After more than 180 years, giant tortoises have returned to Floreana Island in the Galápagos archipelago of Ecuador. In a significant conservation effort, 158 juvenile hybrids were reintroduced to the island, which was once home to an estimated 20,000 giant tortoises before facing extinction in the 1840s due to various human activities and natural disasters.
The release of these young tortoises marks a crucial step in the captive “back breeding” program initiated in 2017. Conservation biologist James Gibbs likened the moment to watching his children take their first steps, emphasizing the enthusiasm and curiosity displayed by the juvenile tortoises as they ventured into their new environment.
With plans to gradually release a total of 700 tortoises on Floreana, the reintroduced juveniles carry a significant genetic resemblance to the extinct Floreana species, known as Chelonoidis niger. This genetic connection is deemed essential for the successful reintroduction of the species and the restoration of the island’s ecosystem.
The release process was meticulously executed, with park rangers and researchers carefully transporting the tortoises to designated release sites on the island. Divided into two groups, the tortoises were guided to different habitats to optimize their chances of adapting and thriving on the island.
Despite the challenges posed by non-native species and potential threats to the tortoises, efforts are underway to monitor their movements using GPS trackers. Researchers are closely observing the tortoises’ behavior and interactions with the environment to ensure their successful integration into their new habitat.
The return of these giant tortoises to Floreana Island symbolizes a significant milestone in conservation efforts and offers hope for the revitalization of the island’s ecosystem over time.
