More than 150 giant tortoises, aged between 8 and 13 years, have been successfully released on Floreana Island in Ecuador’s famous Galápagos archipelago, where they disappeared over a century ago. This reintroduction is a part of ongoing efforts to restore the island's damaged ecosystem, according to reports from France 24. The tortoises are now capable of defending themselves against invasive species such as rats and cats, a significant factor emphasized by Fredy Villalba, director of the Galápagos National Park breeding center.

Historically, Floreana Island was home to approximately 20,000 giant tortoises before they were driven to extinction due to whaling, destructive fires, and rampant human exploitation. The newly released tortoises carry between 40 to 80 percent of the genetic material of Chelonoidis niger, a species that has been extinct for 150 years. The breeding program aims to gradually restore the extinct Floreana species to its original genetic purity, a critical step for conservation efforts to ensure the long-term survival of the tortoises and the island's biodiversity.

The return of these giant tortoises is not only a triumph for ecological restoration but also a vital move against the backdrop of the ongoing global biodiversity crisis. By reestablishing the tortoises, conservationists hope to enhance the ecological balance of Floreana Island, which has faced significant threats from invasive species and habitat degradation. As this reintroduction unfolds, it may serve as a model for similar efforts in other locations facing ecological challenges worldwide.