“It was looking directly at the tern and walking purposefully toward it,” said University of Cambridge biologist Justin Gerlach in a Cell release. The tortoise’s jaws-wide approach indicated to the researchers that the reptile knew the tern was something that needed to be killed, not something that was already ready to eat. Generally, tortoise diets focus on vegetation, though some eat bones and snail shells (for the calcium), occasional carrion, and, in at least one semi-aquatic tortoise species, frogs. The tern chick offered a bit of bonus protein for the tortoise. ![]() But a chelonian has to eat - and keep in mind, they become unfortunate meals for animals higher up the food chain, too. Video of the encounter, filmed by study author Anna Zora, deputy conservation and sustainability manager on the island, can be a little unsettling, especially if you’re used to the idea of tortoises as docile, peaceful animals. Shortly after, the reptile swallowed the chick whole. Then the tortoise’s jaws clapped shut on the bird’s head, and it fell off the log to the forest floor. The bird spread its wings and flapped and pecked at the tortoise. Mouth agape, the tortoise forced the tern back to the edge of the log. An adult female Seychelles giant tortoise ( Aldabrachelys gigantea) with a shell nearly 0.6 metres long approached a lesser noddy tern chick ( Anous tenuirostris) perched on a log. The incident happened in the late afternoon of July 30, 2020, on Frégate Island, which is in the Indian Ocean several hundred miles northeast of Madagascar. Here you’ll find first looks to complete hands-on experiences with the latest tech on the market. View All Reviews Expert opinions and reviews on the latest gadgets, phones, laptops and more.Smartwatch and Fitness Tracker See how Apple Watch, Fitbit, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Garmin and many more stack up with our reviews.Smartphone Read trusted reviews on the latest smart phones from Apple, Samsung, Google and many more.PC & Peripheral All you need to know on the latest PC releases and whether they’re worth their dime.From consoles to RPGS and shooters, we’ve got it all here just waiting for you to read. Gaming Let expert reviewers guide you on which games to play.Gadgets & Smart Home Whether it’s a drone, a smart vacuum or noise cancelling headphones you are looking to buy, our reviewers have tried and tested it before you have to. ![]() Entertainment We spend hours watching and reviewing the latest movies, shows and music releases so you don’t have to.Car Our revheads bring you all you need to know on the coolest electric vehicles and sports cars available on the market.Camera Here you’ll find expert opinions on the latest cameras from Canon, Nikon, Sony and plenty more.
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