About Us

Welcome to the Indian Ocean Tortoise Alliance!

Map illustrating the location of Seychelles and nearby islands, including Madagascar, Aldabra, Comoros, Reunion, Mauritius, Rodrigues, with a focus on Seychelles in the Indian Ocean.

Welcome to the Indian Ocean Tortoise Alliance (IOTA), an environmental non-profit based in the Seychelles dedicated to the protection and preservation of Aldabra giant tortoises and island ecosystems.

A few centuries ago, islands across the Western Indian Ocean were teeming with a diverse array of tortoises. However, human activities led to the extinction of nearly all giant tortoise species, leaving the Aldabra giant tortoise as the last remaining giant species.

At IOTA, we are committed to rewilding these vacant islands with Aldabra giant tortoises and enhancing conservation efforts for this remarkable species and other regional tortoises in their natural habitats. Our mission thrives on the power of global, regional, and local collaboration, involving governments and communities alike.

We champion the Aldabra giant tortoise as a symbol of the Seychelles and an ambassador for conservation efforts in the region. By raising awareness and driving initiatives, we aim to secure a brighter future for these magnificent creatures.

Join us on our mission to protect and conserve the breathtaking islands of Seychelles and the extraordinary Aldabra giant tortoises. Together, we can make a significant impact on the future of these incredible animals and their habitats.

Executive Team

  • A young man with curly hair wearing a blue t-shirt outdoors with trees in the background.

    Tom Kaplan

    FOUNDER & CHAIRPERSON

  • A woman holding a green parrot with a black beak and colorful feathers.

    Dr Maria Mederick

    VICE-CHAIRPERSON

  • A woman with blonde hair wearing a navy and white striped top, standing outdoors with lush green trees and a lake in the background.

    Judith Strashoon

    TREASURER

Project Team

  • Man wearing a hat, sunglasses, and a backpack, holding a large rock in an outdoor desert landscape.

    Dr Dennis Hansen

    SCIENCE DIRECTOR

  • Smiling man outdoors with green foliage background

    Rich Baxter, MSc

    DIRECTOR

  • A young person crouches on grass, holding a turtle's head while smiling. They are surrounded by lush green tropical plants.

    Georgette Savy

    PROJECT OFFICER

  • A man smiling with a green leafy background behind him.

    Santosh Albert

    ASSISTANT PROJECT OFFICER

Executive Board

  • A man smiling outdoors, holding a large tortoise with a domed shell. Green foliage surrounds him.

    Stuart Salenger

  • A smiling man wearing a striped gray shirt and camouflage hat holding a turtle in a rural setting with green plants and a wooden structure in the background.

    Tomas Diagne

  • A man standing outdoors in a forested area holding a snake on a stick.

    Dr Chris Jenkins

  • A man crouching and feeding a large tortoise with bamboo in a lush, green outdoor setting.

    Vance Serchuk

  • Woman smiling outdoors with greenery in background, wearing sunglasses and a floral sleeveless top.

    Wilna Accouche

  • A man with short hair and light skin, wearing a short-sleeved white shirt, standing outdoors with arms crossed in front of a brick wall.

    Mohamed Khashoggi

Previous Team Members

  • Girl in blue t-shirt and black shorts kneeling beside a large tortoise outside among trees and foliage.

    Sophie Berlouis

    PROJECT OFFICER

Support Our Mission

Your donation helps protect the Aldabra giant tortoise and preserve the unique biodiversity of the Seychelles.

Donate Now

Our Partners

Seychelles Island Foundation

Visit Seychelles

Green Islands Foundation

Seychelles Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Francois Leguat Reserve

Zoological Museum, UZH

Citizen Engagement Platform

University of Zurich

The Orianne Society

Ministry of Environment Energy and Climate Change

Seychelles Government

Turtle Action Group Seychelles

Island Biodiversity & Conservation Centre

ICUN TFTSG