared this atoll with other coral islands I have visited and found Aldabra's ecosystem to be one of the most diverse and well-preserved.