Active conservation is necessary to ensure the survival of the remaining species.

The Galápagos Islands, a remote archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, are home to some of the most fascinating and iconic creatures on Earth. Among them, the Galápagos tortoises stand out as living symbols of the islands’ unique biodiversity. These giant reptiles, which can live for over a century, have evolved into distinct species and subspecies, each adapted to the specific environments of the different islands they inhabit.

The Galápagos tortoises are divided into several species, primarily based on their geographic location and physical characteristics. Historically, it is believed that there were 15 species of Galápagos tortoises. However, human activity and introduced species have caused the extinction of several species, leaving 11 species that are recognized today.

One of the most famous species is Chelonoidis nigra, commonly known as the Floreana tortoise. This species, which once roamed Floreana Island, was driven to extinction by whalers and pirates who hunted them for food. Though extinct in the wild, conservation efforts are being made to reintroduce a genetically similar hybrid population on Floreana.

On Santa Cruz Island, two species are recognized. Chelonoidis porteri, the Western Santa Cruz tortoise, is the more widespread of the two, found primarily in the central and western parts of the island. It is characterized by its large, dome-shaped shell, which is adapted to the humid highlands of Santa Cruz. The second species is Chelonoidis donfaustoi, named after Fausto Llerena, a park ranger who dedicated his life to the conservation of these majestic animals. This species inhabits the eastern part of the island and was only recently identified as a distinct species in 2015.

Isabela Island is home to five distinct species of tortoises, each isolated on different volcanoes: Chelonoidis becki (Volcán Wolf), Chelonoidis vicina (Volcán Cerro Azul), Chelonoidis guentheri (Volcán Sierra Negra), Chelonoidis microphyes (Volcán Darwin), and Chelonoidis vandenburghi (Volcán Alcedo). These species vary in size, shell shape, and color, reflecting the diverse habitats found on the island. The tortoises from the drier regions of Isabela, such as C. microphyes, tend to have a more saddle-backed shell, which allows them to reach higher vegetation, while those from more humid areas, like C. vandenburghi, have domed shells.

On Pinzón Island, the Chelonoidis duncanensis tortoise was once critically endangered due to the introduction of rats, which preyed on eggs and hatchlings. Thanks to extensive conservation efforts, including a successful captive breeding program and the eradication of invasive species, the Pinzón tortoise population is now recovering.

Española Island is home to Chelonoidis hoodensis, one of the smallest species, which also has a saddle-backed shell. This species was brought back from the brink of extinction through a breeding program that included the famous tortoise Lonesome George, the last of his kind, representing the now-extinct Chelonoidis abingdonii from Pinta Island.

Lastly, San Cristóbal Island hosts Chelonoidis chathamensis, another dome-shelled species adapted to the island’s highland forests. This species is unique to the island and plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem by dispersing seeds and maintaining vegetation patterns.

Each species of Galápagos tortoise is a testament to the power of evolution and the delicate balance of island ecosystems. Conservation efforts continue to protect these ancient giants, ensuring that future generations can witness the marvel of these creatures that have roamed the Galápagos for millions of years.