Galapagos Islands See Return of Giant Tortoises to Floreana Island After 150-Year Absence
FLOREANA ISLAND, Ecuador — After nearly 150 years since the last giant tortoises disappeared from Floreana Island in the Galápagos archipelago, a recent chapter in conservation began on Friday with the release of 158 juvenile hybrid tortoises. The release aims to restore the island’s depleted ecosystem and revive a lost lineage.
Restoring a Lost Lineage
The tortoises, aged between 8 and 13, were carefully selected for their genetic strength and ability to defend themselves against introduced predators like rats and cats, according to Fredy Villalba, director of the Galápagos National Park breeding center on Santa Cruz Island.[1] This initial release is part of a larger plan to introduce a total of 700 tortoises to Floreana.
These reintroduced tortoises carry between 40% and 80% of the genetic material of the Chelonoidis niger species, which went extinct on Floreana 150 years ago.[1] Scientists discovered that the lineage of these hybrids traces back to Wolf Volcano on Isabela Island, a finding that continues to intrigue researchers.[1] The breeding program focuses on selecting adults with the strongest genetic makeup to gradually restore the genetic purity of the original Floreana tortoise.
A History of Loss and Hope
Two centuries ago, Floreana Island was home to an estimated 20,000 giant tortoises.[1] However, whaling activities, a devastating fire, and extensive human exploitation led to their complete extinction on the island.[2]
“In genetic terms, reintroducing a species to that island with a significant genetic component of the original species is vital,” explained biologist Washington Tapia of Biodiversa-Consultores to the Associated Press.[1] Tapia emphasized that the project is not merely about increasing numbers but about restoring a lost genetic lineage.
Floreana Island: A Unique Ecosystem
Floreana Island, spanning approximately 173 square kilometers (67 square miles), is a volcanic landmass and the southernmost island in the Galápagos archipelago.[1] Located roughly 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) off the coast of mainland Ecuador, it remains a remote and ecologically significant site.
The reintroduced tortoises will share their habitat with a population of nearly 200 people, as well as diverse wildlife including flamingos, iguanas, penguins, sea gulls, and hawks.[3] However, they will too face challenges from introduced plant species like blackberry and guava, and animals such as rats, cats, pigs, and donkeys, all of which pose threats to the island’s ecosystem.[2]
Verónica Mora, a Floreana resident, expressed her excitement about the tortoise release, calling it a “dream come true” and highlighting the community’s pride in the restoration project.[1]
Galápagos Islands: A World Heritage Site
The Galápagos Islands were designated a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in 1978, recognizing their unique abundance of terrestrial and marine species found nowhere else on Earth.[4] This designation underscores the importance of conservation efforts like the Floreana tortoise reintroduction program.