"These tortoises are absolutely the ecosystem engineers. They are incredible grazers, they are nutrient cyclers, they are seed dispersers, also just mechanically they are the largest creatures on these islands." 

In the latest episode of Rewilding the World Ben Goldsmith talks with Aldabra tortoise champion Celina Chien. 

The islands of the Indian Ocean once teemed with giant tortoises but European sailors harvested them nearly to extinction. Now the Indian Ocean Tortoise Alliance is carefully bringing them back, translocating them from island to island, and championing their cause. 

Ben Goldsmith is a British financier and rewilding enthusiast. Join him as he speaks to people from all over the world who champion nature and are helping to restore habitats and wildlife to some of the most nature depleted parts of our planet.

This podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach.

Text Rewilding the World here. Let us know what you think of the podcast and if there are any rewilding projects you would love Ben to feature in future episodes.

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Why not check out The Last Salmon: a podcast set to inspire hope and solutions for a species in crisis. The Last Salmon, offers hope and solutions to the tragic story that is unfolding for an iconic species - the wild salmon.

The European Nature Trust has curated a series of unique opportunities to encounter Europe’s most iconic species and landscapes. Each trip features a significant contribution directly to partnered NGOs on the ground. theeuropeannaturetrust.com