After an absence of over 180 years, giant tortoises have made a triumphant return to Floreana Island in the Galápagos archipelago of Ecuador. In a groundbreaking conservation effort, 158 juvenile hybrids were recently released onto the island, which was once home to an estimated 20,000 giant tortoises before facing extinction in the 1840s due to historical events like whalers, a devastating fire, and human exploitation.
Describing the moment as akin to watching his children take their first steps, conservation biologist James Gibbs shared his excitement as the young tortoises were set free on their new habitat. These juveniles, expected to reach up to 600 pounds in weight over the next couple of decades, are part of a larger plan to gradually introduce a total of 700 tortoises to Floreana. The released juveniles carry a significant genetic resemblance to the extinct Floreana species, providing a crucial genetic component for the species’ reintroduction.
Biologist Washington Tapia emphasized that the reintroduction effort goes beyond merely increasing numbers, aiming to restore a lost lineage and revitalize the island’s ecosystem over time. With lifespans exceeding a century, the hope is that these young tortoises, aged between eight and 13 and weighing 30 to 50 pounds, will contribute to the island’s biodiversity and ecological balance.
The release process was meticulously carried out, with park rangers and scientists transporting the hefty juveniles on their backs to designated release sites on the island. Divided into two groups, the tortoises were released into different areas on the island, where they will coexist with the local human population and diverse wildlife, including flamingos, iguanas, penguins, and various bird species. However, they will also face challenges from non-native species introduced by humans, such as rats, cats, and other animals, as well as invasive plant species.
Equipped with GPS trackers, the tortoises will be closely monitored by researchers to track their movements and ensure their adaptation to their new environment. The tracking devices will provide real-time data on the tortoises’ activities, allowing researchers to intervene if necessary to safeguard the well-being of these iconic creatures.