Comments on the proposed conservation of usage of Testudo gigantea Schweigger, 1812 (currently Geochelone (Aldabrachelys) gigantea; Reptilia, Testudines) 2

 I would like to support the petition to conserve the name of the Aldabra tortoise as Testudo gigantea.

 As secretary of the Science Committee of the Seychelles Islands
Foundation (which manages Aldabra Atoll) for some years, it was often
frustrating to find so many names given to this animal icon of the
atoll. The use of the specific name gigantea I support unreservedly.

 In education and awareness work, which I am much involved with, in
particular for local people and for tourists, it has been a constant
headache to know how or what to call the Giant Tortoise, which is
important both in local culture and history, and also as a famous and
prominent animal found in Seychelles. Sometimes it is not necessary to
use a Latin name, but when this information is given for all other
species in the text, it seems odd not to put one for the Giant
Tortoise. Most people cannot fathom why there should be so much fuss
made over a Latin name, and the fact that there have been so many
different names is quite an embarrassment! For the sake of sanity as
well as science I welcome this petition and fully support it.