158 giant tortoises have been released on Floreana Island, Galápagos, more than 100 years after the species went extinct.
On Friday, 158 giant tortoises were released on Floreana Island, one of the Galápagos Islands, marking a significant step in the ecological restoration of the region over a century after the extinction of the species, Chelonoidis niger. These young tortoises, aged between 8 and 13 years, have been specially bred and selected for their genetic makeup, matching closely with the original population that once inhabited Floreana. This effort is part of a larger initiative aiming to reintroduce up to 700 tortoises to restore the island's ecosystem.
The sub-species Chelonoidis niger disappeared from Floreana 150 years ago due to a combination of factors, including human exploitation and a catastrophic fire that devastated their habitat. Historically, around 20,000 individuals of this species thrived on the island before their population plummeted due to these adverse conditions. The successful release of these tortoises is seen as a crucial move in the ongoing conservation efforts in the Galápagos archipelago, which is renowned for its unique biodiversity.
The reintroduction not only aims to revive the native giant tortoise population but also to restore balance in the local ecosystem that has been disrupted over the years. Conservationists hope that this initiative will lead to a sustainable future for the species and contribute to broader environmental recovery projects in the Galápagos, known for its rich yet fragile ecosystems that are under constant threat from human activities and climate change.
