Extra! Extra! Read All About it! The Giant Tortoises are in Trouble!


Have you hear of Lonesome George? He was the last survivor of a subspecies of giant tortoises on Pinta Island. Sadly, researchers and conservationists never found him a mate and he passed away in 2012. Leaving no more Pinta Island large tortoises. This sad tale may soon be the case for many other subspecies of this majestic animal. With these creatures weighing up to 700 pounds and spanning 4 feet long you would think we would see more of them, but that is not the case. Their population is unknown but they are classified as a vulnerable species.

Also known as the Galapagos Tortoise there home lies within the Galapagos Islands.
These animals are huge sleepers and nap for up to 16 hours a day. The rest of the time they are basking in the sun or eating leave, grass and cacti. They live the dream tropical lifestyle. So why are they in danger?

Their main threats to survival are the introduction of nonnative species like feral pigs, dogs and cows. They threaten these tortoises food supply and their eggs. With the introduction of these species and many being hunted for food during the 17th through 19th century the once thriving species now has an estimate of about 10 subspecies left. 

However, current efforts are seeing positive effects. They have been a protected species since 1970 and the Charles Darwin Research Station is involved in captive breeding projects to help keep the species thriving. 

These tortoises are very important to their environment and even have a mutualistic relationship with many tiny birds on the island. These birds find a buffet of ticks and bugs in the folds of the tortoises skin and shell that keeps these birds full and help keep the tortoises healthy. These tortoises are the largest in the world and they serve as an iconic species for the Galapagos Islands. We need to help to save these species.

Ensuring the survival of tortoise hatchlings is one of the biggest priorities. However, due to their small size it is incredibly difficult to track them. If more investment in satellite tagging and the use of advanced geographic tracking systems would allow conservationists to help protect these baby tortoises. 

How can you help?

1. Donate to the Galapagos Conservation Trust Donate HERE!
2. Adopt a Giant Tortoise- this symbolic action will help show your support!
3. Practice responsible tourism if you ever visit the Galapagos Islands.
4. Reduce your carbon footprint- the worst the climate and environment get the more affected the balance of these tortoises ecosystem will be.
5. Educate yourself. The more you know and the general population know. The more we can help these wonderful species.

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