After a hiatus of more than 180 years, giant tortoises have made a comeback to Floreana Island in the Galápagos archipelago of Ecuador. A group of 158 juvenile hybrids were recently released by scientists and local park rangers onto the island. The initiative is part of a captive breeding program known as “back breeding” that began in 2017 to revive the once-thriving population of giant tortoises on the island.
Conservation biologist James Gibbs likened the moment to watching his own children take their first steps as the young tortoises eagerly explored their new surroundings upon release. These juveniles, expected to reach weights of up to 600 pounds over the next couple of decades, are part of a larger plan to introduce a total of 700 tortoises gradually back into Floreana. Christina Sevilla, the director of ecosystems at the Galapagos National Park, highlighted that these juveniles carry a significant genetic resemblance to the extinct Floreana species, Chelonoidis niger.
Biologist Washington Tapia emphasized the importance of reintroducing a species with a strong genetic link to its original population. The reintroduction of the giant tortoises aims not only to increase their numbers but also to restore a lost lineage on the island. The hope is that these juveniles, aged between eight and 13 and weighing 30 to 50 pounds, will contribute to the rejuvenation of Floreana’s ecosystem, considering their potential lifespan of over a century.
During the release process, park rangers and Gibbs carried the juvenile tortoises on their backs from the ship to the release sites on the island, braving the challenging terrain and heat. The tortoises were divided into two groups, with one set released in a drier lowland area and the other in a slightly moister highland region. The tortoises now coexist on Floreana Island with a variety of wildlife and face challenges from non-native species introduced by humans, such as rats, cats, and pigs, along with invasive plants like blackberry and guava.
To monitor the tortoises’ movements post-release, each juvenile has been equipped with GPS trackers. Researchers will track their activities in real-time to ensure their adaptation and safety in their new environment. The team will continue to observe and support the tortoises as they settle back into their natural habitat on Floreana Island.