Galapagos Boom: Ancient Tortoise Pops Up After a Century of “Gone”
Picture this: a giant tortoise, the huge, shelled kind that could probably bounce if you pressed it hard enough, appears on the remote island of Fernandina after being thought extinct for good. Suddenly, the record books are shaken, and conservationists are cheering like kids on a playground.
The Mysterious Migration
Our 100‑year‑old heroine, probably the first of her kind since 1906, was spotted by expert eyes on Fernandina. She’s believed to be a Fernandina Giant Tortoise, scientific name Chelonoidis phantasticus. The animal made the long trip back to the Galápagos conservation hub on Santa Cruz island, apparently traveling by boat rather than by bus.
Washington Tapia of the Galapagos Conservancy (a U.S. non‑profit that fights for these shell‑topped stars) says the tortoise is “a very old tortoise.” It’s the hip‑hip‑ho older version of a Bulldog, only at the snail‑fast pace.
History, Roots, and a Dash of Darwinian Flair
For those who haven’t lost their sense of wonder about the Galapagos, remember that these islands were the playground of the great naturalist Charles Darwin. His 1859 masterpiece, The Origin of Species, came from studies on unique flora and fauna—including these turtles.
Voices from the Aerial Band
Ecuador’s Environment Minister, Marcelo Mata, tweeted about the miraculous find, sharing that the specimen “was believed to have gone extinct more than 100 years ago.” The ministry’s statement added that the presence of tracks and droppings hints other members of the species might still be lounging around – or at least hanging out on the loose.
What Could This Mean?
- It’s a possible reset button for a species many thought was lost forever.
- Conservationists are now on a treasure hunt, hoping to uncover more of the family.
- We might get a chance to repaint the “Extinct” label red, or at least add a “currently alive” badge.
In short, the Galápagos is rolling out the red carpet for our ancient friends, and the drama makes for great storytelling—proving that sometimes, even the slowest creatures can sprint back into our feeds.
Great Tortoise Revelations: A Lost Species Awakens
On a sun‑kissed Sunday, biologist Forrest Galante snapped a picture of a Fernandina Giant Tortoise on the barren, volcanic island of Fernandina. The wildlife whisperers are buzzing because this shelled wonder might just belong to the long‑forgotten Chelonoidis phantasticus species.
How we’ll prove it’s the real deal
- Advanced DNA tests are slated to confirm the tortoise’s lineage.
- Scientists fear that recent lava flows might have split the remaining Fernandina tortoises into separate, isolated groups.
Island Spotlight: Fernandina
Fernandina is one of the freshest pieces of land in the Galapagos archipelago—so fresh, in fact, that it’s still smoking from its own volcano. It’s uninhabited by humans, yet it hosts one of the 15 distinct giant tortoise species on the islands.
Legacy of the Galapagos
- Historically, at least two giant tortoise species have vanished entirely.
- In 2015, a new species, Chelonoidis donfaustoi, was named after Fausto Llerena, the park ranger who cared for Lonesome George.
Remembering Lonesome George
Lonesome George was the last of the Pinta tortoise species. He enshrouded an iconography of resilience in the Galapagos junkyard of 1,000 km (600 miles) off South America. After his death in 2012, scientists tried to breed his DNA with related species—only to have the eggs fail to hatch.
Today, the stuffed remains of George grace a place of honor at the Charles Darwin Research Centre.
Giant Tortoises: A Brief History
Scientists believe these massive reptiles arrived on the remote volcanic islands 3–4 million years ago, carried along by ocean currents. Free from predators, they spread across the islands, diverging into several species.
Challenges They Faced
- 18th–19th‑century sailors exploited their “endurance” to transport them as portable fresh meat.
- Invasive species—rats, pigs, dogs, and goats—devoured eggs and ravaged habitats.
Survivors in Captivity
In controlled environments, giant tortoises can live for over a century. They possess genetic variants that help them repair DNA—a natural “first aid kit” that contributes to their remarkable longevity.
Conservation’s Call to Action
With the possible resurgence of the Fernandina species, conservationists urge for continued protection and research. The future of these ancient, slow‑moving giants hinges on human stewardship.
