Land of Giants

Perhaps the most well‑known species of the Galápagos is the giant tortoise.

Each species is “built” to survive on its island. Tortoises with domed shells live in highlands with fertile pastures. The shape of their shell keeps them from raising their heads high. So, they need to find food close to the ground.

Other tortoises have shells that curve upward at the front. They live on islands with less vegetation. They can reach for food that’s higher off the ground.

Galápagos giant tortoise

giant tortoise with saddleback shell

giant tortoise with domed shell

At Risk

Sadly, one of the tortoise’s best adaptations became a cause of its decline. Giant tortoises can survive for nearly a year without food or water. So, sailors and whalers collected them to have fresh meat to eat on long trips. Tortoises were also exploited for their fat, used in lamps. About 200,000 tortoises were killed for these reasons. In 1959, the Galápagos National Park was created. Soon after, the Tortoise Breeding Center on Santa Cruz was established.

Tortoises Today

The Tortoise Breeding Center took a big step to slow the loss of giant tortoises. They began raising captive tortoises. Once they’re large enough to be safe, the center reintroduces them into the wild. By the end of 2017, more than 7,000 young tortoises were returned to their islands.

The center also wants to bring tortoises back to islands where they’ve gone extinct. This happened on two islands in the mid‑1800s. And in 2012, with the death of Lonesome George.

Who Was Lonesome George?

The Pinta Island tortoise was extinct. No one had seen one since 1906. Then in 1971, a scientist discovered one by accident. That tortoise was Lonesome George. George was moved to the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz. He lived there for 40 years. He was about 100 when he died. By then, George had become a symbol for conservation everywhere.

Before you read

Life Science

Biodiversity and Humans

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To rebuild tortoise populations in the wild, some are first raised in captivity. Here’s how it works:

1

In the wild, mother tortoises lay their eggs in holes. They cover them with sand. When scientists find the buried eggs, they bring them to a rearing center.

2

Each egg is labeled, weighed, and registered. They are kept in boxes. They take 120 days to hatch.

3

A hatchling breaks free from its egg. It feeds on its yolk sac for 30 more days.

4

For two years, young tortoises are kept in pens. These protect them from predators. They learn to find their own food.

5

When they are five years old, they are old enough to look after themselves. Then they are released to the wild.

Keeping the Peace

Another conservation goal is to prevent conflicts between humans and tortoises. Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, and Isabela have already seen conflicts.

On Santa Cruz, tortoises have eaten plastics. Others have been hit by cars. One was attacked by stray dogs. The people of the Galápagos know and value the treasure they have in the giant tortoises. They are trying many ways to protect them.

A baby tortoise crawls across a leaf.

PROTECT THE NATURAL WORLD

One of National Geographic’s goals is to help protect Earth’s wild places. How did the stories make you feel about the Galápagos Islands? Do you think it is important to protect them?

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The Galápagos Islands have evolved into a place filled with wondrous plants and animals. Many are found nowhere else on Earth. Forty‑two percent of the plants; 79 percent of mammals; 80 percent of birds; 91 percent of reptiles; and 56 percent of insects live only on the Galápagos Islands.

In their isolation, the islands have become a living laboratory for scientists. Yet, invasive species pose grave threats to the Galápagos’ unique ecosystems.

We are one of those threats. Today, more than 30,000 people live on the islands. More than 160,000 tourists visit every year. Our footprint leaves a mark on this place. To visit the Galápagos Islands is a remarkable privilege. We are honor‑bound to be good stewards.

What can we do? We can protect vulnerable species and ecosystems. We can limit the introduction of invasive species. We can promote climate research. We can promote community awareness. Can we do these things alone? No. It will take all of us, working together to protect this special place.

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