About the Galápagos tortoise

Not immediately apparent as reptiles, Galápagos tortoises are known for their long lifespan, with some individuals recorded to live more than 150 years.

They are herbivores whose diet primarily consists of grasses, leaves, and fruit. They are also known to eat cactus pads, which provide a source of hydration. These tortoises are generally slow-moving and spend much of their day resting to conserve energy. They can go without food or water for long periods, a crucial adaptation for survival in their arid environment.

The shell is highly domed and protects predators. The shape and size of the shell can vary between different subspecies and islands. Females lay eggs in nests they dig in the ground. The eggs hatch after an incubation period of around 4-8 months, depending on environmental conditions.

As their name suggests, Galápagos tortoises are native to the Galapagos Islands, an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean located about 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) off the coast of Ecuador. They inhabit various island environments, from arid lowlands to humid highlands. Different subspecies are adapted to the specific conditions of their home islands.

Before human intervention, it is estimated that there were over 250,000 Galápagos tortoises across the islands.

Whaling ships, buccaneers, and colonists harvested tortoises for their meat and oil, dramatically declining the population. Introduced species, such as rats, pigs, and goats, further decimated tortoise populations by preying on eggs and competing for food.

However, due to extensive conservation efforts, the overall population of Galápagos tortoises is now estimated to be between 15,000 to 20,000 individuals.

Disease, invasive species and illegal human poaching threaten Galapagos tortoises, as does habitat destruction. 

Altered climate patterns can affect the delicate balance of the tortoises' environment, influencing food availability, nesting sites, and the sex ratio of hatchlings (temperature determines the sex of tortoise eggs).
In addition, the increased frequency and severity of events like droughts and storms can impact food and water resources and habitat conditions.

Where to see Galápagos tortoises

Marine Iguanas and endemic to the Galápagos Islands meaning expedition and small-ship adventure cruising is one of the best ways to see them. Most Galápagos cruises visit islands such as Isabela, Fernandina, and Española, where marine iguanas are most commonly found. These islands offer rocky shorelines and intertidal zones ideal for iguana sightings.

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Interesting facts about Galápagos tortoises

Perhaps the most famous Galapagos tortoise was Lonesome George, the last known individual of the Pinta Island subspecies. Despite efforts to find a mate for him, he passed away in 2012, marking the subspecies' extinction.

The temperature of the nest determines the sex of the hatchlings, with warmer temperatures producing females and cooler temperatures producing males.

Charles Darwin's observations of the differences between these subspecies contributed to his theory of evolution by natural selection.

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